Fundamentals of Sustainable Homes

The Rise Fundamentals of Sustainable Homes online course provides real estate professionals with a competitive advantage by being able to identify and communicate the benefits of sustainable homes in the market.

Increase buyer demand for healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable homes

As a Real Estate Professional, are you prepared to meet the increasing home buyer demand for sustainable, healthy, energy efficient, and comfortable homes? In 2016, the Shelton Group conducted a survey that found 81% of people who expect to buy a new home in the next two years say higher energy efficiency would cause them to choose one home over another and that they would be willing to pay more for a healthier home. In fact, in a separate NAR survey, when home buyers were given the option between green over non-green amenities, data shows that they preferred the green, environmentally friendly choice. Among the report's findings, "68% of buyers want an environmentally friendly home; 46% would pay an extra $1,000 to $9,999 on a home with green features that saves $1,000 annually on utilities, and 37% would pay $10,000 or more."

Learn how to market yourself as a sustainable professional

The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their real estate agent is a trusted one, and clients rely on their agents to provide guidance. A 2019 study by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) found that 68% of home buyers want environmentally friendly homes and 70% of real estate brokers believe that describing a home's green features helped sell a house. However, a 2017 NAR report showed that only 39% of REALTORS are comfortable answering clients' questions about energy efficiency

Course Objectives

• Identify sustainable building standards.
• Name strategies to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient.
• Identify sustainable products based on third party certifications.
• Compare on and off-grid solar solutions.
• Show the different types of heating sources.

Course Content

This sustainable housing course is divided into three modules

• Module 1: What is a Sustainable Home?, House as a System (HAAS), and Building Codes and Standards
• Module 2: 5 Pillars of a Sustainable Home
• Module 3: Sustainable Products and Impactful Upgrades

This course is approximately three hours of reading material and video content. A continuing education course completion certificate usable towards Oregon REA continuing education requirements will be issued after completing the mandatory course seat time.