Real estate agents spend a lot of time on the road each day, so they need to ensure that their vehicle can handle the wear and tear that comes with the territory. A good car should be reliable, easy to drive, roomy enough to fit all your tools, and fast enough to get you around traffic jams on short notice. To find the best vehicle for your needs, refer to this list of essential features to look for in your next car.
Multi-purpose Vehicles
If you’re planning on doing real estate deals on your way to and from properties, it’s worth considering a car that offers more versatility than a standard sedan. Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are designed to provide maximum utility in small spaces. Many include backseats that can be folded down to accommodate larger objects like tables or lawnmowers. MPVs also offer ample space in their trunk, making them an excellent choice for transporting materials.
Backup Cameras
Backing up is one of those things you may not think about a lot, but having a backup camera can be vital when it comes time to do it in your real estate car. You don’t want to hit a curb or trash a mailbox. A rearview camera makes things so much easier and safer when backing up. Just make sure you have a professional install it for you because that kind of job should never be done yourself.
Once you get your backup cam installed, make sure you keep an eye on it from time to time because eventually, these cameras tend to stop working and need new parts added to them. It could mean spending hundreds on new parts, but it’s worth it if nothing else than peace of mind while driving around town.
GPS
Today’s real estate markets are bigger than ever before. With more territory to cover, agents need a vehicle that can get them to their appointments on time. Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your car and make it easier to find open houses and showings without having to ask for directions along the way. Even if you have one of these on your phone, a backup system is never a bad idea. Make sure you have one installed in your new vehicle so you can rely on it when your phone isn’t working or out of battery.
Bluetooth Compatibility
Most real estate agents will have a phone conversation while driving around town, showing homes. And it’s not just important to be able to hear what your client is saying; it’s also vital that they can hear you. Bluetooth’s compatibility means they don’t have to hold their phone in one hand and drive with another, which is dangerous and illegal in many places. Keep yourself safe and legal—buy a car with Bluetooth compatibility. Or, if you already own a car, make sure to get a hands-free headset, so your clients don’t need to struggle over telling you what street they live on.
Other Reliable Features
If you are a real estate agent, there is probably a lot of paperwork you are responsible for and even signage you need to bring with you to be placed in houses. As such, you should make sure to get a car with plenty of compartments and storage spaces where you can store all your materials so that they stay safe.
Another important feature to look for in a car is auto glass. This will protect you and your passengers from danger, such as accidents or an unstable road. With it, you will be able to stay safe throughout your drive to other locations without having to worry about sudden falls that could injure you or anyone else in your car. If you think your glass is cracked or a bit weak, make sure to get it checked by experts and have them handle fixing it for you; otherwise, you may end up damaging more than just your windows. Get an auto glass replacement and feel assured that your trip to clients’ houses will always be smooth and secure.
Finally, some of these cars also come with additional safety features like seat belts that can be adjusted according to everyone’s height and body size. This is especially important if you are looking for a used car because it ensures your passengers are protected while seated in your vehicle; many accidents occur due to distracted driving, so having such a feature is essential.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what to look for in a car, all that’s left for you to do is narrow down your options until you find one that meets all your requirements. Remember: just because something is cheap does not mean it’s good.