Desmarais, Schmidt earn green designation from National Association of Realtors

Date: 5/24/2010

CHICOPEE Connie Desmarais and Dianne Schmidt, sales associates in the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Chicopee, have both been awarded the National Association of Realtors (NAR) green designation, the only green professional real estate designation recognized by NAR.

Desmarais and Schmidt earned 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 1421 Granby Rd. in Chicopee.

As a part of the course, Desmarais and Schmidt were both 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.

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 NAR green designees, Desmarais and Schmidt have gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for homebuyers and sellers in the area. Both Desmarais and Schmidt can be reached at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Chicopee at 536-0573.