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19 Comments on What's in your toolkit
This is an interesting post. In almost all the real estate fields we need some sort of tool kit.
GooBGone...can't stage without it :)
A magic eraser, stud finder and a package of disposible gloves for those things I really hate to touch!
I do not like GooBGone-it is goo messy, I use lighter fluid-it works like magic removing price tags and anything sticky! I also have tacky glu in my toolbox and a set of furniture touch up marking pens.
Besides all listed above, I have a level & Quake hold to make sure my pictures are/stay level. I have a gross of Magic Erasers although I tell all my clients we are not a cleaning crew and the house must be clean before we stage. I also have a touch up kit for touching up accessories, furniture, scratches in hardwood floors (pre-existing:o)), etc.
And don't forget the snacks & drinks!
My travel steamer makes sure that the bedding, shower curtains, towels and table runners are all wrinkle-free. Hercules hooks are a must for heavy art as well as the specialty hangers that are made for hanging art on hardwall/cement.
Great additions everyone.
Maureen - you are so right. A steamer can be SO amazing when trying to make things look just right.
Michelle - love the reference to pre-existing. Ever have one of those uh-oh moments when it wasn't pre-existing. As to snacks...I also make sure to bring snacks. Once on a role you don't want to stop and often go far too long without some sustenance. Having something healthy and restorative is very important.
Cathy - Lighter fluid is what I use too although a lot of people really do love goobgone. It is mostly important that the products you use work well for you !
Cheryl - LOL those gloves are essential !!
Val - I am sure that agents also have their preferred accessories. Some would be office type materials and others marketing, measuring tapes etc.
Anyone ever need something to protect from dogs or other wild and crazy pets ? My partner brings anti-histamines a lot.
Thanks everyone for your comments/additions.
The one thing I couldn't live without is clear packing tape. As soon as I arrive at the home I tape a large garbage bag to the kitchen counter where it "hangs open" for me to toss everthing into.
Hand sanitizer and baby oil. Never know if there's soap around or running water and baby oil is great to take off scuff marks and sticky tags on glass.
A few things not yet mentioned (and I have all the above) magic erasers, concrete cinder-block hancor hangers, drill, markers (brown & black to touch up edges of artwork if they get scuffed in the move/packing) larger trash bags, felt pads...... should I keep going? I can ;)
Thanks Patsy, Karen and Connie.
I have to say I have never had baby oil. Something I will now think of. Connie we do have the erasers, drill, markers etc. but I am not even sur ewhat a concrete cinder-block hancor hanger is. Help !
All of the above. Folding step stool, windex with vinegar, dozens of the cheap wash cloths (bundled 10 for a dollar, that kind of cheap), extra kight bulbs, enzyme spray for cleaning and air freshening, masking and blue painters tape, broom & dust pan, stapler (for emergency hems), laser level, swffer duster with extender and lots of replacement dusting cloths (although I also do not clean, I sure seem to have a lot of cleaning materials)...
One morning, as I was putting the finishing touches to the staging, my client's (an investor) team showed up to set up for the open house. I pointed out the bulb in the kitchen ceiling fixture was out. Investor could barely reach it. *Let me get my step stool.* The glass light cover would not turn. "Here, try turning it with these rubber gloves on." Still stuck. "Try applying a little of this baby oil with this q-tip." Cover removed. *Give it here, I have cleaning wipes, we need to remove the baby oil...Oh, and here are several replacement bulbs at different wattages.* Invester replaces the bulb and starts put the glass cover back on. Crash. *I've got the broom and dustpan and a heavy-duty paper bag. Here is a kit with medical cleaning pads, tweezers, antibiotic cream, and bandages. Want me to go get a replacement glass cover?*
Hi Michelle ... this is a good reminder that we need to replenish the stock in our kit. We have been so busy lately there hasn't been time.
I'm really liking velcro these days ...
RESTOR-A-FINISH !!!!
Cannot say how impressive this product is. It will "floor" you, your client, and the REA. And it's only $10.00!!!!
~Michelle
I'm with Michelle -- Restor A Finish is one of my "must have" items that I recommend to all my seller clients! Great on cabinets, doors, floors, baseboards, and furniture.
Now that is new to me. The Restor a Finish is something I haven't even seen in stores. I will go check now.
Thanks Maureen and Michelle.
Nancy that is hysterical. Very funny. I am sure they were impressed.
Cinder-block anchor hooks look like this and can be found in most larger hardware stores. They can't support "heavy" artwork/mirros. But lighter weight stuff can be easily handled by these.
Thanks Connie. We have some of those but I never realised their specific purpose was cinder blocks. Makes sense.
wow what a lot of great tips. you gals are awesome.