Trunk Tales

Kristal Kraft's TrunkRemember the show "Let's Make a Deal?"  Monty Hall was the emcee and he would roam through the audience asking ladies for strange or abstract things they might find in their purse.  The gals would wildly rummage through their purse and pull out the requested item, for this public humiliation they would get the chance to bet on something and maybe get lucky and take home a car.

Well I've never met Monty Hall nor have I been lucky enough to play on a game show. But I do know one thing for sure when people come to me to buy or sell Denver real estate, I am ready.  If they want me to list their home, I have a real estate sign.  Oh sign rider?  Sure, I've got one for their sign.

Buying a home in the mountains you say?  What?  It is snowed it?  No problem, this gal can get there, let me just slip on these snow shoes.  Off I go!

I'm prepared to be lost, so I have multiple maps of the Denver and the Front Range.  There is a towel in case the baby has an accident and needs a bath.  Yes, we have baby wipes for the baby or our hands after looking at one to many "fixer uppers."  

Tools include a wrench, hammer, screws, double sided tape, no not for the kids who constantly yap, but to hang the real estate sign you see!  A flashlight for those extended days that turn into darkness.  Oh yes, a mono pod to steady my wobblily photo hand.

The hiking boots are for doing dirt, which is what all real estate is or was at one time. Of course the rag is for wiping the dirt. The cookie sheet is not for baking treats in the car, but for dropping off if I ever get close by my son's house, for it belongs to him!

What do you haul around in your trunk?  Is your collection as abstract and strange as mine? 

As Realtor's we tend to be problem solvers. We are armed and prepared for the challenges we face in our everyday jobs.  We work hard to anticipate the inevitable so consumers don't have to stress.  

Monty Hall, where are you? 

 
This post has been included in Colorado Information
Post is included in group: Misfits, losers and loners

57 Comments on Trunk Tales

Water, first aid kit, granola bars, (the kind that won't melt) Fleece jacket and blanket. RE forms of course! Multi tool and AND a Swiss Army Knife.

05/16/2007 10:34 AM by Jim Little, Your Sun City Arizona Realtor (Ken Meade Realty)


You get a 5 on this one Kristal!  Oh, and by the way, I did actually get to meet and hang out with Monty Hall a long time ago with I was a kid.  Very nice man!

 

Bob Mitchell

ValueList 

05/16/2007 10:39 AM by ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.


KK,

You need to start selling "Realtor Survival Kits".  You may be missing a few items, but it clearly shows how prepared you are to handle the situation. 

05/16/2007 10:41 AM by Solid Rock Mortgage Corporation


I loved that show.....way too funny.  Perhaps you should submit this to GM, I am sure they would be happy to design a car/trunk especially for realtors.  You might even get an advertizing deal. 

05/16/2007 10:52 AM by Robert Cramer (Five Star Property Inspections)


Kristal,

I thought I was the only one that had that much stuff.  Whenever I take my "REALTOR" vehicle to Little League practice, I've got to empty out the back.  Try organizing your trunk with those Rubbermaid tubs, and you'll always find what you need, and be able keep your vehicle trunk presentable.  I too enjoyed the post. 

05/16/2007 10:53 AM by Bruce Ching (Brio Realty)


Jim ~ Oh I keep the Swiss Army knife in the consule. That is fodder for yet another blog!  :)

Bob ~ Thanks for the 5, it's all in a day's work!

Robert ~ Survival tools of the trade for sure!

Cyndee ~ Isn't it amazing where blog fodder comes from?  I actually made the trunk tidy and figured I might as well blog about it.  My life was rather dull that day!

Thanks all for stopping by. 

05/16/2007 10:54 AM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Kristal, I can go and take a picture of my car's trunk if you like, but I have to say mine is more organized.

I live in California. We can have earthquakes without warnings so I have a huge Rubermaid box (the kind that fits under your bed) full of emergency stuff in case the big one hits. Things like: blankets, H2O, first aid kit, medicine, flash light, money, rain protection gear, and safety flare just to name a few.

I also have a big bag that my husband put together, full of tools that honestly I have no idea what they are for but I can tell you it is extremely heavy and contains probably tools that can fix anything that is broken.

05/16/2007 10:56 AM by Camarillo CA Real Estate Agent/ Mana Tulberg (Beach View Real Estate)


Robert good idea.  I wonder how warm GM would be to look at my Lexus trunk? hummmm

Bruce ~ Oh my, I can't imagine what my trunk would look like being a soccer Mom!  Rubbermaid tubs are the perfect solution.  You get to play the "which tub is my work tub" game!  :) 

05/16/2007 10:58 AM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Mana ~ I don't doubt you are more organized.  I don't have to live with the danger of disasters that you do.  But I must go snap an after shot...I did tidy it up!  Honest!  :)

05/16/2007 10:59 AM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Hate to disappoint, Kristal, my trunk is empty.  I plan and load as needed, but there are times I'm left missing something. 

I have one question -- do you have another car for groceries???

05/16/2007 11:08 AM by Sarah Cooper, Realtor, Hurricane, WV (Real Estate Shows)


I liked "Let's Make A Deal" too! I'm so glad to see that I am not the only one with "stuff" in my vehicle. I drive a Jeep and my family constantly gives me grief for all the "stuff" I have in the back. I have a tool bag full of tools, I have my appriaser tape measure, muck boots, paper towels, wipes, signs, flashlight, Leatherman tool, Swiss Army knife, Excedrin Quick Tabs, Water, Almonds, Benedryl, Battery charger (for camera batteries), first aid kit, work gloves, shoe covers, latex gloves, a bath towel. Lots of "stuff" - you never know when and what you'll need! :)

05/16/2007 11:11 AM by Debi Braulik (Tacoma Real Estate) (John L. Scott Real Estate)


Sarah ~ Groceries?  What is that?  I haven't cooked at home in so long there's no point in buying food to throw out...  Lucky for me My kiddos are grown...

Debi ~ we  need stuff.  Stuff is good.  Although I must admit the inside of my car is spotless and clutter free.  That's why I need a trunk!  ;)

kk 

05/16/2007 11:14 AM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


I had to do a double take of that picture.  I thought it was a shot of my desk.  LOL

05/16/2007 11:26 AM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)


Kristal, that almost looks like my wife's purse........LOL

Now if I could just get her to put something in it that I can use. 

05/16/2007 12:06 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


Kristal, that's funny.  The back of my SUV looks the same.  Except, I have two folding chairs for soccer and Open houses on vacant properties.  I just hate when the sign posts (wire ones) starts rattling while driving since its in the open in the back.

05/16/2007 12:14 PM by Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)


Randy ~ Now I can believe most of what you tell me, but you having a set of shoe shoes on your desk is a reach...:)

George ~ Your wife is ready for Monty Hall too!  Wise woman!  :)

Bob ~ I know what you mean about the rattling signs posts.  I'm so glad I don't have to carry and install the big signs anymore.  I just do the condo signs.  They don't rattle thank goodness!

kk 

05/16/2007 12:23 PM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Let's see....I have a husband who goes in my trunk and cleans it monthly!  What am I to do? I sneak it back in...haha! I carry signs, first aid kit, rags, cleaning products, tools, cooler (for long showing days), shoes, t-shirts, maps, and have heavy duty custom car seat covers for the overflow from babies!  haha!

05/16/2007 12:29 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Kristal,

Orange plastic in a roll that I use to mark boundaries, orange spray paint that I use to mark where the septic and leach field are, etc., flyer boxes, a case of water, rubber mallet to pound signs into hard ground, flashlight, zip ties (all sorts of uses), and I'm sure a few other items.

I had to put my suitcase in the back seat on my recent trip out of town because the trunk's pretty full, but I'm prepared.

05/16/2007 12:32 PM by Fran Gatti - Crescent City CA Real Estate (RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods)


Celeste ~  lucky you to have a hubby who cleans your truck.That's one job I love to delay, trading in the car is a good time to clean the trunk I say!  :)

Fran ~ funny how we get learn about what you sell by what you keep in the trunk!  Glad the spray paint is for marking septic and not graffiti!  :) 

05/16/2007 12:47 PM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Kristal.....you have certainly found "your" blogging voice. Very cute post.

05/16/2007 01:36 PM by Mesa, Arizona Real Estate *** Teri Ellis, Broker, ABR,CRS,GRI,ePRO,MRE (Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC)


I have my office in my trunk -- my laptop, my printer, my forms, my folders, brochures, supplies etc.  Then I have a lot of gear to deal with the weather.  In addition, I have separate bags with materials for the course I am taking, my public policy notebook, my board of directors notebook with a copy of the draft strategic plan, forms for the real estate commission task force -- etc. etc. -- and oh yes, my gym bag, my yoga mat , my dancing sneakers and my water!  I am always prepared for any occasion (well almost)!

05/16/2007 02:47 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


Very funny show "Let's Make a Deal"  ....Ha...ha..  I realy loved that show. I also drive with my office in my car. GOOD LUCK KRISTAL

05/16/2007 02:54 PM by Anthony Stokes Pereira


Wow!  And I thought I was carrying stuff!  My hubby is a neat freak so I have two rather large plastic storage tubs (clear) that I keep forms, folders, info packets, etc. in.  The laptop goes from house to car with me each day - and the inverter for the power cord stays plugged in!  Thank heaven for the hidden storage areas under the deck of the cargo area.  They are perfect areas to hold lockboxes and keep them from rolling and rattling around.

Thanks again for a post that most all of us can identify with! 

05/16/2007 03:05 PM by Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred, REALTOR®, Toledo, OH (www.calltoledohome.com)


This one's a WINNER KK!!  How about duct tape?  duct tape is good for everything!

05/16/2007 03:16 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Coldwell Banker)


Monty Hall is hanging around Dick Clark - they give this post a 5 because it's got a good beat and they can dance to it!

I keep a boom box and folding chair for vacant open houses. And a cooler full of drinks, add ice and avoid the convenience store!

05/16/2007 03:27 PM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


love it! Dont we all feel like we could live out of the car!? I think there is probably enough lost french fries under my seat to survive off of should ever get stranded overnite. I dont have a "trunk" I have a SUV so the mountain of items cant be kept "out of sight,out of mind!"

 

05/16/2007 03:59 PM by Michele Connors, Broker in Charge (Coldwell Banker First Realty Newport)


Be careful Kristal, you are dating yourself!  Just kidding, LOL.  I actually could use a car with a trunk to stick all of my stuff in.  Unfortunately I have an SUV, so there is not a good hiding space for all my junk. 

05/16/2007 04:00 PM by Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC


I am right there with you and the SUV.  Nowhere to hide anything and the noise that signs make in the back would be enough to make me bail out on I-25.  If these gas prices don't soften then I am going to have to make the trade to a car with a trunk.  Speaking of the gas prices, sure would like to see the Colorado market do what gas prices are doing. 

05/16/2007 04:13 PM by Vince Kelly (Kelly Realty Group)


Teri ~ Thanks, writing about reality is  easy, I've found the most popular topics are the ones we can all identify with.  Thanks, I do appreciate your compliment.

Lauri ~ Remind me not to get crosswise with you and your drill!  :)

Joan ~ At least you are a "fit" broker!  Perhaps you and I can plan a visit to The Container Store, next time you are in Denver!

Anthony ~ Car offices save a lot of time and gas.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Carol ~ I must learn from you and become neater!  Usually I am, but after a particularly distressing winter, I am a little off center!  BTW I used to live outside of Toledo in both Rossford and Perrysburg, a million years ago!

Ines ~ Oh you are so right about duct tape!  I do have some in my little colored tool box. It's a girlie toolbox and I love it!

Dena ~ thanks for the rating.  I remember Dick Clark when he was still in Philly!  I was very little then...As for chairs for open houses?  I put in my time doing that.  However the cooler fits in the backseat. In Colorado I always stock refreshments for my clients.  

Michele ~ LOL you must have kids!  The french fries revealed that fact!  I don't do fries, but you can see a splatter of Chai Tea (non fat) of course on the consule...where is that baby wipe?

Stefan ~ I have to date myself, nobody else will!  :)  silly boy.

Vince ~ talking about dating oneself.  I can remember when $60.00 was a CAR PAYMENT!  Now it just fills up the tank!  :) Go Broncos or Rockies you Denverite! 

05/16/2007 04:37 PM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Kristal, I carry purchase agreements, listings, tape measures, water, almonds, granola bars, a hammer, signs, my camera, an umbrella.

05/16/2007 04:43 PM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)


Sounds like the cargo area of my Sequoia. 

05/16/2007 05:21 PM by Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Real Estate


Kristal,

Funny story I wrote how i came out of the supermarket and went to my Lexus SUV..or what I thought was mine and when I opened the back trunk there were Coldwell Banker open house signs,real estate signs and balloons...the only problem was I work for Remax...guess I opened the wrong car..but at least the other agent was prepared! LOL!

05/16/2007 05:45 PM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


Wish I had a trunk... Been driving a Jeep Wrangler for the last several years and although it's great with the top down in the summer I do miss having someplace for all my junk.

05/16/2007 05:46 PM by Dan Cummings - Connecticut's Running Realtor (Raveis Real Estate)


Great job on being prepared.  I carry water bottles in a small cooler, snacks, wipes, paperwork, maps and a car kit in case I break down.

05/16/2007 05:48 PM by Jodi Kevern (West USA Revelation)


I don't have a lot of truck space, so first aid, flashlight, water, wipes, and some snacks.

05/16/2007 06:11 PM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


KK : I always keep my trust battery operated Screw gun handy. That and some nails,screws,caulking, assorted hand tools including machette.

In the glove box I always try to keep some White out. It is perfect for the Hard abused corners in a 1970's house with the white paint. You just know that everyone of those doorless archways have little nicks on the corners exposing the metal flashing behind. It always makes the house look dirty.

Touch them up with white out. It might be brighter than the paint but is much better than the dark flashing from under neath.

05/16/2007 06:13 PM by Downtown Portland Real Estate Broker~Herb Hamilton (RE/MAX Preferred Inc. Realtors)


Kristal - Your trunk looks like mine - so you can understand why I freaked and I mean freaked when I came home from Dallas to find my trunk empty and my beautiful 22 year old daughter saying HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY - I spent the last 2 days trying to find my STUFF

05/16/2007 06:29 PM by Central Oregon Real Estate | Thesa Chambers, Broker (RE/MAX Sunset Realty La Pine)


Kristal,

You have me laughing---my husband is a neatnik and doesn't always understand why there is so much stuff in my car.  It's our professions, stupid---that's what I tell him (with a sweet smile on my fac e.)

05/16/2007 07:06 PM by Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton (Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)


Hey Kristal - sounds like alot of us have "REALTOR Trunk" for sure.  In addition to the things you listed, I have scotch tape and note pads for leaving notes for people, duct tape, twist ties & screws for brochure boxes, various screwdrivers, paper towels, that kind of liquid soap you don't need water with, trash bags, and other assorted junk like that.  In the winter, small snow shovel & ice melt......  I also carry large pieces of plastic that I can put down to cover my back seat for those unexpected trips when I find plants and bushes that just need to come home with me.

Ann

05/16/2007 07:07 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


Kristal,  I always used to watch that show. 

I keep all sorts of stuff in my car also.  I have some super glue from when a buyer's sneaker blew out. 

05/16/2007 09:36 PM by Tim Maitski ~ The Atlanta Agent With Nuts (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


People keep commenting on duck tape, that's for misbehaving children - Right?

05/16/2007 09:51 PM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


I just have one file box with different forms, a few extra office supplies, batteries, my laser measure and a couple other items. Can't keep any food items back there in the summertime, because the desert heat has a way of quickly liquifying most of them!

05/16/2007 10:36 PM by John Novak - REALTOR®, Las Vegas and Henderson, NV (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)


Missy ~ Almonds?  Yummy, I'm riding with you!

Wayne and Lynda ~ You're welcome.

Lenn ~ Ahh, how many blocks per gallon do you get?

Neal ~ Oops!  I've nearly done that.  It is embarrassing!

Dan ~ Guess you have to have a trunk if you want the junk!

Jodi ~ Sounds like you are well prepared!

Christy ~ That's OK, small trunks keep down the clutter and clatter for that matter!

Herb ~ did you say a MACHETTE? Oh my, is that how you get listings?  :)

Thesa ~ Oh no!  I hope you manage to find all the necessities of life soon.

Diane ~ So true, you just never knew when you are going to need some of it.

Ann ~ You certainly are well prepared!

Tim ~ Ah so you can add "shoe repair" to your resume!

Dena ~ You said that, not me!  :)

JOhn ~ I hear you about the desert heat.  We have to be careful with that too.

05/16/2007 11:08 PM by Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)


Hi Kristal,

Didn't read all the comments, so maybe someone has a better one.  For a very long time, I had everything, including the kitchen sink, in my trunk.  I had retired and had my 'desk' in my trunk and my brother gave me he the sink from his new home.  (they bought a fancy one) 

If I had some of the things you have in yours, in mine, they would melt or toast to a crisp!  :) 

 

 

05/17/2007 04:22 AM by Doreen McPherson ~ Phoenix Arizona Real Estate (HomeSmart International)


As a former Realtors and now Stager my trunk looks like yours!  Snowshoes - no!  PS- I was on Let's make a deal - many moons ago!  Monty wanted a safety pin - and I won $500!   My bff actually got on stage and picked curtiain no. 3:  a wheelbarrel filled with turnips!  lol!  When the large carton was delivered to her house it was revealed to be....luggage!  You always have a great blog!

05/17/2007 06:02 AM by Margaret Ann Innis - We Stage, Color & Train New England!™ (Decorate To Sell, LLC - )


Wow Kristal.  My trunk looks so pale by comparision.  If I took a photo it would be mostly beige.  BORING with no crap at all.  But on the plus side - that means when I go shopping there is tons of room for purchases!!!!

05/17/2007 06:49 AM by Linda Davis (RE/MAX Realty Group)


I'm going to have to deduct points because you don't have a portable wireless fax machine slash copier slash scanner. ;) -Charles

05/17/2007 12:15 PM by Jacqulyn Richey - Las Vegas Real Estate (Prudential)


Hi Kristal,

This is a real blast from the past - "Let's make a deal"!  I personally carry a measuring device and a flashlight which usually impresses people.  Especially because I pull it out of my purse.  I think this is the reason for that impingement in my shoulder these days!

Fun post!

05/17/2007 02:01 PM by Pascack Valley Real Estate>> Lisa and Robert Hammerstein (Coldwell Banker)


portable wireless fax machine/copier/scanner - I want one of those!  lol!

05/19/2007 08:25 AM by Margaret Ann Innis - We Stage, Color & Train New England!™ (Decorate To Sell, LLC - )


Kristal - Is that a "price reduced sign rider" in your trunk, too?  Remember the cost of staging is less than your first price reduction!

05/19/2007 08:27 AM by Margaret Ann Innis - We Stage, Color & Train New England!™ (Decorate To Sell, LLC - )


Even snow shoes? Wow, you really are prepared for everything. Sure you don't need a bigger car?

 

05/19/2007 01:30 PM by Keith Jeppson - Salt Lake City Real Estate (Keller Williams Utah Realty)


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Real Estate Agent: Kristal Kraft  ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)
Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate
Denver, CO
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