Eco-friendly for sale

In an effort to sell more “green housing,” Scott Wolf became the first certified EcoBroker in the North Valley. Think environmentalist- turned-realtor. In high school in Cincinnati, Wolf started his school’s first recycling program. In Chico, he served a year as president for Chico Natural Foods, led the 2004 campaign for Measure D, which would have eliminated genetically engineered crops in Butte County, and is a member of the Chico Sustainability Group. For the past year and a half Wolf, 34, has worked for Chico Ginter & Brown Realty. As a realtor, he saw becoming a certified EcoBroker was a good step for him to continue his environmental efforts.

So, what does it mean to be an EcoBroker?

Well, EcoBroker International is a Colorado-based company that offers an educational program designed for real estate professionals to learn how to sell more energy-efficient homes and buildings. Buildings are responsible for half the energy consumption in this country. So, realtors can play an active role in moving the housing market toward a greener future if they know how they can sell more green homes.

How is a home deemed “green”?

There are three things to consider. First: Is the home a healthy home? And what I mean by that is did the home use VOC paint, meaning it contains volatile organic compounds, or no VOC paint? Is there formaldehyde-free insulation? You know that new-house smell is actually pretty toxic. Second is energy efficiency. The lights, windows, heating—there’s a lot that comes into play here. Third: Is the house better for the environment? Houses can be built with reused materials from other buildings. Decks are often made from recycled material.

How do you as an EcoBroker sell more green houses?

An important tool in moving in that direction is the energy-efficient mortgage. It has been around since the Carter administration, but not many people know about it. Buyers go through the normal purchasing process. During escrow they have an energy audit and licensed auditors use the CHEERS, California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System, to test and rate the house. The cost-effective upgrades roll into the mortgage. So if you replace the furnace and you add the cost of $7 a month on your 30-year mortgage, but the furnace uses $15 less energy a month, it makes sense. Who wouldn’t want a more efficient, comfortable, quiet home?

What are your goals now that you’re an EcoBroker?

More and more people are connecting to EcoBroker. The market is undoubtedly moving in this direction. In the future it will be redundant to say “green housing.” I want to develop a database of green homes in the area. As more people do, we’ll be able to bring up listings of energy-efficient homes in all areas. I also want to develop a network of people such as lenders, realtors and auditors that support the energy-efficient mortgages.