When converting a client’s property into a high-performance green real estate investment, there is a clear road map we follow to ensure we maximize the results (profit, ROI, etc).  Below are the highlights of that road map along with additional comments (in red).

1. Schedule site visit
2. Video exterior and interior of property
   1. Take minimum of 20 pictures (all sides) of exterior of property
   2. Take minimum of 30 pictures (all rooms) of interior of property
   3. (When the project is outside our area, we have someone shoot this video so we can get an accurate assessment of the property)
3. Assess entire property including: exterior, interior, appliances, plumbing, building envelop, HVAC, etc. (This gives us a good baseline of where the proprty stands today and what the opportunities are)
4. Create comprehensive green retrofit strategy (We answer the fundamental question- What will it take to turn this property into a high-performance green property?)
5. Schedule energy audit [if applicable] (In some states/cities, you can double your rebates and incentives by first doing an energy audit.)
6. Identify any applicable ‘green’ city incentives (We call the Mayor and the City Manager’s office to discuss the project with them and see what incentives are available)
   1. Expedited permit process
   2. Fees waived
   3. Variance approvals
   4. Etc…
7. Create Materials List DRAFT
   1. Include contractors initial list
8. Initial rebate/incentive/credit/grant/Stimulus funds research (We research every possible rebate available from city, state, federal, county and NGO organizations to maximize the savings for our client)
9. Identify Materials supplier (Where the client’s contractor will be buying the materials)
   1. Conduct initial meeting (We drive 2 things home in this meeting: 1. This is a green project which will be good branding for them and 2. We expect a large discount from them)
   2. Discuss potential discounts
10. Identify green vendors
    1. a. Insulation
    2. b. HVAC [if needed]
    3. c. Painter [if needed]
    4. d. All others [Solar, Rain-harvesting, Irrigation, Carpet, etc.]
11. Area utility expense research (This gives us the baseline #’s for a neighborhood that we can use in our marketing once the project has been completed.  For example, if we know we’re going to save the end-buyer 50% on utilities and neighborhood utilities average $200/month, that’s $100/month savings. It’s crucial to get exact as possible on these #’s)
    1. Gas
    2. Electric
    3. Water
12. Area comparables for both sales and rentals
13. Phase I Client Meeting (Gives the client my initial thoughts about the project, budgets, etc)
    1. Project Scope
    2. Discuss initial assessment, budget, proposed materials, etc.
    3. Review Green Project Workbook [excel spreadsheet-see KG]
    4. Finalize next steps with client
14. Create FINAL Materials List
15. Site walk-through with contractor (To explain what we’re going to accomplish and how building envelop science comes into play)
    1. Review strategy
    2. Review materials
    3. Finalize Materials List
    4. Answer questions
16. Site visit within 3 days of construction commencement (Check on the work and make sure it’s getting done properly)
    1. Video exterior and interior of property
    2. Photograph exterior and interior of property
    3. Perform Quality Control checks on work
17. Identify prospective media outlets for press possibilities (Use a variety of methods to pitch them on this as a ‘feel good’ green story.
    1. TV
    2. Print
    3. Radio
    4. Web
18. Identify local city officials for local publicity (Elected officials want one thing (to be re-elected) so we show them how helping us helps them achieve that goal)
    1. City Mayor
    2. City Manager
19. Marketing Process launch [see Marketing Process] (Different process, specific process available to clients only)
20. Appraisal Process launch [see Appraisal Process] (Process to increase appraised value 10-15%, specific process available to clients only)
21. Site visit upon construction completion
    1. Assess final project
    2. Video exterior and interior of property
    3. Photograph exterior and interior of property
22. Phase II Client Meeting (Occurs right after construction completion)
    1. Sales price recommendations
    2. Total construction budget savings
    3. Applicable rebates
    4. Etc…
23. Phase III Client Meeting [at completion of project] (Look at total results of project)
    1. Results
    2. Increased profits
    3. Increased performance

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 8:54 am