The Property Cousins Bring a Family Approach to Real Estate in Jefferson County
Helping Jefferson County homebuyers move forward with confidence through education, early guidance, and a relationship that starts long before the contract
By The Jefferson Review
Travis Greer |
Chris Abling |
For Travis Greer and Chris Abling, building a real estate business together was not a sudden leap into the unknown. In many ways, it was the next chapter in a working relationship that had already been forming for years.
The two cousins had worked side by side through much of their early adult lives. After different first jobs, they found themselves taking on restaurant work together and learning how to operate as a team. This experience gave them an early taste of entrepreneurship and partnership.
The idea to start the business came almost as quickly as the decision to pursue real estate itself. After Chris began researching how to get his license, he mentioned the idea to Travis after his shift at the restaurant where they were both working. Within minutes, the cousins had decided they would jump in together and build something of their own.
That decision led to the launch of The Property Cousins, a Jefferson County real estate business built around one central idea: clients do not get just one agent, they get two.
“We always say it should feel like working with family. The relationship doesn’t end when the contract ends. We want to stay part of our clients’ lives and celebrate those milestones with them.”
Travis Greer
That model has become one of the company’s defining strengths. When a client first reaches out, both cousins sit down together for the initial consultation. From there, clients are connected with both Travis and Chris in a group chat, giving them access to two perspectives, two schedules, and two people fully licensed and invested in the process.
Travis focuses heavily on marketing and the broader strategy behind listings and exposure, while Chris concentrates on client services, showings, and the details that guide a buyer or seller through the transaction itself. Together, the structure allows them to move quickly, stay organized, and ensure clients always have someone available to help.
Still, for all the strategy and structure behind the business, The Property Cousins may be most defined by their personal touch. They wanted a system that intentionally used each person’s strengths to serve their clients better.
Outside of real estate, the cousins share a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a passion for travel, often exploring national parks across the country. From hiking through Glacier National Park to taking in the views at the Grand Canyon, they prefer experiences over luxury, sometimes opting to camp or sleep in their car just to make the most of the journey. That mindset reflects how they approach their work as well. They value experiences, relationships, and meaningful moments over transactions, something that continues to shape how they connect with clients both in and outside of the home buying process.
The Property Cousins stop on the side of Going-To-The-Sun Road, in Glacier, Montana. They described this trip, led by their best friend, Chris Bridgmon, as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that birthed a passion like no-other.
The Property Cousins work often with first time homebuyers, and both men said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching people realize that homeownership is more attainable than they thought. They recently compared their own first time buyer numbers to national trends and found a striking difference. While the average first time homebuyer nationally was reported to be 40 years old, their average first time buyer was 24.
That statistic reflects more than just sales volume. It reflects education, guidance, and the willingness to meet people early in the process. They noticed that many potential buyers were hesitant to reach out to a real estate agent until they were ready to build contracts or make offers. Often, that meant people delayed asking questions or learning about the process because they worried they might be wasting an agent’s time.
To break down that barrier, The Property Cousins began hosting free educational classes designed to walk people through the basics of real estate; from understanding contracts and terminology to learning how to prepare financially for homeownership.
What began as a single event quickly turned into a regular offering after they saw how eager people were to learn. They now host these events at their office the last Wednesday of every month at 6pm.
“Every step of the process should be taken with confidence. An educated buyer is a happy homeowner.”
Chris Abling
Chris and Travis host "From Rent to Ready" for the first time, in June of 2025. It immediately became a monthly staple at their office in Arnold, and they later expanded into teaching their classes off-site.
The classes give people a chance to ask questions, take notes, and explore the process in a setting that feels approachable rather than intimidating.
That philosophy shapes the advice they give clients from the very beginning. Before someone even begins touring homes, they encourage buyers to understand their own financial comfort zone. While lenders can provide pre approval amounts, the cousins emphasize that the most important number is the one that fits a buyer’s lifestyle.
“The buyer is really in the driver’s seat. You have to sit down and decide what you’re comfortable with. The lender can give you numbers, but ultimately it’s your life and your budget.”
Chris Abling
That focus on personal comfort rather than maximum borrowing helps prevent buyers from falling in love with homes outside their practical range and allows them to approach the process with clarity.
Their educational approach also addresses common misconceptions that still circulate about buying a home. One of the most common is that working with a buyer’s agent requires an upfront payment. In most transactions, the seller covers that commission. Another misconception is that buyers need a twenty percent down payment, even though down payment options are often far more flexible than people realize. By explaining these details early, Greer and Abling say they often see a shift in people’s confidence, especially among first time buyers.
Travis described reconnecting with old friends from school a decade later, being able to meet their two daughters, and help them find a home before the birth of their son, as one of the most rewarding experiences since the start of their career.
The Cousins attend the "Jefferson County Together" networking event, and bring along their first Real Estate Intern, John Schmaltz. They both said they are beyond excited to see John grow his career in real estate, and their team has already benefited immensely from his skillset in the first few months.
For a business built on trust, access, and relationships, that kind of local support may be the clearest sign yet that their approach is working. This approach has helped them build lasting connections with their clients. Clients who often become friends and remain part of their lives long after closing day.
For The Property Cousins, real estate isn’t just about closing a deal; it’s about guiding people confidently from their very first questions all the way to the front door of their new home.
*Photo's courtesy of The Property Cousins
Stay connected with The Property Cousins
Whether you're planning to buy in the next few months or just starting to explore your options, The Property Cousins are available to help you take the next step with confidence.
Their next "From Rent to Ready" class is this Wednesday, March 25th at 6pm; held at their office located at 630 Jeffco Blvd in Arnold. It is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn the process, and start building your plan early.
Follow along, reach out, or attend their monthly class to learn more about the home buying process.
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