Tucson Home Magazine (Fall 2008)

Check out the 2008 Fall issue of Tucson Home magazine. This is their annual Green Issue. And most exciting for moi, on page 14 is a Green Q&A in which yours truly is queried about everything from what it means to be a Certified EcoBroker®, to examples of eco-friendly developments in Tucson. It was great fun and a real honor to participate. Tucson Home has been on the cutting edge of the green movement. A very progressive publication, they are now publishing their entire magazine on recycled paper!! All of this coming from one proud EcoBroker affiliated with such a fine publication!! Thanks Tucson Home for your mindful and, not to mention, beautiful approach to educating us all about so many opportunities within the Tucson marketplace.

Here is a copy of the Q&A:

Green Q&A

We asked Nicole Brule-Fisher, local EcoBroker, for her take on the effects of "green fever" on Tucson's real estate market.

Q: Can you explain what an EcoBroker is?

An EcoBroker is a realtor who is dedicated to educating themselves and their clients about how they can reduce their impact on the environment overall, maximize energy efficiency, and reduce overall consumption of nonrenewables- amongst many other aspects of being more sustainable. And while an EcoBroker is not an expert in everything green, we are well equipped and well educated to help our clients navigate the green real estate market and help them consider what it would take to retrofit a home with different green features.

Q: As the first EcoBroker in the Tucson area, how would you say the market is responding to the growing concern for the environment?

I receive calls from builders and home buyers, sellers, and current homeowners looking to retrofit properties. Builders request help evaluating home values and buyers are particularly sensitive to what they purchase and how they live, so I receive queries about how to find properties that are green or how to go about the process of a retrofit.

I also provide referrals for contractors and specialists in a variety of fields depending on the client's specialized needs. Sellers are often pleasantly surprised when we start discussing marketing their property and highlighting the green features they implemented themselves, often originally done without the intent of adding to the dollar value, but adding to their comfort and enjoyment while they lived in the home. This is often a very nice surprise and added bonus.

Q: In your experience what are the most common misconceptions about "green homes" or green home amenities on the market?

I think most people immediately assume they are extremely costly, which isn't always the case. Homeowners can do many things themselves to green their property, whether it be directing the flow of water to native plantings, sealing their home to maximize energy efficiency, or providing strategic shade by planting trees or using shade cloth.

Q: What are some examples of eco-friendly developments in the Tucson market?

The Mercado District employs all the elements of a green community: It is walkable, close to the urban core and all the services one might need, and energy efficient. Of course there are many other communities to consider such as Armory Park del Sol, Civano, and Indigo Modern.

The aspect often overlooked is the fact that buying a home from existing housing stock, rather than building new or buying on the fringes of town, is in and of itself a form of sustainability.

For more information about the EcoBroker services offered by Nicole Brule-Fisher Realty Executives of Southern Arizona call 465-5770.