I love taking buyers out and showing them homes; helping them find a home that suits both their wants and their needs.
However to me it's a juggling act.
I need about 4 more hands to hold all of the things that I need to have with me when I walk inside to show a home.
Now, I know there are many REALTORS out there that are in the same boat that 
I'm in.
If I wear clothes without the right amount of pockets that day, boy I'm really in big trouble then.
As REALTORS we have to carry:
our car keys
our lockbox key
our cell phone
a copy of the listing
a pen and piece of paper to take notes -this one is optional, but very handy
one of our business cards to let the owner know we showed the home
While we have all these things in our hands we have to type the code into the lockbox, or enter the combination into the combo lockbox, to open it. Sometimes it is hanging on a water spigot, 2 feet from the ground in 3 feet of wet grass!
Now, mind you, I'm not complaining...I just know there must be a better way to juggle all of these items while going in to show a home.
Once we get the key out of the lockbox, then we have to have a free hand to unlock the door. Sometimes the key only fits a door around the back of the house. Last week I went to show a vacant house and a tiny notation at the bottom of the listing indicated that the key in the lockbox on the front door only fit the back french doors. Oh no, I thought! The yard was full of muddy water and the grass hadn't been cut in at least 6 months! It was up to my waist. How's that going to work, I thought?
When I was done I had hitchhikers all over my pants, bites on my feet and mud oozing between my toes. It was gross!
Now, I don't mind getting dirty. But, I like to know ahead of time when I should bring my knee high goulashes to trudge through the muck. And I don't want to walk the dirt into someone else's home!
When we open the lockbox, we have to hang on to the insides of the lockbox and the key for the house.
To me, sometimes it can be a real juggling act. Now, if I had those extra hands, then it would be no 
problem at all.
Now I know it sounds like I'm whining...and that's really not my nature. I just know there must be a better way....Hmmm...let me think...perhaps pants with 6 or more pockets in them, a little portfolio bag to throw over my shoulder...ANYONE have a better idea?
I just wish someone would come up with an idea to help us REALTORS carry all of our items a bit more effortlessly.
that for you
It's all about pockets -- pockets in the pants, the vest, the shirt -- and if all else fails lots of clips. Clip to your pants, your vest, your shirt. Carry a clipboard and attach things to that nifty hole on the holder with a caribiner. I wonder if we could invent a nifty item just for realtors. . . . . ~Evelyn
a notebook within a brief case hung over your shoulder should do the trick no? you could attach your keys to any of the straps in there, so don't have to rummage for them. a pen in the slots, business card in business card holders, a pad with paper. and that's what I did as a LO and everything thing else I ould imagine I needed was in my car in my virtual office.
Sandy, there must be someone out there that has a carry all for Realtors. Let's go shopping GF.
I have a huge handbag which holds a notebook and/or clipboard with my pen attached, room for the flashlight and the card for the lockbox is on a lanyard around my neck. I often think about downsizing my suitcase of a handbag but then I'd have to carry all that stuff. I also make sure I always have pants with pockets, that is getting harder and harder since a lot of manufacturers don't put pockets in womens clothes. My cell phone is clipped to my waist and it's blue tooth so I'm always connected.
Hi Nancy, Hmm...a briefcase, I have to think on that one....that would put the stuff you don't need until you get into the house inside the bag, like the business cards, pen, paper and copy of the listing...you could attach your car keys to the outside, and have the lockbox key in your hand....hmmm..you might just have it there...I'll have to check into it. Thanks Nancy, I really appreciate it! Have a wonderful holiday!
Hi Sandy. I laughed while reading your post and know from the title you must have seen me fumbling around while on a showing ! I did forget my keys once or twice !
Hey Miss Evelyn, How are you today? I have to agree with you...it is all about the pockets. I typically try to remember to dress accordingly when I'm out showing property. I usually try to put everything in my pockets and alot of times it works. Then I know where each individual item is...and it doesn't get buried at the bottom of a bag I'm carrying. I like the clipboard idea too. We will have to put our heads together to come up with something. Because I know I'm not the only agent with this problem! I'll keep thinking about it.
Hey June, It almost feels like we're going on a camping trip sometimes doesn't it? It's crazy. I have tried the large handbag thing, and I always have to go digging at the bottom of it for the stuff I need. I like everything accessible. I like the lanyard around the neck and the clipboard idea. True your phone can be clipped on your hip (have to get a cover for mine to do that). You've got some great ideas! Thanks for sharing. And take care!
Hi Bill, I did see you fumbling...because that is EXACTLY me! I've forgotten things sometimes too! I knew I wasn't alone on this one! It's often times awkward. I have put my car keys on a large key ring (this wouldn't work well for men) and I slide it halfway up my arm so I don't have to carry them in my hand. But, I always find myself walking up the sidewalk of a home and out of the home too, doing a mental inventory of everything I'm supposed to have, to be sure I didn't forget anything! It's crazy sometimes! The next time I'm juggling while walking up the sidewalk to show a home, I'll think of you! Take care and happy home showing!
It's tough isn't it? It is quite something when carrying everything, answering questions from your buyer and getting in the home. I am with Evelyn - let's invent something nifty just for us! Kristin
I have this same problem very regularly - it always seems that I don't have pockets - I need to remember the pockets when I'm buying work clothes! Carrying a brief case while showing properties is not really practical, although, works great for listing appointments, etc.
Hey Kristin, Yes it is quite tough. I don't know that people realize that. And like you said, we have to still be answering questions and discussing the house and the area with our client. Boy, throw a screened door in there too, and you're trying to hold that with your foot...I feel like an acrobat! Well let's put our heads together and come up with something that will make our job a bit easier. Sounds great, I'm all for it!
Hi Hope, How are you today? I try to remember the pockets and usually do pretty well. The briefcase is great for listing appointments, but as you said it would not be practical for showings. Then you would be digging to the bottom of a briefcase at the front door...uh..oh...that would put me over the edge. I suppose multi tasking is just one of our jobs! We'll figure out something. Next front you go to, remember: you are not alone!
I feel the same way that you do - I would love to hear some great ideas also - I just love it when my son (which is on my team) goes with me and I just get to enjoy my clients and he takes care of everything else!
Norma, Hey there you go...it sounds like you've got it figured out...just take your son with you! I have 2 teenage daughters. I could bring them and they could do all of the extras and then I could enjoy my clients the way you do! I LOVE it! What a great idea! (However, I'm not sure they would go for it. Uh-oh! LOL) I knew that there had to be other agents that had the exact same obstacles as I do. We'll keep our ears open together for any great ideas!