What do you think of when you hear the word “green?” Making changes that are going to cost you a pretty penny, right? When

you say the word “green,” expensive words come to mind such as – solar panels, energy efficient appliances or Energy Star rated windows.

That is just a part of the “living eco-friendly/green” movement. But making changes to your home can be affordable and have a positive impact on your home now and for the future.

Learn affordable lifestyle changes at a seminar Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 1-4 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.

The seminar, “Making Eco-Smart Choices” will provide homeowners trying to sell their home, now or in the future, information on how to make their home more desirable to buyers looking for eco-smart homes.

The seminar will also provide information for realtors wishing to help their clients make proper choices that will increase the value of their homes. Homeowners will also learn how to make simple, affordable changes as they continue to live in their home.

The speaker, Sharon Ahrens, is a professional home stager, trainer and interior designer. She is the president of Smart Stagers, national secretary of the Real Estate Staging Association and an affiliate member of the Greater Orlando, Fla., Association of Realtors.

Early registration is offered until Aug. 20 at a discounted rate of $25. After that the seminar fee is $35. The student rate is $15. Registration is available at www.SMARTStagers.com or by contacting Info@SMARTStagers.com. More information

regarding the seminar is available by calling Ahrens at (407) 877-7608 or Kathryn Tubbs at (813) 842-2423.