The Closing Gift that Keeps on Giving

Fox Energy Specialists launched the country’s first green/energy rater franchise last week at the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) National Conference in New Orleans, LA. The timing for the launch could not have been better with the announcement of the Stimulus package which includes millions of dollars earmarked for Energy Improvement projects in all 50 states. In attendance at the conference, were key staff members from the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program and the Department of Energy who were there to educate the Home Energy Rating Industry on both current and upcoming programs, and how Raters are needed across the country to support them.

According to James Rodriguez, Executive Vice President for Fox Energy Specialists, “We took a close look at the secrets behind our success as an energy rating company, and found that more than 60% of the Rating Business relies on the administrative and support systems behind the actual services provided to clients. We have our systems automated and patented. Unfortunately, most certified Energy Raters are trained on becoming great Rater technicians, but very few are trained on running a great Rating Business. That’s why we decided to launch the franchise.” He continues, “According to the National Association of Home Builders, Green Building is projected to grow into a $40-$70 billion market in the next four years. Energy Raters in the industry know that green begins with energy efficiency.”

Fox Energy Specialists, a Division of The Nelrod Company, is an award winning Home Energy Rating Provider based in Fort Worth, Texas with offices in Houston and Washington, D.C. Fox Energy Specialists has been providing ENERGY STAR Services, energy code inspections and existing home energy audits in Texas since 2000 and after eight years and over 40,000 homes, the firm has earned the country’s only process patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,389,157) for inspecting a home’s energy efficiency.

It would be great to see the real estate industry embrace the concept of energy ratings and provide them as a value-add their customers when they buying or selling a home.  What about an energy rating instead of a traditional closing gift?  Your customers will appreciate you every month when they realize you helped them save money on their energy bill!