Winchester Coldwell real estate educator earns national ‘Green Designation’

Fitzgerald completed extensive training to meet NAR’s qualification to train REALTORS better understand what makes property green, to help their clients evaluate the cost/benefit of green building features and practices, to distinguish between industry rating and classification systems, to better list and market green homes, to discuss financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and to help homeowners see a property’s green potential.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,’” said Fitzgerald. “It is my goal to assist Realtors to become more familiar with green real estate concepts so that they can better serve their clients.”

NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits for resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is the largest residential real estate brokerage company in New England. With more than 4,000 sales associates and staff in more than 90 office locations, the organization serves consumers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices.

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From the Business World weblog

Trip insurance has angered travelers and drawn state scrutiny

Is the nightmarish possibility of being laid off keeping you from taking the vacation of your dreams?

Several travel companies are hoping to allay your fears — and then wish you bon voyage.

Cruise retailer CruiseOne, with several locations in Northeast Ohio, recently added job-loss coverage to its basic travel insurance policy. If you get laid off, you can cancel the cruise with no penalty — provided you’ve purchased the insurance, the price of which varies by the cost of the cruise but starts at $35.

“You wouldn’t think something so simple could make such a difference,” said Becky Piper, who runs a CruiseOne franchise out of her Strongsville home. “My sales have skyrocketed.”

“Everyone is just so fearful,” she said. “They don’t want to make plans for six months from now if they think they might not have a job.”

To qualify for the policy, which is administered by Travel Guard, you must have been employed for a year. Information: cruiseone.com.

Ecruises.com, an online travel agency specializing in cruises, also offers job-loss protection through its basic travel insurance policy; and Ecruises is picking up the cost of the insurance.

Norwegian Cruise Line also recently added job-loss insurance to its travel insurance plan for sailings in May and beyond. Prices start at $29, depending on the fare. Information: ncl.com.

A bed-and-breakfast in Vermont is offering six free two-night getaways to people who have been unemployed for more than six months. Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford, on the New Hampshire border near St. Johnsbury, will offer a two-night freebie, dubbed the Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway, each month in April through July and again in November and December. Send a letter or e-mail by Monday, June 1, explaining your story in a page or less: Box 55, Lower Waterford Road, Lower Waterford, VT 05848 or info@rabbithillinn. com.

Ohio’s two CoCo Key water parks, in Newark and Cincinnati, are offering a price break to workers who have been forced to take unpaid time off. For $119, a family of four can spend a night at either resort, which includes two full days of water-park passes. Information: cherryvalleylodge.com or sheraton.com/cincinnatinorth.
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From the Travel Insurance Related Tips weblog

Posted Under: Travel Insurance News
This post was written by admin on March 29, 2009