To prevent unforeseen damage to the door or to body and limb I usually pull the rope on the opener and test the door manually before proceeding to test the opener.

Experiance has taught me to walk lightly and proceed with care.

I wonder if this guy even knows where his tools are. Leaving them in the garage door is a great way to assure himself of getting more tools for Christmas.

Jo Usry Executive Director JAR

I few months ago I spoke with JAR Executive Director Jo Usry about the idea of adding an option for Green or/and Energy Efficient homes to be showcased in MLS. This past fall the option’s were added.

Thank you Jo!

The idea is catching on all over the US. Now I see that NAR’s Green REsource Council (GRC) is promoting and supporting the options by publishing some examples.

What’s the GRC?  It was established by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS®, and was founded to make the knowledge of green real estate practices available to everyone.

They say:

A “green” Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system offers data entry fields to identify green features and certifications. This helps agents search for sustainable homes and properties, and allows builders and sellers to market their green endeavors.

In order to advance the green building movement, MLS systems should be including green data entry fields. This would involve local boards and MLS committees to understand and commit to a green initiative. The Green REsource Council hopes that by providing education, advice and panel discussions on sustainable property issues, we can expand our reach and encourage positive change.

The following is a list of green entry fields, guidelines and best practices organized by MLS systems across the US.

Department of Energy Guide to Greening Your MLS (PDF 55KB)

AZ-Tucson MLS Green Plans (PDF 348KB)
AZ-Phoenix MLS Green Plans (PDF 91KB)

CA-Santa Barbara MLS Inputs (PDF 434KB)
CA-SoCal MLS Inputs (PDF 219KB)

MI-Traverse City MLS Inputs (PDF 187KB)
MI-Traverse City Green Disclosure Statement (PDF 126KB)
This is the most comprehensive greening of the MLS the GRC has reviewed.

NC-Triangle Area MLS Inputs (PDF 460KB)

NM-Albuquerque MLS Green Plans (PDF 213KB)

OR-Portland MLS Inputs (PDF 622KB)
OR-Portland Listing Abbreviations (PDF 157KB)

SC-Charleston MLS Inputs (PDF 188KB)

TN-Middle TN MLS Inputs (PDF 93KB)

TX-Austin MLS Inputs (PDF 84 KB)
TX-San Antonio MLS Inputs (PDF 643KB)
TX-Houston MLS Green Plans (PDF 137KB)

To see this article or learn more about the GRC visit: http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/greening_the_mls.cfm

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The National Association of Homebuilders recently published a list of their most active Green Building Verifiers from across the country.  I’m proud to say, we made the list! With 13 green home verifications located from the MS gulf coast to the TN state line we’re named one of the top verifiers.

By encouraging and promoting green building, we’re helping Mississippians save energy by encouraging builders and individuals to construct their homes more energy efficinatly and to follow the NAHB’s guidelines for green construction. In short, we’re helping bring green building to Mississippians!

Green building practices promote improved indoor air quality, water savings, energy savings and a home comfort level that also increases in value.

The best part…green building is affordable.

Building Green is Smart!