Flower earns Green Designation

Date: 8/16/2010

LONGMEADOW Brenda Flower, a sales associate in the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Longmeadow, has been awarded the National Association of Realtors(NAR) green designation, the only green professional real estate designation recognized by NAR.

Flower achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work. The designation provides realtors with comprehensive knowledge about green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate. The courses were completed at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage's state-of-the-art education and career development facility, located at 1421Granby Rd. in Chicopee.

As a part of the course, Flower was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefit of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property's green potential.

"Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is committed to ensuring our sales associates have access to the training necessary to meet market demands," Rick Loughlin, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New England, said. "By becoming a NAR green designee, Brenda is able to provide remarkable service to a growing number of consumers interested in the environment and eco-friendly living."

NAR's green designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify realtors who can help them realize their green real estate goals.

As a NAR green designee, Flower has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for homebuyers and sellers in the area. Flower can be reached at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Longmeadow at 263-3880 or through her Web site at www.newenglandmoves.com/Brenda.Flower.home.