LEED Advantage Should Real Estate Agents Pursue a LEED AP Certification?

So, I wanted to learn and understand more about green buildings and all that it means. One solution I was researching led me to join the non-profit US Green Building Council (usgbc.org). This is the organization that wrote and owns the 'LEED' green building certifications. LEED is a USGBC building certification system that is recognized internationally.

It provide third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies that improve performance. LEED also provides building owners and those who operate buildings a way to identify and implement solutions in the building design and construction process.

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So, I went to a local chapter meeting in Phoenix Arizona and found out it was free for individuals to join locally, and companies join at the national level for a fee. Everyone was very helpful, and all were volunteers with regular jobs. So, feeling quite comfortable as an real estate agent, I joined and chose to volunteer with the Education Committee.Soon I had learned enough to help at tradeshows with the USGBC booth, and it turned out to be fun and very enjoyable.

But back to the LEED AP designation (Accredited Professional). I purchased a thick textbook for about $200 that had chapters and chapters of information to help me pass the big certification exam. Available courses were available, but I want to study on my own.It was college all over again for me with memorization. Some of the terms and concepts were not very familiar and required more online research (i.e. ASHRAE, VOC, etc.).

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You see, my college degree was in Accounting and my MBA in Finance. I was actually doing well for awhile in the memorization department. I was starting to make sense. Speakers at monthly meetings were kind to 'dumb down' their presentations to those in the audience like me. Thank goodness!There were only a handful of LEED AP professionals in the local Chapter.I decided it would be a differentiating item if I were LEED AP certified.

I kept on the slow study program, and am still on it to this day. Since the concept of a 'green building' is becoming more popular, it is also more complex.But, the idea to understand and be part of a growing megatrend is still of great interest. I am continuing my studies on the side. The USGBC has introduced a lower level 'Green Associate' for those more interested in the basic concepts.

That is where I am now going.Come join in the fun. Let's do it together!Bryan is the Designated Broker at LRA Real Estate Group located in sunny Phoenix Metro, Arizona. He has a great interest in healthy living, having worked in big, corporate offices that did not 'feel right'.

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Real Estate

So, you have been thinking about a career as a real estate agent for quite sometime now, but are you ready? Have you done your research to determine what type of training and experience you need to get started? You should also be checking with your financial institution to insure that you have the proper expenses to begin this new career.

There are a number of factors to consider before plunging in head first. There are a lot of expenses, training of course and perhaps the most costly of all, time. There is a lot of time required to become a real estate agent or begin any new career for that matter. Here are some highlighted items for you to consider before making the leap:

1. Have you researched the state license requirements? One thing to keep in mind here is that every state has their own licensing requirements, primarily because they are regulated by independent Departments. Some common requirements are age, usually 18, high school graduate and a certain amount of training hours. You should check with your state to determine the exact requirements for new agents.

2. What Type of Training Will You Need? There are a number of course choices which can be taken through a local community college or alternatively through traditional and online real estate schools. You may also find some local offices that offer training through them when you sign on.

3. Do You Want This Career? The fact of the matter is, selling real estate is a pretty cool job to have. Agents have more freedom with their schedules than people in other job positions and of course there is always the opportunity to make a lot of money.

One thing to remember is that this industry is not always extremely monetarily rewarding, although it can be quite rewarding if you look at it on a more personal level. A lot of people choose this line of work because they want to make lots of money and while that is certainly motivation, its not the type of motivation that should be swaying your life decisions.
Once you have everything sorted out its only a matter of putting everything together. Keep focusing on the first time you help a new client find their first home, now that is something that can motivate you.

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