For about the last six months I've been working on my EcoBroker certification. It's a certification from the National Association of REALTORS that focuses on both more healthful homes (knowledge of radon, mold, indoor air quality issues, etc.), more energy efficient homes and more environmentally friendly homes. It's a terrific course and I can't tell you how excited I am about everything I've learned.

But you're probably wondering what this does for you!

If you're a buyer, I can help you find homes that are more comfortable, energy efficient and friendlier to the environment. Energy efficient is going to become a larger and larger issue for families as the costs of heating and cooling a home continue to rise. Lower utility bills can mean better cash flow and more money to spend on getting the house you want. We're also seeing more and more health issues, including a rise in asthma and worries about the dangerous gasses released by many of the materials used in new construction. I can help you figure out what the important issues are for your family and how we find you the right house while keeping those in mind.

If you're a seller, I can help you market those aspects of your property likely to appeal to buyers who are concerned with environmental, health and energy issues. Whether it's noticing how well-designed your home is from a passive solar perspective or marketing the fact that all your appliances are Energy Star, there are a whole host of possibilitiess. And, in a market this tough on sellers, every edge helps!

I also look forward to providing a lot more in-depth information on these topics here. If there's something in particular you'd like to hear about, please let me know.

And, if you're looking for some help in making your current home more "green", I'd be happy to help you find the right resources!

I'm the only certified EcoBroker in this region and one of a handful in Virginia. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn more and finding new ways to bring you better information!

While there are many buyers who absolutely positively want new construction; there are others who are less enamored with new homes. One of the reasons could be an increasing concern with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

The EPA now says that the air quality in a newly constructed home can be 10 times more polluted than outside air! There are a variety of reasons for that and some of them can be avoided or mitigated if you're aware of the potential hazards up front.

New cabinets can be a major source of indoor air pollution through something called "outgassing". Basically, cabinets are often built using formaldehyde. That formaldehyde is then part of the cabinets and the fumes are released into your new home over many years. That "new home smell" that you're craving is actually a symptom of serious indoor air pollution!

Other sources of indoor air pollution can be new carpeting, paints and finishes on flooring. VOC's or Volatile Organic Compounds are the culprits here. They can have a variety of health effects and you should do your homework so you can make knowledgeable decisions for yourself and your family.

There are products available now that can eliminate or reduce these harmful gasses. One good source of information on Indoor Air Pollution in general is at the EPA.

Whether you're contemplating purchasing new construction or doing major remodeling at home, it's worth checking out.