As a realtor, life can get pretty hectic, with property showings, client meetings, and countless transactions to manage. In this fast-paced profession, having the right tools and essentials at your fingertips can make all the difference. Here are the top 10 items I simply couldn’t live without in my real estate journey:
Mile IQ:
A friend recommended that I get the Mile IQ App when I started out as a realtor and boy am I glad I did! As a realtor, your car is practically your second home. You drive everywhere! It’s important to track your mileage, because at the end of the year when you’re paying taxes, you can write off a certain amount of mileage. Because tracking your mileage is essential for tax purposes as a realtor, I really loved how easy Mile IQ made it to do so. The app is always running in the background, and when you get in your car and start to drive, it tracks you. Once you park, the app will sense this and ask you if your trip was for work or for personal reasons. By tracking your drives, Mile IQ gives you accurate numbers to report to your accountant when tax season comes. By automating this process, Mile IQ saves you time and ensures you get the deductions you deserve.
Accordion Organizer Folder:
In a digital world, don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned binder. I always liked to have paper copies of documents with me for when I was meeting clients. I found it much easier to explain contracts and disclosures in person when I could point to the language on the paper in front of me. Carrying around an accordion folder was perfect for keeping all of my documents organized. In it, I would keep extra Brokerage Relationship Disclosure Forms, Buyer and Seller Exclusive Agreements, Testimonials, and other promotional flyers I liked to give to clients. It’s perfect for organizing physical documents, property details, and more. I also used the last pocket in the folder to keep all my receipts!
Clipboard/Padfolio:
Stay organized during meetings and showings with a clipboard or padfolio. I always had a padfolio with me on showings, that way I could keep the disclosures handy and write down any notes about the property. I liked to jot down comments and concerns my clients had so I could add it to my CRM later. It’s a handy way to keep important documents, notes, and business cards together and I think it makes you look professional to have something in your hands.
Tape Measure:
When it comes to property dimensions and room sizes, accuracy is key. A trusty tape measure is a must-have tool for any realtor. Clients always ask about how big the rooms are for their furniture. I can’t count how many times this came in handy.
Two Flashlights:
One for you and one for your client! Properties aren’t always well-lit, and you never know when you’ll need to inspect a basement, attic, or crawl space. I’ve been in properties where the electricity isn’t on and it’s been incredibly handy to have a few flashlights on hand. It’s nice to give one to your client so they can look at what interests them about the home, but also great for you to have one so you can look for the typical signs of concern in a home, e.g. signs of water damage, structural issues, etc.) A good flashlight is essential for your safety and to spot potential issues.
Booties:
Respect for your clients’ homes is paramount. Disposable booties keep floors clean during showings and demonstrate your professionalism. It’s always nice to have them for those New England muddy, rainy days.
Waters for Clients:
Sometimes clients travel far and wide to view houses in your market. Keep your clients comfortable and refreshed during property viewings with a supply of bottled water. It’s a small touch that goes a long way!
Forewarn:
Safety is a top priority for realtors. Forewarn is an app you can get on your phone that provides background checks, helping you verify the identity of potential clients before meeting them in person. You can never take too many precautions with your safety as a real estate agent.
Canva:
Create eye-catching marketing materials and social media posts with ease. Canva’s user-friendly platform is a realtor’s best friend for branding and design. Canva offers a vast library of templates, images, icons, and fonts that users can use to customize their designs. It’s a popular tool for professionals and non-designers alike, providing an easy and efficient way to create eye-catching marketing materials and social media posts without the need for advanced design skills. Get it on your phone for easy marketing on the go!
Branded Yeti Cup:
Stay hydrated while subtly promoting your brand. A branded Yeti cup is not only practical but also helps increase your visibility. Plus, these things will most definitely keep your coffee hot for when you need that extra caffeine boost!
These essentials streamline your real estate business, making your work more efficient and professional. So, whether you’re a seasoned realtor or just starting in the industry, consider these ten items as invaluable tools that can help you succeed in the competitive world of real estate. After all, it’s the little things that often make the biggest difference.