When you first saw the idea of combining Real Estate and Travel you may have paused and wondered how is that possible. When you take the time to really think about these two industries and the ways they are similar it starts to make sense. This becomes even more obvious when you think of all the Real Estate Agents who left the hospitality industry just like Kat.
Below we outline basic similarities:
- Service based
- Direct sales efforts in both businesses
- Very consumer facing. Most sales are B2C vs B2B
- Understanding client needs and building rapport
- Lifestyle driven
- Negotiations
- Marketing
So, with this said, how does Travel play a factor in our clients lives when they are planning to purchase or rent a home? Where can travel make a positive impact in our overall service to bring value to our clients?
- Relocation: When you are helping a client who is moving to your market, they will visit a couple times to get to know the area, see properties they like and figure out where they want to live specifically. By adding travel to your business, you could book them a hotel, resort, or vacation property to stay in plus earn commissions doing it while helping them find a new home.
- Clients Who Work Remotely: For clients who work remotely or AKA “digital nomads” a new trend we are seeing post COVID-19 is living in a new destination for 30-60 days. By adding travel to your business, you can help clients with short-term rental properties around the world and earn commissions doing it.
- Short-Term Rental Investors: Do you work with investors or anyone interested in buying an Airbnb style investment? If so, being part of the travel industry will provide added knowledge and insight with what travelers want when supporting your investor on the right property. HBK has management company and asset management software recommendations to further support investors once they have closed on a property. This positions you as the Realtor, an invaluable part of their business.
- Thank Clients with Experiences vs Material Items: Millennial’s started this trend, but it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere with the generations that follow. Many clients and first-time buyers favor a memorable experience vs clutter or something they simply do not need. When you close a deal, how do you say thank you? By adding travel to your business, you can offer complimentary trip planning services for their next vacation. Travel can fulfill people’s lives in so many ways but to name a few you can help your clients experience a new culture, try new food, and see distinct parts of the world.