Question And Answer With Andrew Stevenson, REALTOR© With Engel & Völkers Calgary
Website: evrealestate.com
LIGHTSPARK: Tell me about your history as a REALTOR more broadly, when you began in the field, why you entered it.
In 2002, I began my industry career with Coast Wholesale appliances, which specialized in new home builder supply. Working as an account manager for some of the major builders in Calgary, I realized how emotional and exciting the process of purchasing real estate could be. I also realized how influential features like the kitchen can be for a home purchase, and worked to help families decide the best options for function, while balancing their needs for reliability and energy efficiency.
Aside from developing a passion for guiding families through their selections, I realized I wanted to learn more about new homes and the products that went into them. I spent a couple of years working with a variety of construction companies, developing hands-on experience by assisting where I could to build a solid understanding of the build process from the ground up.
LIGHTSPARK: When did you first start thinking about green and/or energy efficient homes? Why does working with them appeal to you?
I grew up in the lower mainland of British Columbia, and from a young age my education put a high emphasis on finding the most strategic and efficient processes for just about everything, including the long-term benefits of high-quality, energy efficient products. This carried over into my career, and I see many opportunities for energy efficiency’s growth.
I worked in a role that allowed me to oversee many departments. These include design, sales, price estimating, selections and warranty. This experience helped solidify how important the correct design and materials all work so well together to provide the best possible experience for a client purchasing or building a home. There has always been a push for different and more effective products based on time and costs to clients. But over the last few years energy efficiency has become increasingly important, and it has become more of a focus for clients.
Working with energy efficient homes appeals to me as it helps all families in all communities to save money.
LIGHTSPARK: Have there been any big developments or changes in your market that have caused a shift in how people see energy efficient homes? As in, has anything made them more appealing over the years?
From what I have seen, technology in renewable energy has come a long way as a benefit to the end client, and as the long-term gains continue to outweigh a buyer’s initial investment costs, more and more clients will see energy efficiency as a needed feature in subsequent home purchases.
“Over the last few years energy efficiency has become increasingly important, and it has become more of a focus for clients. Working with energy efficient homes appeals to me as it helps all families in all communities to save money.”
LIGHTSPARK: When working with clients, has knowledge of green/energy efficient homes helped you? Has it helped clients find ideal properties or buyers, for instance?
For my clients, every little bit of knowledge or experience that I can articulate or present is helpful.
LIGHTSPARK:In general, what’s the state of green and energy efficient homes in your market? Are there a lot of them? Has the number changed over the years?
Building codes in Alberta have improved slightly from the first new home I sold to now. There are options to add some energy efficient products. However, there is still a long way to go.
LIGHTSPARK: What are the most popular energy efficiency upgrades you have seen in your market? Both in terms of most common in the houses that exist, and which are the most asked for.
Triple-pane windows, low-flow toilets,reducing negative wall space, installing higher value insulation, reducing wall lumber use, efficient lighting.
LIGHTSPARK: What would Lightspark mean for your practice? How could it make the process easier? How could it make the lives of your clients easier?
I think it can help people realize that, little by little, these additional features and upgrades add up to a more efficient home. And, being able to see a rating like the Lightspark Score can help clients focus on the reason why a particular home meets their needs. The rating can help them narrow down their search.
“Being able to see a rating like the Lightspark Score can help clients focus on the reason why a particular home meets their needs. The rating can help them narrow down their search.”
LIGHTSPARK: What would an ideal future for energy efficient homes look like in your housing market, and how could/should that be achieved?
My ideal housing market will consist of homes that are not tied into a grid, but are in a community that is purpose built to be sustainable, both in terms of food and energy. This community would be host to all generations, and would feature homes specifically designed to enhance the lifestyle that those who live there enjoy. For this, there needs to be a substantial investment made, be it private or public. The technology and passion for this already exists; it just needs to be brought together and invested in.
