What are sustainable building materials? Click here for a pdf.

What are some ‘Green’ building certification programs?

a. The US Green Building’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design ® (LEED) program is a well known green building certification program, especially for commercial and public buildings. A LEED® certification program for residential development is also in process.

b. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) “Green Home Building Guidelines” green certification for homes and residential property has been developed with home builders’ and residential contractors’ input.
“Green verifiers” are being trained by the NAHB locally to certify homes with the NAHB Green Building standards.

c. The energy efficiency standards of the “Energy Star ” program are well known. What is not as well known is that “Energy Star” certification is available for buildings as well as their better-known rating for appliances.
(From Ozarks Green Building Coalition web site: www.ozarksgreenbuilding.com)

In other words, if you are a buyer and I am your agent, I work for you, just as the "listing agent" of a property is a "Sellers Agent" and works for the seller of the property.

* I cannot disclose your confidential information to others, including to the seller or the seller's agent without your permission (except for some clearly defined disclosures that may be required by law to prevent "misrepresentation" or in judicial and administrative proceedings, etc.).

* I am permitted to make recommendations to you, advise you, do everything I can to get you the price, terms and property you want, assist you in obtaining other expert advice and services, and give you my opinion about the property, the transaction, and negotiations.

* If the property is "listed" on the "Multi-list" of the Board of Realtors, I can, with your permission, share in the commission already priced into the sales price, which means you can have your own representation and it will cost you the same as if you bought the property through the "Seller's Agent", who is obligated to work for the seller!

* I can also work with you as a "Buyers Agent" to purchase "unlisted" (FSBO) property directly from a seller. My expertise in putting together the transaction, (the "deal"), my assistance with getting inspections, appraisals, and navigating the complexities of financing requirements and local legalities more than pays for itself.

Another, lesser known, arena of "Buyer (and Seller) Agency" includes "Real Estate Consulting" where you can hire me for my real estate and business expertise to help you evaluate your options for a particular plan of action or to explore "off the wall" ideas and questions before you make a commitment to purchase,

or sell, your property, or invest in real estate.

For those who are considering building, a "Buyer's Agent" can act as the home owner's representative, working with builders & contractors to build your "custom built" home. One of my particular interests is "green" building and assisting you to include "green" options in your home.

"Buyer Agency" has been around for years, but only in recent years did the "average" buyers of homes become more knowledgable about the process of purchasing property, and realize that they have the right to have their own representation and real estate agent to assist them.


I'm hearing a lot recently about 'green' building. My husband and I are looking at land to build on in the county. What should we consider if we want to build green?

First, look for a builder who has some experience with 'green' building, preferably one who is certified as a 'Green Builder' and will build to certification standards of either the National Association of Home Builders or the USGB's LEED standards.

Your local Home Builders Association or Chapter of the USGB can give you references on a builder.

Then: Start with your site: It's important to integrate your building plans with the land.
Look at:
Present & future growth patterns of the area.
Potential impact on wildlife & environment.

Consider the orientation of your potential lot and (if in a development) the design of the development:
Look at:
The topography of the lot (&/or land parcel).
Plans for preservation of mature trees.
Climatory factors: seasonal solar "sun track" & prevailing winds that would affect your lot.
What will be available for you in terms of water, septic systems, infrastructure considerations.
Regulatory & zoning requirements. (Lacking such, are there Covenants to assure that the area will remain as you are purchasing it?
What are your needs, priorities & goals for your projected living (&/or work) spaces?

If in a development:
Look at:
Setbacks & street width: do they encourage "clustering" to enhance preservation of landscape, "green spaces" & wild life habitat?
Efficient use of infrastructure. (Shared wells, possibly?)
What plans for stormwater control?
Are they planning for & encouraging community "gathering places"?
Connecting paths & walkways in neighborhood encourage community interaction & reduce dependency on fossil-burning transportation.
"Mixed-use" neighborhoods encourage community & reduce dependence on excessive transportation.

Considerations for your home:
Look at:
The existing contour of the land & shape of your lot.
Aesthetic considerations: your view of & from the home.
Work around & retain mature trees whenever possible.
Site & design your home for prevailing breezes & annual "sun track".
Create a plan with your builder to reduce building site waste during construction.· Does he/she plan to utilize efficient design & framing techniques?
Look at your life patterns & family needs, priorities, goals.
Integrate the interior and exterior living spaces.
Landscape design: utilize regionally hardy plantings with low need for water.
Create a rain water collection system to assist with landscaping water needs.
Consider use of passive &/or active solar & wind power as an adjunct to conventional energy sources whenever possible.
Determine the most efficient & cost-effective heating & cooling systems for local climate.
Use efficient & non-toxic insulation.
Consider the most effective air-handling systems that will include substantial reduction in indoor humidity.
Use high efficiency windows & HVAC.
High efficiency appliances. (Energy Star Rated)
Improve your indoor air quality with non-toxic materials, paints & finishes.
Use renewable, durable, & low or no-maintenance materials: siding, roofing, framing, sheathing, flooring.
Use design & building techniques to reduce access to termites & pests so you can avoid excessive use of chemicals later.

It does not need to cost a lot more to build "green" and the savings you will find on energy bills, plus the comfort level of the home, possibly even savings in health costs due to improved indoor air quality, should be significant.

What is Buyer Representation/Buyer Agency?

When I am acting as a "Buyer's Agent" in a real estate transaction I am representing the Buyer, not the Seller of a property. This means that I have obligated myself to promote the interests of my client (the Buyer) "with the utmost good faith, loyalty, and fidelity"