What’s REALE Behind Renewable Home Initiatives?

Real estate agents across our region are working together to educate homeowners about the affordability and benefits of renewables while increasing home values, one property at a time.

In 2022, DC became the second major city in the country after New York City to enact a ban on natural gas in an effort to curb carbon emissions. Emissions from buildings account for 75% of the pollution in DC and residential properties are responsible for 33% of those greenhouse gas emissions, giving homeowners a stake in helping to bring pollution  levels down by choosing high-efficiency electric appliances and incorporating renewable energy resources into both home improvements and new construction. 

A study released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that agents report that 45% of their clients are very interested or somewhat interested in sustainability. But where can residents get information about how to take action to reduce their homes’ carbon footprint and get to net zero emissions?

Enter a collective of real estate agents from across the area who are working together to get their clients connected with the initiatives, resources, and funds to help homeowners take concrete steps to fight climate change in their own homes.

James T. Kim and Jane Crosby-Bartnick are two of the agents leading the way as part of REALE (pronounced “Really”), a group of real estate professionals from different brokerages and real estate-related companies who believe “agents, as trusted advisors to homeowners and renters, with strong connections to their communities, can lead the effort to decarbonize our neighborhoods, one healthy home at a time.”

Part of James’ interest in REALE was born out of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which offered citizens a number of tax credits to be used with different renewable sources of energy. Specifically for homeowners, there are credits relating to solar and wind power, energy efficient home improvements, home energy updates, among many others. James realized that many of his clients weren’t aware of the IRA credits and wanted to find ways to connect them with opportunities to put these credits – often worth several thousands of dollars – to work in their homes.

James connected with his McEnearney colleague Jane over the innovative net zero renovation of a 100-year-old home, by one of James’ clients Vanessa Bertelli.. Jane,  who has extensive eco-credentials and designations as a LEED Green Associate and TRUE Advisor certified through the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification, Inc. was very interested in the eco-upgrades of Vanessa’s home. Together, James, Jane and Vanessa co-founded REALE which became one of the initiatives of Electrify DC, a local nonprofit whose mission is to make it easier, faster and more affordable to decarbonize all homes. 

“Real estate agents are the real grassroots when it comes to efforts to fight climate change at the local level,” said Vanessa who is Electrify DC’s Executive Director. “Their deep connections with their communities and the trust homeowners and renters put in them make real estate agents key in the necessary electrification of our homes.” 

REALE offers collaboration across brokerages, allowing agents to share what they’re hearing in the market about clients’ questions and interests, and where the most education is needed. “We’re the ones guiding renovations. We’re the ones in touch with contractors,” said James. “We can be advisors in how homes can be focused on sustainability and affordability.”

REALE is growing its knowledge base, building a resource hub and connecting with lenders, appraisers, and builders who understand the growing desirability and demand for renewable housing features and how they affect home values. Electrify DC just hosted its inaugural annual Healthy Homes Fair, a free expo and interactive experience for homeowners, renters, home renovation professionals and career seekers to learn about sustainable products and services, increase comfort, and reduce emissions in the DC region. 

“Clients see us as a resource and we can show them how to save money, make our homes healthier and add more value to their homes,” Jane adds. “Even if a client isn’t interested in environmentalism, we can help educate them in ways they can help.”  

“If you can talk (to homeowners and buyers) about the ways that they can save money, offer a good return on their investment, improve their life and the lives of their kids, it’s worth having that conversation,” Jane said. “It’s not about politics. It’s educational and a real way they can improve their communities.”

REALE expects to grow beyond the DC-region as consumers look for guidance on making their homes more sustainable while increasing value. They continue to work with officials at local, state, and Federal levels to expand partnerships and initiatives aimed at educating the public while also bringing more agents into their ranks to spread the word. 

“Agents know the market trends,” James explained. “Not just where those trends are going but how to take economic advantage of smart renovations and tax credits available.”

Reach out to a McEnearney Associates | Middleburg Real Estate | Atoka Properties agent to learn more about how to find or create a home that’s sustainable and healthy for your family and your larger community.

(Dig deeper in The McEnearney Blog: Meet Jane Ellen Saums, another Realtor® who is bringing sustainability knowledge to her clients.)

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