To celebrate Earth Day today, HomeGain is delighted to share feedback, comments and participation from real estate agents across the country who support and practice Green real estate.

Today we published a press release for the Top 9 Green Home Improvements for Home Sellers.

Agent Blogs

Agents Practicing Green

• Do everything possible via laptop and avoid paperwork. We now have a lawyer to ratify the contract and have the bank accept a scanned copy of the contract instead of over-nighting approved original offer.
• We work hard to keep printed paper to a minimum. Email and scanning is wonderful!
  Our office is hosting a shredding day and e-waste event. We also recycle bottles and cans and we re-use paper in the fax machine. We also turn out the lights when they are not in use.
• My office is near paperless due to a Tablet PC.
• I became a Certified EcoProfessional. I changed the way I live, where I buy my food, Greened my real estate business and also buy electricity generated by wind.
• I use the back of all printed listings as scrap paper for call notes, to do lists, grocery lists.
• We have unplugged all non used electrical items so we are not wasting any trickle charges to unused appliances, lamps, motors, etc.
• “I am providing a paperless business model to my clients. Every document is signed on my computer and all the files are in PDF format. How’s that for lessening our carbon footprint!”- Jaime Sparks
• I have planted a home garden, walk when possible, and reuse items or donate them to charities.
• I limit use of plastic products. Use green cleaning products.
• I provide pure green home cleaning products to all my clients who buy homes from me.
• Use less of everything…water, paper, fuel etc.
• “I started a new business where I am helping small business owners earn their green business certification from the county. I’m also a certified EcoBroker!”
• Promoting “Got Bag?” a campaign designed to remind us to use those recyclable bags!
• “I reuse plastic zip lock bags (which are washable) over and over again before discarding them.” – Tina Longobart, RODEO REALTY, Encino, CA
• We have switched from virgin paper to 30% recycled. We are also starting to convert most of our files to digital files.
• I don’t buy plastic trash bags, I use the ones I get from shopping anywhere. I use reusable shopping bag when grocery shopping.
• Help start or improve ways that you and your clients search for green features in the MLS or on sites like HomeGain.
• I was one of the first EcoBroker’s in Washington state. I don’t use paper flyers in my flyerbox. Instead, I do a beautiful online flyer, which can be sent to any prospective buyer. Not only does this save trees but it also looks very professional.
• I upgraded my A/C to green efficient. I changed all my light bulbs to the more efficient bulbs.
  “I was a landscape designer before becoming a Realtor. I could say I’ve planted over 1000 trees and still counting.” – Connie Pepenella, SI, NY
• I have a CFL in my desk lamp!
• Recycle all paper products. Use recycled paper and cards. Use shopping bags.
• I purchased a car that gets over 50 mpg!
• I copy on both sides of the paper whenever possible.
• I recycle all bottles!
• I’m composting all left-over food!