Realtors, Energy and Inspections....It's all about being educated!!!

Education is a way of life for all Realtors and brokers to keep their licenses current. Most states have mandatory continuing education or MCE requirements as a part of licensing renewal. I have found that because agents are so busy they barely have time to keep up with their MCE classes, let alone get educated about issues that are changing in the industry.
 If you're an agent or a broker with a number of agents, either way you owe it yourself to stay in tune with the changes occurring in the industry. Especially, when it comes to real estate inspections and energy. You simply cannot afford to put off what's coming in the future. Here are a few of those changes you can capitalize on now and get ahead of the competition. If you take the time to learn about it.

Cap n Trade: This legislation of some 1400 plus pages outlines the governments plan to establish a new national energy building code that not only applies to new construction but to existing homes as well. There are many reports, predictions and opinions of what the market is going to be like when this takes effect. Here is what my inside contacts and experience is telling me. New construction is going to be all but non-existent for the next 3-5 years. This means existing homes will be the market for Realtors until the foreclosure mess is ironed out and the demand for new construction comes back.

Under Cap n Trade the government is proposing establishing minimum energy standards for homes being put on the market for resale. These standards must be met before that home can be listed. This means an energy audit and home inspection up front or pre-listing. I have been preaching this to my agents and brokers for some time now to do these items on the front end because it just makes sense. Now, it will be required.
As an agent or broker advising sellers your first priority should be to get a home inspected for all the problems up front including energy issues. Then, get the work done and have it certified! Now the home can be marketed as well maintained and energy certified with lower cost of operation. In a buyers market agents need an edge and a better product to sell; not to mention, it takes the last minute request for price reductions, delays in closings or losing a deal off the table on the back end. What agents and sellers miss is that you pay for it either way, by a price reduction for repairs, or you have to make repairs to seal the deal. Either way it means less commissions and less money to the seller or a lost deal.
 With this information buyers agents just  loaded the proverbial price reduction gun big time. This information now allows them to tear a house apart in two ways. First home inspection and the problems that are  uncovered. Next, an energy audit to determine how much money the buyer is going to waste on the home due to poor energy performance. Wow..the double wham bam price reduction slam...avoid this by being proactive.

I have been told by agents and brokers well, that's all good! but, I lose as a buyers agent on commissions too if there is a price reduction. People short term thinking = short term results. You will build a business of referrals and name of gold if you show your clients your truly looking out for their best interest. Now , here is the best part. If a home is energy certified your sellers can get the tax rebates or credits before they sell and the home qualifies for an EEM mortgage. (Energy Efficient Mortgage) These FHA programs allow buyers to pay for the added energy renovation cost within their loan with no additional down and better terms to qualify which means! more house = more commissions. Sellers can pass on the cost or reap the benefits on the front end and get their price.

If you're a TEXAS realtor or broker and would like find out more or have a FREE seminar class conducted for your office contact 411 Energy Experts....in less than an hour you can have the information and power to take your business to the next level. Get educated now before the frenzy by regulation later.