Delivering the Keys to Selling Green Homes

When Simi, a real estate agent from Keller Williams (KW) Danville was supporting a client in selling a home equipped with a high-end induction cooktop, the buyer wanted to replace it with a gas. Although Simi recognized that the induction cooktop was a valuable feature, she didn’t have the language to explain the health and cooking benefits to the buyer. To better understand and communicate the advantages of a green home, Simi completed the NAR Green Designation training hosted by BayREN.

Simi is not alone in her experience. According to a recent Redfin survey, nearly 40% of real estate agents believe climate change is impacting where people choose to live and what home to buy. In California, that number rises to over 50%. Yet only 13% of respondents said their brokerage provides training on climate and weather-related risks. BayREN aims to fill this gap and empower Bay Area real estate agents to better understand and communicate the connections between climate, health and energy in homes. Through BayREN trainings, real estate professionals can become trusted guides for clients navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable and resilient housing.

On June 26, 2025, the BayREN Green Labeling program hosted a training on electrification and induction cooking for Bay Area real estate professionals. Held at the new Frontier Food Service Technology Center in Pleasanton, CA, this class was designed to help real estate professionals navigate the biggest questions their clients may have regarding electric appliances, such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and induction stoves. BayREN aims to build real estate professionals’ confidence in discussing energy efficient features of homes their buyers are considering, messaging the value of high-efficiency electric appliances in homes they are selling, and guiding their clients to resources on how to make upgrades. John Shipman, Senior Managing Director with Franklin Energy, delivered the electrification training, highlighting California’s decarbonization goals and how real estate agents can be a trusted messenger on the benefits of an all-electric home.

Dr. Bret Andrews from Physicians for Social Responsibility also joined the session, offering insights into how removing fossil fuels from homes can improve indoor air quality and reduce outdoor pollution. He shared resources for real estate agents interested in learning more about the health benefits of all-electric living.

Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed an interactive induction cooking demonstration led by Chef Mark Duesler, who had earlier treated the group to homemade croissants! Chef Mark explained how induction cooking works, how it is similar to and different from gas and electric resistance, and tips on cooking with induction. He also went over the benefits of induction, from cleaner air, reduced heat in the kitchen, faster and more precise cooking, easy cleanup, and much more. After the demo, the class was able to enjoy a delicious meal and continue discussing what they had learned.

Warren, a real estate agent with KW Silicon City, attended the event because he has an induction cooktop at home and wanted to learn more tips for him and his clients. May from KW Walnut Creek came to the training to better answer client questions and was impressed at how fast induction was! Simi was excited to try out the induction lending program offered through PG&E.

Through BayREN’s suite of free real estate trainings, professionals can set themselves apart by understanding how energy-efficient and all-electric homes are valued, how to explain their benefits, and how to guide clients toward sustainable choices.

To explore upcoming BayREN trainings for real estate professionals, visit bayren.org/events-training or contact Emily Alvarez, Green Labeling Program Lead, at ealvarez@stopwaste.org.