Turner Real Estate is known as California's first statewide green real estate company.
The Carlsbad-based firm was founded in 2001 by Brent Turner, a sustainability leader who was initially licensed to practice real estate in 1980. The independent real estate firm is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and Build It Green.
“Since buildings and transportation contribute vastly to environmental problems in the world, we see real estate as a major part of the solution for creating a just and sustainable world,” said Jay Corrales, realtor and office manager of Turner Real Estate.
The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Corrales to talk about the company's work to help the real estate industry move toward sustainability.
CBJ: What does Turner Real Estate do?
Corrales: We provide green strategy to buyers and sellers of real estate. We continually educate ourselves, other real estate professionals and our clients on best practices to make sustainable real estate decisions. Our agents are well trained in contracts and negotiation, and add further value to real estate decisions through awareness of sustainable solutions. This includes reviewing potential locations for walkability and community resources, connecting with opportunities to improve efficiency of existing buildings and assessing plans for marketability of green features.
CBJ: Why was the firm established?
Corrales: In response to the corporate franchise model. We felt agents in San Diego deserved an independent company that would remain consistent as a brokerage, so agents would enjoy working with us and want to stay. We opened our first office in Carlsbad Village. Since then, we have expanded and we are still growing with more agents in key markets.
CBJ: How did you become involved in the sustainability movement?
Corrales: Since reading a number of articles on sustainable development and attending many talks on the subject, we've been hooked on the idea that real estate practices can be done in a way that are good for our community and the environment, while also benefiting the economy. In 2005, our company joined on with the U.S. Green Building Council and has been an active contributor to the board of directors of the San Diego chapter ever since. The council is a nonprofit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools and neighborhoods. It is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system.
CBJ: What green practices do you incorporate into your life?
Corrales: I own a fuel-efficient vehicle that gets nearly 50 miles to the gallon. I shop at the farmers market to support small-scale organic farming and the local economy. I reduce vehicle miles traveled by walking and biking whenever I can. At home, I have energy-efficient lighting and water fixtures. In my free time, I engage in community service for several green organizations that contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
CBJ: What is unique about the company?
Corrales: Turner Real Estate is an advocate and active contributor to sustainability causes. We contribute time and resources toward the causes of green building, green communities and sustainable transportation. Our agents are trained to operate with transparency and ethics, while utilizing technology and common sense approaches to green their daily practice. We believe that by educating consumers and agents, we can help the entire industry move toward sustainability.
CBJ: What green services do you provide for your clients?
Corrales: Consulting the client can take many forms. We can educate our clients on an overall green building strategy for everything from purchasing a home to developing a project to sell. We can assist clients in reviewing opportunities for certification, site selection, opportunities for energy and water savings, connecting with local professionals and assessing marketability. Providing this information early in the process of purchasing or selling real estate can save the client a lot of time, improve client satisfaction and increase resale value.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of Turner Real Estate?
Corrales: We plan to continue to build on our technology platform to offer services that reduce the transportation and paperwork involved in the purchase and sale of real estate. In addition, agents will pay for a green audit of all new purchases so that every building purchased through Turner Real Estate comes with a strategic plan toward saving energy, water and money. We will continue to educate and advocate for sustainable communities and improving our access to transportation options.
CBJ: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Corrales: We are available to anyone seeking residential or commercial real estate information. When clients are educated on how location and building choices affect cost and benefit in social, environmental and monetary terms, they are empowered to make decisions that are good for everyone. This concept is also referred to as the triple bottom line. We feel the triple bottom line is critical to making good business decisions.
Turner Real Estate:
539 Carlsbad Village Drive, Ste. 106, Carlsbad
(760) 729-2333
www.turnerrealestate.com
The Carlsbad-based firm was founded in 2001 by Brent Turner, a sustainability leader who was initially licensed to practice real estate in 1980. The independent real estate firm is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and Build It Green.
“Since buildings and transportation contribute vastly to environmental problems in the world, we see real estate as a major part of the solution for creating a just and sustainable world,” said Jay Corrales, realtor and office manager of Turner Real Estate.
The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Corrales to talk about the company's work to help the real estate industry move toward sustainability.
CBJ: What does Turner Real Estate do?
Corrales: We provide green strategy to buyers and sellers of real estate. We continually educate ourselves, other real estate professionals and our clients on best practices to make sustainable real estate decisions. Our agents are well trained in contracts and negotiation, and add further value to real estate decisions through awareness of sustainable solutions. This includes reviewing potential locations for walkability and community resources, connecting with opportunities to improve efficiency of existing buildings and assessing plans for marketability of green features.
CBJ: Why was the firm established?
Corrales: In response to the corporate franchise model. We felt agents in San Diego deserved an independent company that would remain consistent as a brokerage, so agents would enjoy working with us and want to stay. We opened our first office in Carlsbad Village. Since then, we have expanded and we are still growing with more agents in key markets.
CBJ: How did you become involved in the sustainability movement?
Corrales: Since reading a number of articles on sustainable development and attending many talks on the subject, we've been hooked on the idea that real estate practices can be done in a way that are good for our community and the environment, while also benefiting the economy. In 2005, our company joined on with the U.S. Green Building Council and has been an active contributor to the board of directors of the San Diego chapter ever since. The council is a nonprofit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools and neighborhoods. It is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system.
CBJ: What green practices do you incorporate into your life?
Corrales: I own a fuel-efficient vehicle that gets nearly 50 miles to the gallon. I shop at the farmers market to support small-scale organic farming and the local economy. I reduce vehicle miles traveled by walking and biking whenever I can. At home, I have energy-efficient lighting and water fixtures. In my free time, I engage in community service for several green organizations that contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
CBJ: What is unique about the company?
Corrales: Turner Real Estate is an advocate and active contributor to sustainability causes. We contribute time and resources toward the causes of green building, green communities and sustainable transportation. Our agents are trained to operate with transparency and ethics, while utilizing technology and common sense approaches to green their daily practice. We believe that by educating consumers and agents, we can help the entire industry move toward sustainability.
CBJ: What green services do you provide for your clients?
Corrales: Consulting the client can take many forms. We can educate our clients on an overall green building strategy for everything from purchasing a home to developing a project to sell. We can assist clients in reviewing opportunities for certification, site selection, opportunities for energy and water savings, connecting with local professionals and assessing marketability. Providing this information early in the process of purchasing or selling real estate can save the client a lot of time, improve client satisfaction and increase resale value.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of Turner Real Estate?
Corrales: We plan to continue to build on our technology platform to offer services that reduce the transportation and paperwork involved in the purchase and sale of real estate. In addition, agents will pay for a green audit of all new purchases so that every building purchased through Turner Real Estate comes with a strategic plan toward saving energy, water and money. We will continue to educate and advocate for sustainable communities and improving our access to transportation options.
CBJ: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Corrales: We are available to anyone seeking residential or commercial real estate information. When clients are educated on how location and building choices affect cost and benefit in social, environmental and monetary terms, they are empowered to make decisions that are good for everyone. This concept is also referred to as the triple bottom line. We feel the triple bottom line is critical to making good business decisions.
Turner Real Estate:
539 Carlsbad Village Drive, Ste. 106, Carlsbad
(760) 729-2333
www.turnerrealestate.com