Education, training, and ongoing research arecornerstones to an agent’s long-term success. Before agents can prove theirworth, they must make a stellar first impression. Much like cleaning up thefront yard of a house for sale, an agent’s personal “curbappeal” influences whether a potential client takes the relationship tothe next level. What do real estate agents wearfor success? Discuss some timeless facts every newbie should know.
One Opportunity to Make a First Impression
Agents have one opportunity to make a great firstimpression. Be clean, professional, and suitable for the venue and occasion.Always carry business cards and offer them to everyone you meet. Eachinteraction is a networking opportunity to connect with a future client. Dressfor success and use promotional tools wisely to promote your business.
Learn How to Blend
Defining the target audience is the first step indetermining the right wardrobe for a real estate agent. For example, an agentwho sells vacation properties would wear more casual clothing than onemarketing commercial properties. Agents in farming communities might wearjeans, which would not fit into a luxury market where buyers expect the highestlevels of service and professionalism. Agents who blend in with the targetmarket are more relatable and approachable.
Be Aware of Personal Hygiene
Always keep personal hygiene in mind. Keeptoothpicks, breath spray, and a comb handy for quick fixes betweenappointments. Avoid wearing heavy fragrances that could be offensive to peoplewith allergies. Maintain a tidy and classic appearance when meeting withclients. Keep your nails and hair well-groomed. While accessorizing is fun,choose conservative pieces for work, and wear the bold ones on the weekend.
Maintain a Professional Appearance
A real estate agent is a professional career, andyour attire should reflect this level of accomplishment and expertise.Traditional options include dress pants or slacks, blazers, cardigans, andblouses or shirts. Unless you work in a farm community, reserve jeans for freetime. Carry an attractive briefcase to keep technology and paperwork organizedon-the-go. Pay attention to details, such as repairing a ripped seam orreplacing worn heels on shoes.
What About Your Wheels?
Beyond hygiene and apparel, real estate agents needto travel to house showings, open houses, and closings. Having awell-maintained vehicle is an integral part of an agent’s tool kit and image. Arunning car is required to meet clients and show properties. Choose a vehiclethat reflects the typical buyer’s persona, such as a minivan for young parentsor a luxury car for high-end clients. Just like an agent’s wardrobe, the car should resonate with thetarget market’s lifestyle. While an agent’s car should fit into his or herbudget, it also needs to be relatable to typical clients.
A Day at the Office
Often real estate agents spend a day or two in theoffice to return phone calls, review leads and peruse the latest listings.Business casual is suitable these days because the agent should becomfortable, yet ready to interact withclients. Khaki pants, turtlenecks, jackets, and cardigans are all easy-goingways to remain professional while tackling routine office work. Of course,almost anything goes when an agent is working from home.
What to Wear to Show a House
Based on the area, an agent must be prepared for theterrain when showing houses. On rainy or snowy days, bring jackets, umbrellas,and boots. Agents showing waterfront properties might want to wear flat, closedshoes to avoid slipping. An agent showing a chicken farm would dressdifferently than one showing a city penthouse. Wear practical shoes to keep upwith clients who want to see multiple properties.
Appropriate Closing Day Apparel
Agents should fit in with the other professional team members atclosing, such aslawyers, bankers, and title agents. Stick to neutral colors and classic styles.Choose crisp shirts, quality suits, and conservative shoes. Be ready to sit ata table with well-dressed professionals who are prepared for business to gainyour client’s trust and make them feel comfortable about your abilities.
Know What Not to Wear
Besides knowing the right clothes, an agent shouldalso be aware of what not to wear to work. Avoid ripped jeans, leggings,workout gear, and t-shirts with graphic designs and lettering. Of course, theone exception would be the quality brandedapparel BetterHomes and Gardens® Real Estate affiliated agents can wear to meetings and giveto clients to promote their services.When newbies ask, “What do real estate agents wear?” the answer might notbe as simple as expected. Always be professional, keep the comfort zone of thetarget audience in mind, and be aware of the meeting venue. An appropriatelydressed agent inspires trust and respect to connect with more clients. Makesure you have proper “curb appeal” whenever youmeet with clients!
