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Your Toolkit Checklist

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Coastal Realty

Question is - What's in your car? What tools do you carry with you in real estate. Whether it is nicely packed into a LL Bean canvas tote, in an actual toolkit, or just rolling around in the trunk of your car, we all have things we need in the day to day business of real estate.

  • Cable ties - They are handy in so many situations. From anchoring an open house sign to a pole so it won't fly away to making sure the brochure box is solidly attached. Use just one or chain them together to be as long as you need them to be.
  • Scissors or Pocket knife - That which has be tied together eventually must be cut apart.
  • Multi Tool - Some kind of combination tool that has both stright blades and phillips head screw driver.
  • Dead Head Mallet - Far more effective than an ordinary hammer for getting signs in the ground.
  • Duct Tape - Use it on anything but ducts. I like the white duct tape for adding temporary information to open house signs. (Don't forget the sharpie!)
  • Markers - Here is the Sharpie. I have a regular pen or two in my bag as well
  • WD40 - You know the old line "If it is supposed to stick and doesn't, use the duct tape. If it supposed to move and doesn't use the WD40"! And now a days you can get the can with the tube built right in. No more losing the little straw part and losing control over where the WD40 goes.
  • Febreeze - Sometimes you just need a little spritz! I use the anti-allergen pet odor eliminator one.
  • Binoculars - Great for checking out the roof and chimney. Added service for that Buyers often appreciate.
  • Measuring tape- Both electronic and tape measures. Always useful to have a manual tape with you. There are lots of place the electronic one just won't work. I hear iPhone has a app for this. (FYI There is even an app that works as a level.)
  • Extra Batteries - For your camera, electronic measuring tape
  • Flashlight - A thousand and one nooks need a flashlight to see into.
  • Pliers - Twist, crimp, leverage. Love my pliers!
  • Wire - When cable ties won't secure it.
  • Candles/Incense - Emergency smell management.
  • Matches - To light the candles and incense not to set the house on fire!
  • Folding Chair - Just one of those bag chairs you use for picnics. Invaluable.
  • Roll of toilet paper - Go ahead and laugh but we have all been without at some point!

What do you carry in your car that you could just not live without? Let's make this list complete!

Comments(4)

Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Shannon, thanks for the list of tools you recommend we realtors keep in our car trunks.  I will check against what I have and add to my stash.

Oct 27, 2009 04:26 AM
Joel Prince
The Principle Group, Inc - Hixson, TN
Hixson/Soddy Real Estate Broker

Shannon -

Super list.  I will start putting my own kit together.  I don't know many times I have been showing property/setting up listing and needed one of those items.  Thanks.

Oct 27, 2009 04:50 AM
Joyce Thomas
The Thomas Group Brokered by eXp Realty - San Tan Valley, AZ
Your Home Sold Guaranteed!

Great list. 

Oct 27, 2009 02:40 PM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I cannot believe how many of those items I also have in my Jeep!  I also keep an umbrella, rain slicker, sweats and sneakers!

Nov 05, 2009 05:08 PM