Very Useful Items Both a Real Estate Agent & A Leak Detective Probably Have In the Trunk of Their Cars
6 Things In the Trunk
Realtors don’t need hoses, nozzles, and ladders, but they probably will need to keep some items handy in care an emergency happens. Here’s a list of things both Realtors and Leak Detectives should have in their trunks.
1. A Flashlight
It's good to have one of these around for all the dark spaces in homes. I use a flashlight on about every leaky basement I investigate.
2. A Tape measure
I use a tape measure to measures the leaks on inside so I can place them on the outside, but they're useful for so many more things: Like estimating how much new concrete you'll need!
3. Several Assorted Screwdrivers
You never know when you're going to need a screwdriver, but when you do, you usually really really need it.
4. Towels
Towels are really a disaster clean up tool. One time, I had to poured water in a basement and ended up using one towel to clean up about 5 gallons of water. I was constantly ringing it, so having multiple towels would have been really handy.
5. Black Sharpie or other pens
You can't get much done if you can't write down notes. Pens are hard to keep track of so I keep a bunch of extra ones in the trunk of my car.
6. Toilet paper
I really had to go to the bathroom on the job site once. So bad, I barely made it home in time! Enough said
Honorable Mentions
7. Dog treats
When I first added this to my list, I thought this a marginal item to have on the list. But, at my next three jobs, I was harassed by dogs the entire time. After an hour of barking, dog treats in the trunk are worth it.
8. Business cards
Whenever I walk up to a new client, I want to hand them something. Sometimes, a business card is just the right “gift.”
9. Plastic trash bags
Plastic trash bags are so versatile, I've used them for crazy things like blocking drain lines (in order to test them.)
10. Batteries
Batteries are another lifesaver. When my flashlight dies, I don’t seem as professional pulling out my cell phone flashlight!
11. Change of shoes
About half of the jobs I do, my feet get soaked. So on a long day, a change of shoes saves the day!
12. Cell phone charger
My phone died just yesterday, but I had only finished half the job. It was a little frustrating that I didn't have my charger with me!
We know this list is by no means comprehensive. What would you add to it?