If a kid dressed up as a real estate agent for Halloween, what would they wear?
Dirty khakis? Sloppy golf shirts? Lots of cologne? Slip-on running shoes?
Is it still important or even necessary for a Realtor to dress well?
Considering that we are handling the largest investment that most people make, I think it is very important to demonstrate respect for that fact.
One way to show that you understand is through your personal appearance.
It’s a part of human nature to judge, and first impressions make up a large part of that overall assessment. I have always found it hard to recover, socially or professionally, after making a bad first impression.
Just as you are by the type of car you drive, you will be judged on your personal physical appearance. This can include such factors as personal hygiene, hair style, cosmetics, attitude and of course clothing.
Consumers are looking to hire you to do something that is really important and they are going to be judging every element of who you are.
I am a fan of jeans, dress shirt and sweater or sport coat around the office, a suit and open-collar shirt when working with clients, and a suit, shirt and tie when working on offers.
Having a wardrobe of contemporary clothes that are in good repair, clean, age-appropriate and generally well-fitting is the baseline for what should be acceptable.
I don’t really ‘get’ agents who feel the need to be known by their use of a specific item of clothing, but that is more of a marketing discussion.
If bank tellers who handle our checking accounts wear a shirt and tie, the least we can do is wear clean clothes. The most important thing to remember is that you want to appear the way your clients would expect, or the way the clients you want to have would expect, and it won’t be an issue.