In keeping with its long-standing reputation of environmental stewardship, and supporting start ups financially, Neal Communities sponsored a Realtor® seminar on Green Certification. The certification was part of a continuing education program offered by the Manatee Association of Realtors® (MAR).
Pat Neal, president of Neal Communities, has long been a proponent of green building practices and through his financial support was instrumental in bringing the alliance program to Manatee County.“ Buyers are well versed in green trends, so it only makes sense to educate as many people as possible about its benefits, especially real estate agents who are on the front line of the housing market,” he said. “People have begun to see green housing options as a smart real estate investment that not only produces healthier environments but also creates a potential plus when it comes time to sell. Smart real estate agents know how to market that and use it to benefit both buyers and sellers.”
The program was taught by Steve Wooster, a founding member of the Green Realtor® Alliance of Sarasota.
The purpose of the seminar was to increase members’ understanding of the benefits of green homes and how they affect buyers and sellers. Other topics that were covered included marketing strategies to promote green properties, creating healthier environments through green technology, understanding how the use of Energy Efficient mortgages can benefit buyers, and recognizing the value of energy efficient improvements in existing homes.
Green certification has been an area of interest for many local real estate agents. The Green Realtor® Alliance is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and recently opened a chapter in Venice, Florida. There are hopes that Manatee County may follow, with this seminar being the first of a potential series of “green” educational programs offered to MAR members.
As the company celebrates its 39th year, Neal Communities has reinforced its reputation as Southwest Florida’s largest, locally owned and operated, private builder. Neal Communities touts large unused credit lines, debt fee land, with long range plans to purchase additional property for building. Neal Communities has a long history of responsible land development, natural habitat preservation, innovative home building, and unsurpassed customer service has been a benchmark of the company’s success. Forty-one Aurora Awards, twenty-six 2008 Parade of Homes Awards, five Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards attest to a reputation that is without equal. For more information, visit nealcommunities.com.
