I believe in the power of professionalism. But a recent trip to Europe with my husband really brought home the ways expertise and skill can transform an experience.
Unlike many of our peers, who are harnessing the DIY power of the internet to plan their trips, crowdsourcing restaurants and selecting the best-reviewed Airbnb’s, my husband and I decided to go the old-school route—and instead left most of our planning up to Mimi, the wife of a good friend who also happens to be an incredible corporate event and travel planner.
The results were clear—and made for some pretty amazing experiences over our 10-day trip in Paris, Normandy, and Bruges. We kicked off the trip in The City of Light, where, thanks to Mimi, we staved off our hanger after a long day of Louvre sightseeing and walking by hopping on the Metro and heading to the cafes of the hip Marais neighborhood. On the Rue des Rosiers, we feasted on crispy, hot falafels that were handed to us through the shopkeeper’s storefront—a truly off-the-beaten-path Parisian meal. Thanks Mimi!
Mimi’s travel guide skills continued to open doors for us. Over the weekend, we hopped over to the port city of Bruges, in northwest Belgium, famous for its canals, medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. Mimi’s deep list of contacts got us reservations at not one, but two, hard-to-get-into restaurants, and we strolled in for unforgettable meals as other, Mimi-less parties got turned away. Mimi recommended the best Belgian beers and fries, and we followed as she guided us up the 366 steps to the top of the medieval Belfry of Bruges, where the city views opened up before us. We even had the right weekend clothes, all because of Mimi’s on-point suggestions.
Mimi was a fantastic reminder of the ways that professionals can provide an unparalleled experience—and I see such clear comparisons with my own profession. Whereas travel agents are competing with Trip Advisor and Expedia—who offer endless choices but provide travelers with no guidance and no insider knowledge—real estate sites like Zillow and Redfin have many potential homebuyers and sellers considering going DIY with finding a new property or selling a current one. Navigating the real estate market is an expensive, stressful, and complicated process, full of moments where things can potentially go wrong. It’s moments like these that a professional real estate agent can make the difference between finding your personal piece of paradise or dealing with the headaches—and financial impacts—of making a simple mistake.
Searching for the right deal, at the right place and time takes expertise, patience, and skill. Like travel, an insider's understanding of places and people is essential in order to avoid a costly decision and have the best possible experience. So take my advice—save yourself a lot of frustration and grief—if you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, let me be your Mimi.
