K2 Representative joins the Advisory Council Board of the Relocation Directors Council (RDC)
We would like to congratulate Kathleen Donovan, Head of Real Estate at K2 Relocate, for her appointment to the Advisory Council Board of the Relocation Directors Council (RDC).
What Is the Relocation Directors Council (RDC) Advisory Council Board?
The Advisory Council Board of the RDC is a prestigious, industry-recognised group of senior professionals shaping the future of corporate relocation. The board was established to bridge the gap between global mobility leaders and service providers, to map out industry best practices, share insights, and contribute to industry discussions.
Members are nominated by their peers, and elected by the RDC Board, which reflects Kathleen’s expertise and reputation within the global mobility community.
US Real Estate Relocation Services at K2 Relocate
In the US, we offer a range of real estate support services, including Buyer Value Option (BVO), Guaranteed Buy Out (GBO), and Home Sale Marketing Assistance (HSMA), alongside home purchase assistance, mortgage assistance, and rental assistance. These solutions are designed to support employees through every stage of their relocation while helping to maximise tax efficiencies where applicable. Our BVO and GBO programmes are carefully managed with the appropriate oversight to ensure full compliance, as they are tax-protected benefits for our clients.
K2 established its Real Estate team in 2017. Originally led by Phil Hunt, Managing Director - Americas, it is now headed up by Kathleen. Our real estate services have proved themselves as very valuable to our clients by supporting faster home sales, reducing financial risk, and helping to optimise tax efficiencies throughout the relocation process.
What Is Home Sale Marketing Assistance (HSMA) in Relocation?
The HSMA model involves K2 Relocate’s support in selling an employee's home, through having a dedicated K2 Relocate Real Estate Services Consultant, who acts as a guide throughout the process. The consultant oversees the development and review of a Broker’s Market Analysis (BMA) - a tool that maximises home selling potential. K2 Relocate also provide recommendations across all aspects of the sale, including market-specific marketing strategies and incentives, potential repairs and improvements, staging guidance, and pricing strategies tailored to the employee's objectives and timeframe.
What Is a Buyer Value Option (BVO) and How Does It Work?
Through this model, K2 Relocate’s in-house real estate team will support the employee in finding a buyer. Once a deal is negotiated, K2 Relocate will purchase the house from the employee, then immediately resell it. This model is tax advantageous to the employee, as the transaction is treated as an RMC business expense rather than an employer reimbursement, which means that the employee is not taxed on the sale of their home.
What Is a Guaranteed Buyout (GBO) in Corporate Relocation?
Through a GBO, the employer (via K2 Relocate), will guarantee to buy the employee’s home at a set price, even if it doesn’t sell on the open market. During this process, K2 Relocate will order up to three appraisals, which calculate a ‘most likely sales price’ (MLSP). The employer will present their employee with a formal offer, and the employee will also list their house on the market: the employee will then select the best offer.
This model provides multiple advantages for employees, specifically the speed of a home sale, the fact that they are able to relocate without waiting for a buyer, as well as financial certainty and reduced risk. The model also benefits the employers, as they are able to ensure that relocations happen on schedule. It is most commonly used when an employee's home is not selling quickly on the market.
Similarly to the BVO model, GBOs are structured as a two-transaction sale, and costs are absorbed as K2 Relocate’s business expenses.
As we continue to support clients with innovative, high-quality relocation and real estate services, this recognition reflects our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It also demonstrates our active role in shaping industry best practices and ensuring that our clients benefit from forward-thinking solutions and insights that evolve alongside the global mobility landscape.
Following her nomination, Kathleen comments, “This board appointment reflects not only the dedication and passion I have brought to my work, but also the incredible colleagues, mentors, and opportunities that have shaped my journey along the way. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and proud to have contributed meaningfully over the years. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the years ahead”.
