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When you’re building a new home, you have a great opportunity to help the environment. Making an existing home “green” can be a challenge and it’s difficult to be thorough. When you resolve to build a home that’s environmentally friendly from the ground up, you have a great chance to create a green home that is ecologically sound and a great example to those around you.
How to Build a Green Home: The EPA’s Energy Star Program
The Environmental Protection Agency shares your interest in “going green” with your new home, which is why they have created the Energy Star program at EnergyStar.gov. Energy Star will provide everything you need to know to get started on your new green home. Don’t forget to register with the Energy Star website to get up-to-date information on keeping your home an energy-efficient one.
How the Energy Star Program Works for Building Green Homes:
Start by using the Energy Star website to find a green builder in your area. These builders are recognized by the EPA for building Energy Star qualified homes, homes which are more energy efficient than traditional homes and which have a pollution output significantly lower than those of traditional homes. Once you’ve found a builder, the Energy Star website can also help you find a mortgage lender that offers special rates to those building green Energy Star homes.
Financial Benefits to Green Homes
Homes that qualify as green under the Energy Star program can reap tremendous financial benefits. In addition to reduced heating and cooling costs, green homes can save you money on your taxes. A new green home that can show 50 percent heating and cooling energy savings over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code standard is eligible for a $2,000 tax credit. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. Homes showing 30 percent savings are eligible for a $1,000 tax credit. Energy Star can also direct you to websites where you can find rebates on energy efficient products that are used in your home.
Although there are many benefits to building responsibly, having a green home is really its own reward. You will have the peace of mind knowing that you have created a home that will keep you, your family and your planet healthy, and that you are enjoying domestic lifestyle without creating additional burdens on the planet on which you live.
In a traditional real estate broker/agent relationship, the broker splits each commission with each agent he works with 50/50. Since each has something the other needs -- the broker the resources and support, the agent the business, this seems like an equitable arrangement in most cases. However, there are some agents who insist on a higher split, perhaps because they think their services are in higher demand than most agents. There are ways that a broker can handle such a situation.
Talk to the Agent
Brokers should interview their agents carefully, especially if they suspect one will ask for a higher split than normal down the road. As a broker, you should know what the agent can offer you and be able to offer the agent value as well. You may be able to convince the agent that the value you offer is worth more than a higher split. Or you may decide that the agent’s value really is worth a slightly bigger cut.
Consider a 100 Percent Commission Deal
If an agent does not relish the idea of giving up a chunk of his commission, offer him a flat fee. The agent pays a regular monthly office fee to the broker and keeps all of his commission. This way, the broker is assured of income from the agent and the agent has no restrictions on his earning potential.
Get a New Agent
A broker is not obligated to take on every agent that walks through the door. There are plenty of agents who will relish the opportunity to get involved with a quality broker for an even split. If this particular agent is not one of those, don’t be afraid to move on. There’s no reason to cave into an agent’s split demands unless you are convinced you are getting more value from this agent than you would from one who would take an even split.
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