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Health & Fitness

It's Easy Being Green

With the rise of environmental awareness and advancement in technology comes a new and improved real estate industry. Find out how you can use technology to better your home buying process!

With environmental awareness on the rise in recent years, it’s become easier than ever to eliminate paperwork in favor of accomplishing more online and electronically. Now that practically everyone has a smartphone in hand, there seems to be no end of what can be achieved remotely in virtually any industry or endeavor – and that includes the arena of real estate. 

When most people think “green” in real estate, ecologically-friendly new construction is probably what comes to mind. The new trend toward energy efficiency and sustainability has developers and builders incorporating reclaimed and recycled materials and installing energy- and water-saving systems in new construction. The sense that our resources aren’t limitless is finally starting to hit home with many home buyers, and that extends to their real estate transactions as well. 

Smartphones have streamlined almost everything we do, putting us in constant contact with friends and family, colleagues, and nearly limitless information. With the ability to research anything right at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to access and aggregate information while on the go – and with less paper waste. From apps designed to help you get the most out of a house hunt to immediate document turnaround via mobile email, the process of buying a house has never been more efficient or convenient.

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Today’s technology makes for highly effective communication between you and your real estate agent. Gone are the days of slogging through paper listings in an agent’s office before beginning your home search. Imagine a house search in which you can receive instant information from your agent about homes that might interest you – including property details and photos – all sent right to your phone. And once you’ve found that dream house, your agent can communicate your interest immediately to the seller’s agent and get the ball rolling on a sale. Paperless transactions require less time, so there’s less waiting involved during the process. Perhaps most convenient is the option to initial and sign multiple forms and documents online rather than relying on ponderous printouts. 

Certain agents are more conversant in high-tech real estate processes than others. Real estate agents who are designated as eCertified® can provide you with access to online alternatives to traditional, paper-heavy transactions. eCertified® agents have the training and skills necessary to create and manipulate electronic versions of documents and contracts and to manage your file electronically via secure document storage, allowing for remote access and with less time spent in an office. And since your search for a new home can’t be accomplished from the confines of an office, your agent’s increased mobility benefits you.

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Eliminating paperwork gives your agent more time to spend focusing on you. If you haven’t already, investigate the apps available to help you in your home search. Find out how “green” your agent is – talk to him or her about the different ways in which technology can benefit you on your path to owning a new home.

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