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CHERYL MURAKAMI OF REMAX TAHOE REALTY TODAY EARNS ECOBROKER CERTIFICATION TO ADDRESS AND ENCOURAGE THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY-EFFICIENCY AND GREEN FEATURES IN HOMES.
Published March 10, 2006
Cheryl Murakami, of ReMax Tahoe Realty Today recently became EcoBroker Certified™, having successfully completed a unique and informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Cheryl joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier design/features in homes and buildings. EcoBrokers, like Cheryl throughout the country are forging the “performance home” market and creating competitive advantages for their customers. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, buildings consume 40 percent of the nation’s energy and energy savings has become a major consumer concern. Building green is going mainstream. In an article published, March 2006 in Realtor magazine on the “21 hot building and design trends,” number eight on the list referred to the use of “green
materials” in the interest of energy efficiency and sustainability. With national surveys indicating that 80% of consumers consider themselves “green-minded,” real estate professionals with the EcoBroker designation are in a better position to serve the real estate consumer. “I’m always looking for the best ways to offer my clients the best value. My EcoBroker training helps me ensure customer satisfaction, my number one priority,” Cheryl explains. “From windows to moisture control to energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make better real estate decisions. The EcoBroker designation doesn’t make me an energy and environmental expert, but it allows me to better understand the issues and to convey this understanding to my buyers and sellers.” EcoBroker International’s education and designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their client’s benefit from the energy-efficiency, “green,” and healthier features of homes and buildings. EcoBroker provides a complete curriculum of energy and environmental training to licensed real estate agents. Real estate professionals must complete the extensive EcoBroker curriculum and training and fulfill additional program
requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers™. “Cheryl is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker designation continues to attract,” explains EcoBroker International’s CEO, Dr. John Beldock. “These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive market place, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways. The Lake Tahoe Basin needs more contributors like Cheryl. The planet and our grandchildren need them too,” Dr. Beldock said. From her South Lake Tahoe office, Murakami explains, “With EcoBroker training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients. Whether the transaction involves environmental assessment and mitigation (mold, radon, etc.) or the opportunity to reduce utility bills, I’m in a position to help. The real estate industry is changing, and to best serve my clients. I need to understand the newest designs, technologies, and environmental issues. My EcoBroker designation helps me stay ahead of the game, creates added value and customer satisfaction that sets me apart from other agents.” The EcoBroker designation is awarded to qualifying Real Estate professionals by the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals and is an approved certification program by the California Association of Realtors®. The Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals a non-profit organization whose mission it is to encourage high quality energy and environmental education for real estate professionals. EcoBroker is an education partner with “Built Green” the largest green building program in the nation whose purpose is to encourage homebuilders to use technologies, products and practices that will provide greater energy efficiency and reduce pollution, increase healthier indoor air, reduce water usage and preserve natural resources. Cheryl is the 2006 President Elect of the South Tahoe Association of Realtors Member of the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals Member of the Sierra Green Building Association |
