There’s no disputing the fact that top real estate agents spend a lot of time on the road in their car – often more time than in the office.
With clients to visit, properties to inspect and meetings to attend, your car quickly becomes your second office, so it’s worth treating it like one.
Think about all the things you can’t live without in your regular office, and duplicate those in your mobile car office. Then when something unexpected happens, you’ll have everything you need on hand.
To keep your day running as smoothly as possible, there are a few essential and convenient tools you can keep in your car.
Technology
In your mobile car office, you’ll need your mobile phone, and perhaps a tablet or laptop computer, or both. Keep them protected and organised in cases or bags, and always have the right chargers on hand. There’s nothing worse than running out of battery just as you need to get in touch with a client urgently.
Pen and paper
Without a doubt, the trusty old pen and notepad can never be underestimated!
When you need to scribble down a phone number or an address, this can be quicker and easier than asking someone to text or email you the details. Keep them in a handy spot where you can find them, so you avoid the mad scramble under the seats to find one.
Pens are also essential for that client signature when you close a deal! Keep one in your top pocket or in your tablet cover.
Energy boosters
Nothing is worse for your motivation than that dreaded 3pm energy slump. Keep some fruit or nuts handy in your car for a quick pick-me-up that will get your brain cells moving again.
Music is also a great motivational booster. Keep your favourite tracks handy and pump up the volume just before a meeting or at the end of the day when you’re tired.
Umbrella
It’s something you usually don’t think of until you’re out and about and it starts to rain. Keeping an umbrella in your car is a simple way to be prepared and not get caught in a downpour right before you meet with a potential new client. First impressions are important, so it’s best not to turn up to an appointment soaked and soggy!
It’s also nice to be able to run to your client who is hesitating in their car before stepping out into the rain. If you can show up with an umbrella and guide them to the house without getting wet, it’s another tick in the positive column for you.
Toys
Kids love nothing more than a new toy!
If you’re meeting with a family who has young children, it will mean the world to them, and more importantly, their parents, if you can whip out a colouring book, a toy car or a little doll.
Keeping a collection of toys from McDonalds Happy Meals is inexpensive and works a treat. The children will be occupied and the parents will be able to give you their full attention and concentration.
Wipes
Wipes are handy for so many situations, and having a stash in your car can be a lifesaver. If you spill some coffee, dribble some food on yourself, or knock over a pot plant at a clients’ home, wipes can come to the rescue.
Air freshener
When you’re showing a home that has indoor pets, or the owners are smokers, it can be easy for them to become immune to the odours of their home and not notice anything unpleasant. Keeping a can of air freshener in your car lets you give the house a quick spray and freshen up. Just make sure you don’t offend your clients by implying that they stink!
Deodorant in your car is also handy to have. On hot days you can be left a little stinky yourself, so a quick spray can freshen you up and save your clients from more unpleasant odours.
Anything can happen when you’re out on the road in your car all day, so stocking your car with everything you might need can make your day out of the office go much more smoothly.