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RE/MAX Leading Edge and Massachusetts Energy Agency Announce Initiative to Increase Broker Education

State Advances Energy Efficient Home Market Transformation

 RE/MAX Leading Edge, one of Massachusetts leading full-service real estate companies, is pleased to announce an initiative with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to increase real estate agent and broker knowledge about the developing high performance housing market in Massachusetts. Three upcoming educational courses will focus on the growing portion of the Commonwealth’s residential home market that incorporates energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Each course will offer continuing education units (CEUs) for Massachusetts’ licensed real estate agents and brokers at no-cost with funding from a US Department of Energy grant and the Home MPG program. Dates of the courses are February 19th in Winchester at the Leading Edge Academy (course filled), March 6th at the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s (NESEA) BuildingEnergy 2014 Conference in Boston, and March 26th at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke. 

“More and more homeowners are investing to make their homes more comfortable, cost-effective, and energy independent through Massachusetts’ energy efficiency and solar incentive programs,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “It just makes sense - and dollars - for real estate agents and brokers to consider clean energy as a new feature to boost sales.” 

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The courses will present three topics focused on the developing high performance housing market in Massachusetts. The first is an introduction to the entire value chain of real estate – green builders and contractors, listing agents, the green MLS, buyer’s agents, appraisers, lenders, and homeowners – and how it relates to the proper valuation of more efficient homes. The second is a deeper focus on building ratings and certifications, such as ENERGY STAR®, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and a Mass Save® pilot program called Home MPG, which introduces asset valuations. Finally, a highlight of legislation and incentives to fund energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy, and sustainable design in Massachusetts will give context to where the market is heading. 

To sign up for one of the courses please contact Ben Pignatelli, Benjamin.pignatelli@state.ma.us (617)626-7349 

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RE/MAX Leading Edge’s Chief of Energy Solutions, Craig Foley will conduct the course. Craig joined the RE/MAX Leading Edge team in January of 2012 as a REALTOR with 13 years of experience. He is a leading advocate for high performance buildings in New England and the author of the first report on high performance homes in Massachusetts, “Study of Energy Efficiency, Utility Costs and High Performance Homes on the Massachusetts Residential Marketplace 2012.”  Foley serves as the Advocacy Coordinator for the Residential Green Building Committee of the MA Chapter of the US Green Building Council. He was one of five people in the U.S. to receive the 2013 EverGreen Award from the NAR Green REsource Council for his advocacy of the green real estate industry in 2013. He also serves as an Advisory Board member of the Green REsource Council. 

As one of the top five residential real estate companies in the state, RE/MAX Leading Edge is in a position to raise awareness in the marketplace on the impact that green solutions have on the value of real estate. Not only will these efforts benefit buyers and sellers, but any homeowner who has made an effort to improve their property in this arena. 

“RE/MAX Leading Edge has always boasted that we use ‘innovative strategies to move you.’ The creation of our successful Green Division demonstrates our commitment to this initiative better than any tag line,” said Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Leading Edge Paul Mydelski. 

About RE/MAX Leading Edge and Leading Edge Academy 

RE/MAX Leading Edge is regularly ranked in the top five of residential real estate companies in the state of Massachusetts with 13 offices and 200 agents in Boston and the Greater Boston area. RE/MAX Leading Edge was ranked by the Boston Globe as one of the top places to work in Massachusetts in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Leading Edge Academy is the educational wing of the company. 

About the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply within the context of creating a cleaner energy future. DOER is an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. 

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