Realtors and Travel Agents – Helping You Reach Your Destination

Maybe you’ve never thought of it this way, but realtors and travel agents are not so different from one another. Both work to get you to your destination where you can enjoy life! And both do it professionally. That’s why in today’s world, even with the abundance of do-it-yourself options for both real estate and vacation planning, there’s still a big benefit to having an expert in each field help you navigate your transaction and get the most for your money.

What are you looking for?

Lene Minyard, travel agent with Perfectly Planned Journeys, said, “Be clear on what benefits you are hoping for when using a travel agent! Is it saving time? Expert advice and help in case something goes wrong? Are you looking to coordinate a trip for a group? If so, you should definitely consider using a travel agent!”

The same thing goes for working with a realtor. Realtors want to know what you are looking for in a home or neighborhood. They want to know what price range you are comfortable with and whether or not you can pre-qualify for a mortgage. And in the event anything goes wrong? You definitely want a realtor by your side.

What resources will you need?

Minyard said that travel agents work with reputable suppliers and have resources not available to the general public. They can check out the vendors and specific destinations in ways that most people cannot. This prevents you from having a bad experience on your vacation, a common result of using a vendor who isn’t reputable or trustworthy.

On the real estate side, a website can give you a forum to list your house or search for a new house, but it can’t give you expert advice on how to negotiate the best price, what the best neighborhoods are and other insider tips and tricks. A realtor can do all of this, plus connect you with other reputable professionals.

What’s the niche?

Different travel agents may have different niche markets they serve. If you’re looking to book a Disney vacation or a Caribbean vacation, for example, look for an agent who specializes in those markets. That travel agent will know insider tips and tricks for the location you’re looking to visit.

Just like there are niche travel agents, there are also realtors who specialize in certain regions or types of real estate. Look for just the right agent for you and your situation when you are shopping for a house or need to sell your house.

You need a partner!

Minyard said, “There is absolutely no way that a travel agent can know everything about every destination and every supplier, so don’t expect that!  Look at your travel agent as a partner and added protection — someone who will work with you to put together that perfect trip for you, help you prevent any problems, and when unforeseen problems do occur, you have someone to contact to help you resolve the issue. Always remember the more information you provide the better he or she will be able to plan a memorable trip for you.”

As for realtors? Having a realtor is like have an insurance policy for your real estate transaction. Realtors are expert partners who can guide you through buying or selling a house from start to finish to ensure everything goes smoothly.

If you are looking for the right realtor to find or sell a home in the Bristow, Gainesville or Haymarket Virginia area, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We have the experience as well as insight into these communities to make your journey a positive one.

Lene Minyard can be reached at (703) 791-2944.