09/01/2026
Back before Google Maps and smartphones, real estate agents would keep a Thomas Guide
A typical agent might:
* Look up the street or property address in the index.
* Find the corresponding page and grid coordinates.
* Trace a route between listings, open houses, comps, and appointments.
* Estimate mileage and driving time by following the streets on the map.
* Mark properties with a pen or highlighter—sometimes putting a lot of miles on the car in one day.
* Use different map pages to cover surrounding neighborhoods and find comparable properties.
The phrase “put some miles on this one” fits that era perfectly—an agent could spend an entire Saturday driving from house to house with the Thomas Guide sitting on the passenger seat. 🚗
