The Collider to host workshop on real estate investing

Natural disasters have become a significant factor underlying mortgage default. Weather patterns are changing, creating new risks for real estate investing. Traditional risk mitigation strategies such as insurance and disaster relief funds are increasingly falling short leaving homeowners with significant debt and little to no equity.

Ecological Services and Markets announces the launch of the first class specifically for Realtors regarding the threats that severe weather and climate change pose for real estate investing. “Climate Change and Real Estate Investing” is designed to help Realtors understand the threats that drought, wildfires, tornados, floods, hurricanes and sea level rise pose to clients buying real property.

The course, open to members of the Land of the Sky Association of Realtors, takes place Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Collider, a nonprofit innovation center focused on solutions for climate change located on the top floor of the Wells Fargo building at 1 Haywood St., in downtown Asheville. Collider member Doug Bruggeman, Ph.D., founder of Ecological Services and Markets, and a Realtor with Keller Williams, developed and will conduct the course.

“Realtors can play a critical role during a home purchase by protecting consumers in the marketplace.  Realtors bring awareness to issues such as the quality of schools, changes in property taxes, as well as environmental issues such as mold, radon, and how close a hazardous waste site might be,” says Bruggeman. “While Realtors cannot be expected to be environmental experts, successful Realtors are aware of threats and the best sources for information.”

The class is designed to provide Realtors with information that will enable them to discuss the regional and global implications of climate change with clients and advise them on where to find the best available science and scientific experts, says Bruggeman.

“I think the time is right to enhance the ability of the market to support private investment in adaptation to climate change. Realtors can help protect consumers when making long-term investment decisions.”

Sponsored by the National Association of Realtors, Land of the Sky Association of Realtors, and The Collider, registration is $20, which includes lunch. Contact Bruggeman at dougbrugg@protonmail.com for more information.

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More about Dr. Doug Bruggeman

Doug Bruggeman, Ph.D., is founder of Ecological Services and Markets (esmarkets.com) and a Licensed Realtor with Keller Williams (Eco-Real.com). He teaches “Economics of Sustainability” for the Graduate Program in Sustainability at the Asheville campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University, and is a graduate of business accelerator program, Accelerating Appalachia. As the developer of the “Climate Change and Real Estate Investing” course, Dr. Bruggeman is fundraising on Indiegogo to expand the course nationally ( https://igg.me/at/climatereal). He is seeking founding sponsors for this unique approach to climate adaptation.  

More about The Collider

The Collider is a nonprofit innovation center focused on catalyzing market-driven climate solutions. Headquartered in the heart of “Climate City” – Asheville, North Carolina – and located on the top floor of the Wells Fargo building in newly renovated space at 1 Haywood St., across from Pritchard Park, The Collider exists to bring together diverse expertise and stimulate a new industry: climate products and services. The Collider offers business, event, and cowork space in addition to providing memberships, education, internships, sponsorships, and public opportunities to “collide.” More info on The Collider is available at thecollider.org. Follow The Collider on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.