After more than two decades in real estate, I’ve learned one universal truth: the key to surviving house showings isn’t just charm or market knowledge—it’s preparation. If you’ve been in the business as long as I have, you know every house has its surprises, and a well-stocked survival kit is your secret weapon.
Here’s what I carry after 20+ years of figuring it out the hard way:
1. Air Freshener (a Realtor’s Best Friend)
If walls could talk, they’d probably say, “Sorry about the smell.” Whether it’s leftover garlic from last night’s dinner or a pet that clearly skipped bath day, air freshener has saved countless showings. Pro tip: always have a backup plan, because one time, a client said, “It smells…unique,” and I didn’t really get it until the offer fell through.
2. Flashlight (for That Basement No One Wants to Enter)
Nothing tests your bravery like walking into a pitch-black basement. I’ve seen enough dimly lit crawl spaces to last a lifetime, and trust me, a flashlight isn’t optional. Sure, your phone’s flashlight technically works, but have you tried holding a phone, a property print-out, and your dignity all at once?
3. Snacks (for Clients and the Realtor)
Listen, I’ve been hangry before, and it’s not pretty. Now multiply that by three clients with low blood sugar, and you’ve got a showing destined for disaster. Granola bars, trail mix, or even a stash of chocolate can prevent meltdowns—for everyone involved.
4. Shoe Covers (Because Not Everyone Has Hard Floors)
There’s nothing like watching a client stroll across white carpet in muddy boots to make your stomach drop. I’ve got shoe covers in every size, color, and pattern at this point. If there’s ever a shoe cover Olympics, I’m taking home the gold.
5. Sticky Notes (Because Someone Always Forgets)
Twenty+ years in, I still get clients who love everything about a house but can’t remember which one had the fabulous closet. Sticky notes are my secret weapon: “Love this kitchen!” or “Too close to the neighbor’s pet llama.” They’ve saved countless follow-up emails.
6. A Phone Charger (Because Tech Never Sleeps)
Back in the day, I could get through a showing with a pen and paper. Now, if my phone dies mid-showing, it’s a full-blown crisis. Between pulling up comps, checking maps, and answering 47 texts from anxious clients, my phone battery doesn’t stand a chance without a portable charger.
7. A Sense of Humor (for When All Else Fails)
You can’t survive this long in real estate without one. From finding mannequins in closets to explaining why a bathroom has five light switches (none of which work), I’ve learned to laugh it off. When a client once asked if the rooster in the backyard was included in the sale, I replied, “Only if you’re ready to negotiate with his alarm clock union.”
The Bottom Line
Real estate isn’t just about finding dream homes—it’s about navigating the unexpected, rolling with the punches, and staying one step ahead of disaster. My survival kit has evolved over the years, but one thing hasn’t changed: my ability to laugh through it all.
And if you’re wondering, yes, I still keep air freshener in the car. Some lessons you never unlearn.