Strengthen Your Listings with Green Fields

Including a home’s green features in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system is no longer an extra step; it’s now a best practice to implement every time.

Assess the home’s green features using the following key categories:

1. Appliances (e.g., tankless water heater)
2. Architectural style (e.g., passive solar)
3. Construction materials (e.g., spray-foam insulation)
4. Cooling (e.g., humidity control)
5. Current financing (e.g., Power Purchase Agreement)
6. Door features (e.g., ENERGY STAR qualified doors)
7. Electric (e.g., energy storage device)
8. Heating (e.g., heat pump)
9. Interior features (e.g., smart thermostat)
10. Other equipment (e.g., air purifier)
11. Parking features (e.g., electric vehicle charging station)
12. Pool features (e.g., solar cover)
13. Roof (e.g., green roof)
14. Security features (e.g., carbon monoxide detectors)
15. Window features (e.g., triple-pane windows)

Check out the National Association of Realtors’ Quick Start Guide for MLS Green Fields for a quick peek into these green categories.

Real estate agents can gain further clarity on the home’s high-performing features through Pearl Certification. ​​The resulting Certification Report documents the home's performance data and provides key information to make addressing the green fields in the MLS even easier.

Next, be sure to include any third-party verifications, such as Pearl Certification, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes.

Lastly, highlight any renewable power production systems, such as photovoltaic solar systems or wind production. For a more detailed guide on including a home’s eco-friendly attributes in your MLS, check out NAR’s Green MLS Implementation Guide. 

Including all of a home’s green features in the MLS can be a cumbersome process, but when the home sells for 5% more, you and your customers will be glad you took the time.