Laura Stukel - LW Reedy Real Estate

Laura Reedy Stukel is Elmhursts first EcoBroker Certified sales agent, specializing in helping clients buy and sell more energy efficient and healthier homes. She is carrying on the legacy her grandfather, known locally as The Old Pro, created when he started LW Reedy Real Estate nearly 60 years ago. Stukels passion for green homes comes directly from managing the extensive remodel of her own 1966 home. The project was recognized as the "Green Improvements" winner in Better Homes and Gardens magazines 2009 Home Improvement Challenge. The rehab focused on tightening the home and cutting utility usage, choosing products that encourage healthy indoor air quality and finding long-lasting, locally available products. The lessons she learned from the rehab are now captured in two proprietary consumer programs. Ready, Set, Green Homes(TM) is designed in versions for both active buyers and sellers. For sellers, the program packages federal tax credits for energy efficiency with seller credits and lender incentives to make not-yet-green homes more attractive to potential green buyers. For green buyers, the program makes a green rehab after closing doable. The 5x10 Challenge(TM) is a related program targeting home owners who want protect the long-term resale value of their home. The program has immediate, mid-term and long-term benefits. Homeowners who follow the five steps see an immediate utility bill reduction from 10-30%. Then they earn up to $1500 in credits on their federal tax return. For the long-term, they position the home to buyers who will be selecting homes based on features and utility costs in the not-so-distant future. Previous work in management consulting ensures excellent customer service. Stukel has project management skills to lead a contract from acceptance to closing, change management skills to help families make the transition from one home to the next, and communication skills to maximize the marketing of a listing online, in print and in person. Stukel is an Associate Member of Efficiency First , a member of the ENERGY STAR Small Business Alliance, and is listed in the Not So Big House Home Professionals Directory. She is also a member of Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition, serving as co-chair of the 2009 Green Fest Recycling Boutique. The event diverted one dumpster full of material from the landfill and another to be environmentally processed first. She is the guest author for green topics on the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors consumer blog. She actively blogs on her own site, www.greenreedyhomes.com about home energy efficiency in a casual and cost-saving manner. She manages an online discussion group called Elmhurst Green for families interested in greener living in Elmhurst. Stukels projects have been covered by Better Homes and Gardens magazine, Chicago Agent Magazine, Natural Home magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine Deal Estate blog, the Daily Herald and the Business Ledger. The 5x10 Challenge is registered with both the Illinois Association of Realtors Realtors Renewing America program and President Obamas United We Serve campaign. She is a frequent speaker on home energy efficiency including local groups such as the Kiwanis and McDonalds Corporation.