No one is questioning the success of the Seattle real estate market right now - but to folks like Susan Stasik, third time finalist for the Green Genius awards, its not about the quantity of home sales that really make her job worthwhile - its about the quality of the homes being sold; its about the people and the attitude toward better living; its about making an impact that affects more than just your pocketbook. Susan along with the rest of the Green Genius Finalists have more than one thing in common. First and foremost they are all stellar agents who know how to treat their clients, negotiate, and navigate the complex landscape of the Seattle housing market. They are all fierce agents with a passion for their jobs. But they do more than just navigate... they shape our market.
These Green Genius Agents have managed to really push the needle in real estate while simultaneously helping the Emerald City build a reputation for progressive, sustainable living. They are at the forefront of a national trend, and we couldn't be more excited to award their positive influence.
On September 9th - we will announce the winners of the Green Genius Awards at the Annual Built Green Conference in Seattle. Each winner will receive a cash prize. We are thrilled to award these brokers for all they have done this past year.
We asked each finalist a number of questions to get to know them before the Award Ceremony. Here is the first of seven posts. Let's see what Jay Miller has to say about green building!
Jay Miller
JAY MILLER - Green Genius Listing Agent of the Year Finalist
Keller Williams Realty - Alchemy Real Estate Group
Sam: What gets you excited about the green building movement?
Jay: If we can translate the green movement in the same way the EPA has done with MPG stickers for cars, the energy efficiency and lower cost of owning a home (and communicating this to buyers) seems to me to be the most important. What does green in their wallet mean? We are a little numb to Energy Star and efficient hot water heaters, and it’s hard to know what overall impact it has on the home as a whole.
Sam: What was your favorite green project?
Jay: I loved all of the green projects I worked on this year of course! My favorite Isola project, the Woodlawn avenue "Licton Springs" because they felt truly stand-alone and AFFORDABLE GREEN.
Sam: What advice would you give to buyers and sellers of green homes?
Jay: It's easy to share with a buyer that an investment in a green home today, may seem like it's pushing the norm, but it's GOING to be the norm in 4.5 years when they sell. Setting up yourself to be a competitive green seller in a market that will soon have that as the norm.
For green builders, while mathmatically, they might sell for more...we haven't seen a recession yet...and there's better insulation against market swings.
Sam: What do you like most about living in the PNW?
Jay: That's it's turned into San Diego... but with better weather. The climate, activity & people make the PNW worthwhile. Two years ago I thought my family would have moved because of the weather - but now we are actually staying because of it.
Sam: What was your superlative in high school – (ie most likely too…)?
Jay: (Laughs) I’m not sure I was voted for anything, but if I was, it would’ve been in 5th grade. I may’ve been voted most likely to succeed in business, in Mr Ito's class. I owned 1/2 the class businesses at the end of the year in a class market simulator project. I don’t think that’s what Mr. Ito had in mind when he set up the project!
Sam: What is your favorite pump up song?
Jay: Huh?
Sam: You know…like you’re about to step into a heated negotiation…or you’re very, very late coming home from work…or both. What do you play in the car at ear wrecking volume to get yourself pumped up?
Jay: Black Eyed Peas - don't stop the party
Sam: What is your favorite comfort food?
Jay: I think a snobby burger is the right fit... Cowboy cheeseburger at Eureka