Aaron Hodson's 10 Essentials Every Realtor Needs
Jun 28, 2024
Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: money can’t buy you success in this business.
No matter how many times you are promised a quick fix for the low price of “insert $ amount,” success in real estate comes from the relationships you make. There is no quick fix for that.
However(!), there are a few essentials that certainly helped me do my job better and more efficiently. You can never be too prepared in this business, and having these 10 items on-hand is a great start in being set up for success. None of these items are a splurge, and most can be found fairly easily online or at your local hardware store. Let’s get down to it:
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Open House Signs
Amazon Link:
Price: $125.99 for 10
Why?
Open houses were the single greatest and most cost-effective marketing opportunity in my business. Always be prepared to host an open house, even if that means hosting one for another agent, by having your signs ready.
Your open house signs are an opportunity to show your face and brand around the area. If you are only putting up one or two signs, you are wasting a chance to market yourself. I always put up a minimum of 10 signs and included my phone number (or a QR code to contact me) on each one.
Coffee Mug
Amazon Link:
Price: $35
Why?
I believe in the power of always showing up as my best self to any appointment. For me, that means coffee, and lots of it. This sleek coffee mug maintains my professionalism while allowing me to fuel on–the-go. Remember: everything speaks (even your coffee mug)!
Lapel Mic
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4b8r87p
Price: $25.99
I’m a bit old school when it comes to social media, and it has taken me some time to find what feels authentic and real. Today, that looks like recording Instagram Reels and Youtube videos with tips and strategies. Audio quality can make a big difference for these videos, so I prefer to use a mic instead of relying on my phone alone. It’s a super small purchase, and yet adds a ton of professionalism to my videos. Whether you are posting on social media or sending video messages to clients (which is a great idea!), it’s worth a $25 upgrade so they can actually hear what you’re saying.
Pre-Listing Boxes
Shop: https://www.sellwell.com/boxes
Price: Starting at $7.95/Box
Why?
If you’re new here, you should know that pre-listing kits were non-negotiable in my real estate business. Before any listing appointment, I delivered a pre-listing kit with all the information needed to introduce myself and share my value proposition with the client. That meant having fully prepped pre-listing kits at the ready. I preferred having a professional, fully-branded boxes like these.
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Spray Cleaner
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4bWUMOl
Price: $3.77 per bottle
Why?
When I say that I never left home without spray cleaner and a roll of paper towels, I mean it. You never know when you’ll arrive at an open house and find a home unfit for viewing. It never hurts to have a few backup bottles at home, too.
Odor Remover/Air Freshener
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3RxXG46
Price: $15.38
Why?
Another secret tool of the trade: always have an odor remover or air freshener in the trunk. This will come in handy at an open house more times than you think or want. Can a bad smell keep someone from buying a home? Absolutely. Better safe than stinky.
Multi-Tool
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3xlNK6M
Price: $14.62
Why?
You’ve got your cleaner, measuring tape, and odor remover. For every other scenario, you’ve got your multi-tool. Whether you need to fix a loose screw, take down balloons, or open some wine, you’ll have just the tool for the job.
Marketing Materials
Shop: https://www.sellwell.com/store
Price: Starting at $10
Why?
Don’t forget, as a real estate agent, you are your brand. You have to be ready to promote yourself anywhere, anytime. That’s why I always keep some essential marketing materials printed on quality materials and ready to go: my professional profile, buyer and seller guides, and a few extra pre-listing boxes.
Mallet
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3RxPZLa
Price: $9.95
Why?
Putting up listing signs should be a celebration, but it can feel like a serious chore depending on the type of soil or landscaping. Something as simple as this mallet can take the task from annoying to champagne worthy.
If you like this post, check these out:
Essential Open House Supplies Every Realtor Needs
May 08, 2023
5 Unique Real Estate Bio Ideas: From Short Bios to Video Intros
Mar 21, 2023
