NAR’s Green Designation course is coming to northern Michigan! The Traverse Area Association of REALTORS ® is pleased to announce they are holding the NAR Green Designation course. NAR’s Green Designation is the only environmental real estate designation addressing multiple specialties. It is also the only green designation for agents AND property managers recognized by the National Association of REALTORS ®. Close to one half of all greenhouse gas emissions are produced from buildings. Green building isn’t just responsible, it’s necessary. Both consumer demand and government policy are making this happen and shaping the future of our industry. Join them in the green movement and lead your community to a more sustainable future with NAR’s Green Designation.

By taking NAR’s Green Designation Course you will: Have a better understanding of what the four market groups want in a home. (Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers, and Seniors) and better tailor your marketing to each group. Position your self as someone who has knowledge of energy efficient, sustainable homes. Can lead your clients to experts in a variety of “green “ topics and help them make better buying and selling decisions. Have a better understanding of market trends toward new home buying and selling strategies. Be better prepared to assist your clients when they demand energy efficiency. Demonstrate your concern for the environment.

Offer Incentives to become a NAR Green designee: Offer $100 off successful completion of core course that can be used to help pay for elective course. Give discount for signing up for both core and elective course. Give discount for getting another member to register for both core and elective courses. Offer incentive for early registration. Give broker a discount on member fees for each member who becomes a green designee. Offer special advertising rates for green designees in association publications promoting a green lifestyle. Marketing Strategies

Other Marketing techniques we use: Gave members who registered for both core and elective courses two tickets for TAAR Habitat for Humanity fundraiser dinner. ($100 value) Hold Green designee breakfasts to keep them up to date on Green trends Hold courses at LEED certified venues; and have owners, architects, and contractors explain to attendees the process involved in obtaining certification. Held a “GreenFest” to promote a “green” lifestyle for community and promote the green designees. Demonstrate TAAR’s commitment to green by emphasizing that everyone on the TAAR staff is a NAR Green Designee.

Emphasize instructor qualifications (see promo flyer) William J. Costley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Western Michigan University Taught ecology for 29 years as well as biology, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology. Personally built three energy efficient homes Realtor Bring in experts to class Ask an energy auditor to come and demonstrate some of their auditing equipment such as the blower door test and infrared camera. Collect testimonials Collect testimonials from attendees to promote the course and its benefits to other association members.