Tools for buyers

Electronic devices make measuring easy.

When your buyers walk through a listing, they try to envision it as their home. They wonder if their dining-room set will fit, where the couch will go, or whether their favorite painting will fit over the mantel. Electronic measuring devices can help them answer some of those questions.

Tale of the (virtual) tape

When buyers wonder aloud if their sofa will fit along a wall, ask them how long it is. Then pull out your laser tape measure and, with the press of a button, they’ll know for sure how they can lay out the room.

The price, range, and features of electronic tape measures vary, but for around $25, you should be able to find a straightforward, battery-powered model that can handle a distance up to 50 feet. Most of these devices are the size of a large TV remote control, and many can add, subtract, and perform other computations with the linear measurements.

A new dimension in tools

Some ultrasonic tools can add another dimension—or two—to measurements by estimating the area or volume of a room. When your buyers ponder cosmetic changes to a listing, punching a few buttons can reveal if the spare tile in the garage would be enough to cover the entryway. Of course, you can use a linear-measuring tool to arrive at the same computations. But for a few dollars more, the tool itself will do almost all the work.

When you show homes to your clients, keep these tools in your glove compartment or briefcase for easy access. Or, if your buyers just closed on a “handyman special” with “lots of potential,” consider providing them with electronic measuring tools as a closing gift.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.