Those working in the Real Estate industry have a huge opportunity to take an active role in sustainability by sharing knowledge about the environment in the communities they live and work in.

Sense of Place

In today's digital age, the real estate industry has been revolutionized by the introduction of lead generation tools. However, despite many benefits, it cannot personalize and provide the local essence of a community. This is where Real Estate excels because this industry is founded on good old-fashioned "boots on the Ground" principles. And that is why the sustainability conversation squarely lands on target as an agent's opportunity. Clients who are searching for a special Sense of Place and this will not be found online.

6 Facts about Sustainability and Real Estate Agents

1. They are concerned for their homes and careers. The health of the region ecologically has a direct effect on property values and economic vitality.

2. As population density grows, the demand for knowledge about soil quality, drainage, watersheds, and other natural resources has increased.

3. More homebuyers want information about the availability of parks, bike and hiking trails, and other green space opportunities.

4. What is the availability of healthy food, products, and services? All generations of buyers are voicing health and wellness concerns about building construction or the community as a whole.

5. Costs to maintain a property have risen and xeriscape landscapes, low-flow toilets, and shower heads are mainstream. Know the lingo and point out the value at showings.

6. Where are the places in the community dedicated to open spaces? And what are the plans to continue to preserve them?

Placemaking with natural assets, more than a house.

The Real Estate professional is expected to know all those typical details, such as how close schools are, the coffee shops, or how many beds and square feet. There are added values that make the community memorable and add to the property's value, which are the natural assets. Chamber of Commerce offices market with images of lakefront views, gold-medal fishing, year-round outdoor living climate, and/or hiking trails. Sustainable living at its best is wrapped up neatly in the context of having it all: human amenities and nature combined. A priceless balance to preserve.

Yes, buyers are looking for more than just a house; they are seeking this special sense of connection with a place. They want to live in communities that prioritize health, wellness, and sustainability. Therefore, real estate agents should include these attributes, in detail, at the top of their marketing to rise above the competition. 

Growing with Community Collaboration.

Agents work hard to build their networks to find potential buyers and help close deals. Endless hours are spent building their "book" of contacts. Internal referrals from other professionals, such as contractors, lenders, and appraisers, enable valuable internal collaboration. But what if you went beyond this and included businesses that supported communities' sustainability?

Six Collaboration ideas for you to launch today.

1. Make a quarterly e-list to send to clients about local lifestyle amenities - such as bike lanes, healthy food options, outdoor recreational spaces, farmers markets, farm-to-table dinners, and river/beach clean-up events.

2. Personally connect with local environmental organizations and ask about newsletters and volunteer opportunities or help promote them by sending a few pics and info to your clients

3. Get to know your local natural assets, such as the soil, trees, birds, and other wildlife, and share your knowledge.

4. Organize a monthly nature walk and talk about a seasonal topic, whether it is river flows, bird migration, or wildflowers. Include a naturalist from one of the organizations you now collaborate with.

5. Learn more about the community's history by connecting with long-time locals and listening to their stories. Organize a community coffee hour with storytelling and help them share.

6. Pull together all your new information into a welcome kit for new homeowners and introduce them to their community from a refreshing perspective.

Conclusion

Real Estate professionals who are positioned as eco-stewards in their communities have an opportunity to grow not only in financial gain but also find they are doing a greater good for their communities.

That is the healthy green bottom line.

With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based designs for housing, urban living, and interiors. Her interests include sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly buildings, and the latest conversations in Biophilic design. She is a published writer whose horticultural design work has been featured in national publications. This Journal explores these topics and promotes eco-minded business.