[caption id="attachment_4218" align="alignleft" width="240"] Patty O'Brien, a sales associate out of our PSR office in Franconia. She earned the only green real estate professional designation recognized by the NAR.[/caption] We are so proud of all of our agents, they constantly strive to learn more and achieve more, and our own Patty O'Brien is no exception! Patty is a Sales Associate at our Peabody & Smith office in Franconia and she spent 2 days at a symposium learning the latest in retrofitting existing homes for energy efficiency, smart home technologies and more as part of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors Green Symposium, held in Nashua. As part of the symposium, she also was awarded the National Association of Realtors Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by the National Association of Realtors. Patty shared at our monthly staff meeting many interesting tidbits she learned and she added via email, "This was a wonderful opportunity to learn the latest about environmentally friendly building materials, smart home technology and more. This was an intense 2 day seminar, packed with knowledge and great information to share with clients - whether they are considering selling their home, or pondering a purchase. Because we represent so many clients who may have an older home they are selling, this class was a real benefit for them, as now we can really share what upgrades may appeal to a buyer, how to retrofit an old home with smart technology and more." We spoke more and Patty said she was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of resource-efficient features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and understanding how buyer and seller preferences may be inspired by resource-efficiency. Patty works in the Franconia office at Peabody & Smith Realty. She has been a real estate professional for over a decade, and represents clients and customers whether they are buying or selling. When not showing property, Patty also serves on the Legal Committee and the Professional Standards subcommittee for the New Hampshire Association of Realtors. Learn more about the GREEN designation here.