Showings are a very important part of a successful real estate business and you want to make a good impression. The car you drive is a big part of that impression, so it’s important to keep it looking and driving as great as possible. Here are some of the basics that you should look out for to make sure your car makes a great first impression.
Protecting the Paint
The paint job on your car is likely the first thing a client will notice, so it must look good. There are a variety of things you can do to help protect the paint on your car, like washing your car regularly, especially during the winter months. The salt that is used on roads to prevent iciness can be corrosive to paint, so it is important to get it off as quickly as possible. A ceramic coating makes washing your car easier in addition to providing another layer of protection for your car’s paint. Waxing your car can also provide protection. It is generally a good idea to park carefully as well so you don’t accidentally expose your car to a corrosive situation, like tree sap.
Crystal Clear Glass
Dirty windows are unattractive, but they can also make your car appear unsafe, especially if your view is blocked by dirty glass. The outside of your car windows will get dirty the most often, but it is also essential to make sure the inside is clean as well. Low-quality window cleaner can lead to streaks on your windows that can be distracting, especially when there is a glare from bright sunshine. Cleaning the windows is a pretty quick job and it is best done with a microfiber cloth and the old classic, soap, and water. Taking time to clean your windows regularly will ensure that they always shine for your clients.
A Dust-Free Interior
Dust seems to gather instantaneously, so taking care of dust regularly and right before driving clients around can help you to make a better impression. Even though dust is a pretty normal occurrence, it can make the impression that your car is dirtier than it is, so it is in your best interests to get it taken care of. Keeping a duster or microfiber cloth in your car can be a great way to make sure that you take care of dust as soon as it comes up and can spot clean easily whenever it is necessary. Dusting is a super easy step that can help you make a great impression.
Take the Garbage Out
Nothing is going to make a worse impression than having your client open the car door to see a pile of trash or a bunch of empty cups in the cup holders. By making sure that you always take out the trash, you can improve the look of your car and help to keep smells at bay. Having a good-looking reusable trash bag in your car is a great way to cut down on the trash and make your process a little bit easier. That being said, always make sure to empty your trash out of your car before taking any clients to showings.
What’s That Smell?
If your car smells bad, it will be an immediate turn-off for your clients. In many cases, you may be used to certain smells in your car that will be incredibly off-putting when your clients come around. Making your car smell good is all about balance, so make sure that you choose a method of air freshening that isn’t too strong. Using products that can fight bacteria in your car can also help with getting rid of bad smells. Don’t simply try to cover up smells, instead, keep your car clean and use an air freshener to brighten it overall.
Maintaining the Upholstery
The upholstery of your car is one of the harder but most important parts to maintain. Having a few rules in place for yourself can help to make the job a little easier, for example, try not to eat in your car so you can keep messes to a minimum. Seat covers are much easier to clean than the upholstery itself, so investing in a good-looking seat cover can be a great way to keep things looking great, and you can always toss it into your washing machine when it gets dirty. If your upholstery gets bad, having your car detailed is a great way to get it back into top form.
Get a Pass to a Carwash
The best thing you can do to help your car look good for your clients is to wash it regularly. Investing in a car wash pass can help to make the process easier and get you in the habit of regular washes. It’s a good idea to wash your car every two weeks or so, but if you notice it getting dirty before then, a carwash pass will make it easier to take care of the issue. If you go on a road trip, it is always a good idea to wash your car when you get back home since hours on the freeway can lead to a lot of messes.
Vacuum Regularly
Taking the time to vacuum your car can help with many aspects of its appearance and smell. Most car wash passes come with free access to car vacuums, so make sure to take advantage of that benefit. Vacuuming your car regularly can also help you to stay on top of messes so they don’t turn into bigger problems requiring more thorough cleaning. Make it a point to vacuum at least every other time that you get a car wash, more often if you spill something or notice it is getting messier.
Taking care of your car is helpful for a lot of reasons, and when you are using it to transport clients, it can positively affect your business. Make your car a priority so it looks as professional as you do. Doing this will help you to make a great impression on your clients and avoid ever being embarrassed by your car on the job.
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