CR_Summer2020_Online
The official publication of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.
The official publication of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.
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Smart Landscaping<br />
When it comes to the outside of a home, curb appeal is<br />
important, but homeowners don’t want to continuously be<br />
making changes to their landscape. Sustainable landscaping<br />
options will last longer, need less water and require less<br />
maintenance in the long run. Take into consideration plants that<br />
are native to the climate, irrigation systems and more.<br />
Govedarica worked with new construction developments in<br />
the First Ward in the early 2000s, and they were conservative<br />
by saving water runoff that could be sourced and used in<br />
different ways in the construction process. This idea can easily<br />
be translated into a home. Sanitary sewage water can be used<br />
for irrigation.<br />
Being smart about the placement of plants in a yard can also<br />
have long-term, positive effects on a home’s energy savings. Take,<br />
for instance, a large tree. If placed in the correct spot outside of<br />
the home, specifically the west side, the shade from the tree can<br />
significantly reduce the sunlight in the home and, thus, there will<br />
be less heat, which will help keep your house cooler.<br />
Look Outside<br />
the Home<br />
While sustainability in housing is becoming increasingly<br />
important, so is, of course, environmental conscientiousness.<br />
When it comes to homebuying and even renting, properties that<br />
stand out are ones that consider the local environment. Many<br />
homebuyers find walkability, access to areas such as parks and<br />
community gardens, proximity to public transportation and<br />
recycling options to be more appealing.<br />
Getting Comfortable<br />
“In the next five to ten years, REALTORS ® will need to be able<br />
to talk about sustainability in the same way we are now talking<br />
about lead-based paint and radon,” Tully said.<br />
As REALTORS ® , you are counted on to be an asset to<br />
homebuyers in their process of buying a home. Being a<br />
sustainability resource will help you to best assist clients and<br />
direct them to available programs, tools, products and insight.<br />
What We’re Doing<br />
If you’re looking for ways to be more knowledgeable and to help<br />
your clients, we are here to help. Our sustainability initiative<br />
provides resources to create sustainable buildings and lifestyles,<br />
with the ultimate goal of positively impacting property values<br />
and the environment. If you are looking for blogs to gain new<br />
knowledge, handouts that can be provided to clients looking for<br />
more information, sustainability education options and more, our<br />
sustainability hub at ChicagoREALTOR.com/Sustainability.<br />
As we want to be a go-to source for you, we also want to make<br />
sure you are a go-to source for your clients for best sustainability<br />
practices and trends!<br />
Download handouts to brand for your clients & register<br />
for upcoming sustainability events and education.<br />
The desirability of neighborhoods where these options are<br />
readily available continues to grow. A study by NAR confirmed<br />
the relationship between real estate values and distance from<br />
public transportation. These neighborhoods tend to have a two<br />
to four percent higher median sales price of their homes. They<br />
save $ 2,500 to $ 4,400 in transportation per home, and commercial<br />
value price per square feet saw a five to 42 percent increase.<br />
22 Chicago REALTOR ® Magazine
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