I have been selling homes full-time in Austin for 12.5 years now. When I got my license, I was 26 years 
old, and I was hungry beyond belief. My business partner at the time was 21 years old, so we both wore suits (or at the very least, shirt and tie) most of the time, even during the hottest months of the year. This was part of our effort to appear older and more experienced, as I recall.
With the exception of special events such as weddings and funerals, I haven't worn a tie in roughly 10 years. Why not? Because I DON'T LIKE THEM. We have had record-high temperatures in Austin this year for several weeks running, peaking in the 107-degree range a couple of days. The thought of wearing a hot, long-sleeved shirt and tie, especially with a jacket, makes me a little woozy now.
Instead, you are much more likely to find me in a polo shirt and either jeans or khakis. I like being comfortable, and I have more than enough knowledge about this industry. In other words, I don't need to try to prove anything by wearing a double-breasted suit (yes, I did that too back in the day). That being said, I rarely wear t-shirts outside of the house. Something about my prep school upbringing makes this difficult for me.
I am thankful to be self-employed, and even more thankful to live in Austin, which is probably the most casual big city in Texas. I haven't been able to bring myself to wear shorts and sandals for showings.....yet. However, I have encountered agents who do this regularly, especially those who specialize in ranch or waterfront properties.
I typically advise my agents that it's best to be dressed just a little nicer than our clients. If they are wearing shorts, jeans will probably suffice. If they are wearing jeans, wear something slightly dressier. If they are wearing a suit, you must rent a tuxedo. If they are nude, wear a bathing suit. Of course, I am kidding about the last two. I can't remember which sales trainer I heard mention this rule of thumb, but it has served me well over the years. Generally speaking, the vast majority of our clients wear VERY casual clothing when viewing homes, unless they are coming straight from work.
The bottom line: If you are looking for a button-down, 1950's-style real estate agent, I don't really fit that bill. If you want a real estate broker who cares passionately about his clients and strives to make the process as easy as possible, give me a call! Who knows? I might even wear a tie if you request it, assuming I can find a jacket that fits. :)
Thanks for reading!
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I agree. I try to dress professionally, but that can include business casual. Yet, for some clients I wear suits only.
Jason - this is always a great topic and I expect, and hope, it will generate a lot of debate. Opinions vary widely, as do local customs. some areas are far more casual than others. The rule of thumb you mention is relevant to lots of businesses - I heard it in the corporate world often.
Jeff
The only people wearing suits and ties these days are politians and lawyers. It makes them look more 'respectable' I guess . . .
Like you, I'm not much for suits. For me, suits are mandatory when representing a client in a courtroom, but not when selling property.
I love fancy flip flops and sandals as I'm not much of a shoe person. I guess growing up at the beach left me preferring bare feet.
Vickie - I guess I am thankful that I haven't felt the need to wear an actual suit with clients since about 1998 or thereabouts. I have closed a good number of high-dollar sales, and those clients were among the most casual of all!
Jeff - I will be interested to see the response to this one. Austin is one of those uber-casual places, so that makes it easier to pull it off. Thanks for your input!
Carla - Good point! I think that was part of the reason that we originally dressed that way - to give the "appearance of experience", if you will. By the way, I just coined that phrase. Feel free to steal it. :)
Christine - Makes sense to me about the bare feet! If I were appearing in court, I would dress up a bit more. :)
Jason: I have to agree... I used to wear ties all the time and really didn't like them so I bought real estate related and funny ties... after awhile, they just hand in the closet... Only for functions or something big do I pull them out. I may even add a tie coat..
Hi Jason, I think you've got the right idea. I laughed out loud yesterday at an advertisement for a home inspector because his photo showed him in a business suit, complete with tie. I'm pretty sure he doesnt dress like that for the inspections.
Mountain Realtors will dress differently than those in the city, and than those on the beach...as long as our clothes are clean, and we wear a professional attitude- it's all good!
Jason when I first entered real estate I used to be dressed in suits a carry over from prior career. After a while I joined the others in a more casual appearance. They also thought me that I needed proper boots for the winter.
Based on the initial meeting with a client I might determine a suit is appropriate.
Hi Jason,
It must be nice to live somewhere that is warm all the time. In my area a shirt and tie (if not a suit) is more standard than you would think. I do however have summer house showing outfits. It gets hot up here in the summer!
I saw a young woman walking down the street in my beach community yesterday in a nice dress and heels, and she looked so ridiculously out of place I wondered what she was doing. It made me reflect on how casual and informal our community is. I seriously could never go back to corporate attire. And I understand young people, especially in California, are refusing to "dress up" for work. Customs are slowly changing.
Jason: once in a blue moon I'll wear a tie. It seems like ties are passe right now...not that I care but I agree that in a climat like yours and mine they cramp your style. I haven't worked with nude clients yet though. I won't wear jeans though. I would if I was a cowbow-ranch-Real Estate agent. Not sloppy would be one way to go.
I am soooo glad you said this! I hate the idea of having to wear a shirt and tie every time I go into the office or have a showing for my clients. I have to be professionally dressed at least 175 days of the year as a teacher, and let me tell you, I'm not overly fond of wearing a tie every day at school either (glad I can wear sweaters from time to time, as it does get cold up here).
In the early 90's when I started in real estate I went to work for an old school broker who had his license, oh before the beatles stepped on American soil, it was suit and tie and the ladies in the office wore heals and hose. I laughed at them, since most of our lake property lookers were in cut off jeans and flip flops. I don't wear cut off jeans and flip flops to work, but most summer days you can see my toes and there are not more ties and jackets or hose and heels. Dress code casual, exceptions MAY be made for closings. *says so right in the Policy Book. I love your post.
Well, there does not seem to be much disagreement with your post. Out in the wilds of Northern California where we also have seen triple digit summer heat I also wear khakis or jeans and a polo shirt. Something loose and comfortable. Half the time I'm either tromping around in some back yard that looks like a field (REO) or wish I was showing a barn ;-). Fun post.
I hate to wear suits myself !! I totally get it but I do try to dress nicely. Never been out with clients in jeans, that would not be appropriate.But there are some companies in my area that insist their agents have a formal dress code.. what a pain
I had better chime in so that the other side gets some airplay. I would rather see agents in suits (or other corporate type attire) than in more casual attire. I realize that this doesn't work for everyone or every location and that you can be a professional w/o a suit or tie but I also know that first impressions count and people do treat us differently based on the way we dress. In relatively conservative WI, if someone is going to help someone spend hundreds of thousands of dollars they are often going to expect them to dress professionally. When I was in sales, friends would often say, don't get dressed up just to show us homes. But I reminded them - I was also dressing up in case the seller was home etc. I didn't want the neighbor to have to guess who was the buyer and who was the agent.
Beyond what clients think, I also know that many times we work differently depending on the way we dress. On the very odd days that I wear jeans to work (when I washed agents' cars for a contest, for example) my demeanor is very different. If an agent is struggling to make contacts every day, I suggest that they try coming to the office in a suit, it might make the difference! Of course, that's after they receive some relevant coaching etc.
For those agents in different climates and environments, I say whatever works for your business is great. For agents in my office, especially those working the front desk, I say - please dress up!
BTW - I think some of the best agents in the industry probably never wear a tie - and probably some of your clients would be shocked if you showed up in a tie - it doesn't fit your demeanor!
Roland - I actually thought you might be a suit and tie guy yourself, because of your profile picture. I used to have a pic on my business card with me in a suit and tie, but I scrapped it when I realized that clients would never see me in person looking that way.
Mary - That would make me laugh, too! It's funny to think of an inspector crawling under a home, or up on a roof wearing a full suit.
Jennifer - I suppose I could see that happening in theory (deciding that it was appropriate to wear a suit), but it hasn't happened yet!
Sal - Actually, that doesn't surprise me. Even Dallas and Houston are more formal, and you are more likely to encounter someone in a suit.
Deborah - The same thing is happening here in Austin. Most young people that I know wear clothes like mine to work. Cool!
Lloyd - I wear jeans sometimes, but usually not for an initial meeting with a client. I agree with you - ties cramp our style!
William - That would grate on me after awhile. I am happy that it's not a requirement for me.
Tammy - Good for you, my friend! Wear something that makes you feel presentable yet comfortable, in my humble opinion.
Jeff - Sounds like you and I dress very much alike. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Rama - I think jeans are utterly appropriate with some clients, but Austin is exceptionally casual. I guess things like this vary widely by region.
Becky - Thanks for your input. I understand your opinion on this, and I can see that it has value, especially for newer agents. Here in Austin, it's so laidback that it really seems more out of place to dress up too much, especially in warm months. When it's really cold here (rare), I have been known to wear a nice jacket, but NO TIE.
For what it's worth, my business partner and I sold two multi-million dollar homes a couple of years ago - they were 2 of the top 10 highest sales in our market. I wore jeans several times with those clients. :)
I love this post. The clothes dont make the man and it wont make you a better salesman. My broker feels its important, but I am not that way at all. I do think its good to look professional, but that does not mean a suit. Its like driving that expensive car... its in image. Unfortunately, it is very important to some people shopping for a Realtor or Mortgage guy. If its important to them, I may not be their guy either.
I say stick with casual formal. Don't wear a beer t-shirt, but still keep it professional. Like, maybe a beer t-shirt with some nice dress pants. J/K...keep it formal, but be comfortable!
Whenever I see a person dressed in a suit and tie, I basically go running for the hills.
Jason, I have my "uniform". Blazer, shirt etc., same as my profile picture. I'll take the tie off and roll up the sleeves on a hot day, otherwise, everything's on.
I often wear jeans....I think my expertise is what they "buy"! If I can't "sell" myself with my experience and ideas..wearing a suit isn't going to do it. I actually think less of someone who I see showing my open houses in a suit.
I often wear jeans....I think my expertise is what they "buy"! If I can't "sell" myself with my experience and ideas..wearing a suit isn't going to do it. I actually think less of someone who I see showing my open houses in a suit.
I often wear jeans....I think my expertise is what they "buy"! If I can't "sell" myself with my experience and ideas..wearing a suit isn't going to do it. I actually think less of someone who I see showing my open houses in a suit.
Jason - I left a large firm almost 10 years ago. My typical dress is a button down shirt, sports coat, jeans and cowboy boots. I rarely don a tie - except for developer meetings, speaking engagements, etc. With the business casual look, I have found that my customers are more open and direct with me. Great post...
Slack pants, nice Top and good shoes (the hidden dangers of REO's). No patience for dresses in Real Estate. It's about practicality and comfort, with a regard for presentation.
thank you for the creative topic.
Oh, good. Then if I move over there would you hire me? I don't wear suits or high heels. I make sure I can run around quickly... :) :)
I've noticed that people tend to feel more comfortable talking to me when I am more casually dressed.
Jason, it all with what your comfortable with. I agree with being up one. Remolding many of properties here in New Orleans I have torn up many $100 slack since Hurricane Katrina. I still preferr a coat and blazer. That is just me and what I think most of my client are used to. Been in business like you over 24 years. I still like my ties.
Fortunately, independent contractors may dress as they please. Some, however, take the casual dress too far.
Jason
I agree that "professional image" is dictated by climate. In Florida for example, few Brokers or agents are wearing suits in the hot humid temperatures. But conversely, I have seen some better suited for the beach than for a showing.
"I typically advise my agents that it's best to be dressed just a little nicer than our client" AMEN !!!! I struggle with this . I love to be comfortable but I also know you need to be "one step above" I think as a female sometimes this can mean jewelry, great hair and a well put together face as well. Oh I hate a suite in the Summer. Great topic !
Jason,
I agree, clothes don't make the man or woman. Appropriate attire for your market and your duties for the day are far more important than wearing the power clothes in an attempt to make yourself look more "professional." I've worked with many clients who know my love for shoes and are delighted when I kick them off to show a house or tour a large yard.
Jason,
I'm with you. Ever since I left "Corporate America" for real estate, the only time I wear a tie is funerals and weddings. Now, to give you an idea how old I am...I probably wouldn't wear "dungarees" with a client.
Rich
I don't wear heels or hose or suits. We have a few guys in town who wear ties, even the whole shebang at times. The towns surrounding the main town I work in are mostly second home market luxury homes, and not one of the agents that work there wear ties. I guess it really does depend on the customs of where you are.
I believe that was Floyd Wickman who said you always should dress one notch above what your clients wear.
Jason...
It's important for you to be comfortable, but even more important for your client to feel comfortable with you! That's where the magic lies!
I'm with you. When I was growing up in Detroit, all the guys who worked for GM (engineers) had to wear white shirts and ties. I'm so glad that stuff is behind us. I feel like I am being strangled to death when I where I tie. Slowly.
I see nothing wrong with business casual. I have noticed many younger agents in cargo pants and rumpled jeans, collarless t shirts, which do not make a good first impression.
Back in my car selling days, I would RUN fron anyone dressed to the hilt on an off day. If you are trying to impress me, it's for a BAD reason....
I have found that Khakis and a button down shirt work best, and I am in the affluent suburbs of New York. I know many licensees who do the suit or tie thing, but I'm with you. Since most peple don't wear a suit in their home, I'm usually dressed a little nicer than they are, which is key. Also, I have a blazer of I need to step up.
I HATE ties.
Jason, congrats on getting another feature (twice in this case!)
I'm not a suit/tie guy either. A suit/tie guy showing up makes me want to hold on to my wallet! I don't want to be that guy. I wear a tie for weddings, funerals, a formal party, and pictures.
Comfortable clothing is mandatory. First meeting I will dress a little nicer and then appropriate to season. Yesterday I wore flipflops, fancy schmancy ones, and a casual dress. It is 100+ here, 2nd showing of a home where they do not have the a/c on. Appropriate to the situation, always neat and tidy.
Jason, You wouldn't see a Realtor in Hilton Head wearing a suit--always a golf shirt. Plus, we'd all melt from the heat.
Jason - I came back around today to see if I was still in the minority - and I am! It would be interesting to see the results organized by geographical location, although the propensity towards casual wear does seem to be from all over.
I certainly appreciate the sentiment of dressing one notch better than your clients. I would also be curious to know - in the more casual areas of the country, what does your broker wear? I rarely see any management in my family owned company of 1000 plus agents in anything but corporate dress.
Congrats on the feature!
Clearly a great feature, Jason. You got a double dashboard - something I've not seen. How many points is that worth?
P.S. You are welcome to delete this...
Becky - Thanks for stopping back by. To answer your question, I AM the broker!
Jason, I think the dress code varies depending on the area of the country, the client, the category of property you are selling (entry level single family home or luxury). In Texas with our blazing summer heat a suit and tie almost seems ridiculous 99% of the time. Casual shirts, business casual seems most appropriate. In the winter months, for a high end sale, blazer with no tie is cool. I have run around at open houses with just a dress shirt and tie, but it is so hot in the summer I have to stay in the air conditioning to not sweat like a pig, so I can definitely relate to everything you are saying.
Jason:
Good post. I own a small firm in New York City, Commodore Property Group, and my dress varies with my mood, my client and the weather. In NYC we spend a lot of our time walking, so the rain and snow pose the biggest challenge when it comes to wardrobe. I wish I lived in a town where shorts and Reefs where an option!
Best,
Rich
CPG & Jason:
My team tries to be 'professional' - but I'd rather die than wear a tie myself (lol). We dress to match our marketing presence: which is young, fun, lgbt friendly but knowledgable. Its not the look that everyone in NYC and the boroughs area are up for - but that's ok...we'd rather work with the young, fun, lgbt friendly and knowledgable as well -
While showing the other day, a client told my partner that she was so happy to be working with us - the last agent she used was stuffy and not personable at all. I think alot of the 'image' we show with our dress reflects our personality - which is what attracts and keeps clients...
While I was a realtor in Northern Virginia, I dressed in suits or pant suits with heels. But, not here in Lewisburg WV. The dress code is very different, most wear casual clothes or jeans. I, of course, love the dress code.
I have a lot of blood under my fingernails from having this very discussion with previous Broker Managers.
I'm not far from Austin - I'm in Tulsa. Our high today is only 97-degrees, but it will be 105-degrees tomorrow. I may wear panty hose to church, but not to work. Most ladies now wear capris and attractive tops and sandals - dress it up with a necklace and earrings. I would never go on a listing appointment in shorts, but I certainly have shown properties in shorts. Getting in/out of a car, showing vacant homes that may/may not have the utilities on -- it is simply unrealistic to expect us to wear clothes that require dry cleaning. I have shown $300,000 properties wearing nice shorts & a sleeveless, cotton top -- same thing my Buyers were wearing.
And, I don't wear make-up either. Lipstick only. Call me the hot Realtor rebel!
Jason - Amen! As an escapee of the corporate world in a previous life, I abhor wearing suits anymore except for special occasions.
As a mortgage gal on the left coast (and beach community), I wear business casual. In the cooler seasons I wear long pants and skirts (no hose) with blouses and in the warmer seasons I will often wear nice t-shirts and capris with cute strappy sandals.
Quite often, this is a tad better dressed than most of my clients.
Jason -
I dress clean cut & dressy casual. If that offends somebody - too bad. I typically wear golf shirts and khaki pants.
I HATE TIES!
Super post! I agree with you 100% though I will admit that in the 100's I do wear dress shorts and a nice polo shirt but otherwise nice jeans or dockers and always a polo or short sleeve dress shirt. I never have been a suit person though I am know to dress up for a closing where my clients promptly exclaim; WHO DIED? Good one! But hey, I had that coming. That's what I get for not raising the bar, lol!
Hey, if we ever meet for lunch, I won't look for the guy all gussied up and duded out!
Amen Amen Amen!!! I believe that an agent should dress for the market they serve. I work in a rural resort market and my clients think I am weird if I am not dressed like them! In the summer sweltering heat of central Texas that means capris or shorts (not hot pants...that would just be frightening to many people) and a polo shirt. I worked for a broker back in the day that hammered a pantyhose dress code and I actually showed a goat ranch in a dress, hose and heals and got goosed by the dang goats!!! NEVER again! I don't care what people say about professional dress in this business...it is market driven! Good for you for ditching the suit! I don't ever wear hose...even to weddings!!! YUCK!!!!
Jeani
Hey, Jason. I am there with you on this one. I don't believe I have ever worn a tie to show.
Thanks and I hope that you and your family have a wonderful 4th, Jim
I always coveted those Hawaii agents in their flowered shirts and shorts!! For settlements I definately don the tie, but for office meetings only on occasion. Polos and dress pants are fine. But even so the tie sometimes makes me get in the frame of mind and work harder. :)
If I know I'm going to be giving a presentation or knocking on doors, I like to wear a shirt and tie. I never wear a suit coat. Otherwise it's slacks and a golf shirt.
Great Post! I too dressed to impress when I got started at 23, but not at first. I would always wear a nice shirt and pants. Then one day I went on a listing appointment and the seller asked if I was there to sell girl scout cookies, that's when the suits and nicer "more grown up" clothes came into play. However after eight years and no longer looking like a girl scout I wear what's comfortable.
Jason,
Fellow Texan here. We just had an expert from Washington, D.C. give us the dress one step up from your client speech. I concur but how do you know how they are going to dress on first meeting?
JK.
Brenda - The short answer is - you don't. I think business casual is fine for any initial meeting, but that's just me.
Jason, here in Panama City Florida it is too hot for a suit and tie, I have not worn a tie one single time since I got in the business, wore a sport coat once when I was a panelist for Gary Keller. I agree that we need to dress for the customer. Our area is so laid back that a suit and tie would seem weird. On the other hand, my friend and mentor, I have never seen him without a tie, ever
Love this post! I live and work at the beach and you won't find me in a suit or tie! You can display confidence and professionalism in shorts and flip flops. You just really need to know what you're talking about if you're going to try and pull it off with someone in a suit. If I don't get the sale because of what I'm wearing there's bigger issues to point to...
I mix it up, depending on the client. Most are casual and don't mind my casual appearance. I have had the occasional need for the monkey suit, however. Great post. Happy 4th! Md
I think this is very good advice. It is an issue that meets some opposition with certain agents in my office, but I've found it easier to develop friendships with my clients if I'm not dressed up all stuffy. I know flip flops are frowned on, but sometimes they work better than stilettos when showing property. I wouldn't wear those as a rule of thumb, but today I can probably get away with it.
Here I am with my jeans, shoes with no socks, and an Izod not tucked in....wondering why did I ever take picture with a sport coat on? I guess it is hard to shed the old school "Dress for Success" that was pushed in my brain in the 80's. I do tell many what I wearing what I am wearing now so they will be prepared; but, I am not so sure that is necessary. I went to a closing yesterday and jeans with a client that was voted CFO of the year, and I was dressed better than him (he was moving furniture).
Now you are making have to go get a photographer and take another picture. Argghhhh. Darn you!
Thankfully, selling in a Resort area, we get to be very casual...and I LOVE it. Suits scare me. :-)
BTW Congrats on your 100th feature!
This is a great post. New Orleans in the summer (June-August) routinely has 95-100 degree days and 90%+ humidity (from about May to September) and wearing a suit is just not something any sane person wants to do. I worked for a company about 10 years ago selling something door to door and the company policy required me to wear my suit jacket whenever I was speaking to a potential client. It was August and I quit by about lunchtime. I think the cleaners told me the suit was a loss.
I even remember interviewing with a very successful broker who showed up to the interview in shorts. I was in a shirt and tie. The interview went well but when I got up to leave he told me "Don't ever wear a tie again when you meet with me."' This guy has several multi-million dollar listings and is the guy movie stars call when they are looking for a home in New Orleans.
I am not much for dressing up either. I dress up for closing and the first time I meet a client and then dress more casually- if they are too. I do not feel that comfortable in super dressy clothes. In the summer my feet almost never get confined to shoes and usually wear nice flip flops.
I usually wear a button up or polo and jeans or Khacki pants.
I don't own a suit and won't wear one. I agree 100% with your philosophy! A suit does not a good Realtor make, knowledge, capability and caring are what counts.
Richard - Thanks very much for noticing that! Technically, this is #101, because one of my favorite featured posts was lost and never retrieved over a year ago. I need to attempt to re-create that one. :)
5 days a week in the shirt and tie, Saturdays jeans and usually touring farms, land, woodlots or camps. Got licensed in 1980 at 23 and have never regretted the last 29 years of listing, marketing, selling real estate like you Jason. What would you be doing as a second love that would not feel like work if not real estate is an interesting questions or what folks did prior that lead to this job as Joe or Josephine Realtor?
I'm a suit guy myself, but whatever works - The most important thing is an agent that takes great care of his clients, which I know you do!
Have a great 4th!
Dan
I live in a rural/recreational area, where I can show a house, then a 160 acre undeveloped land parcel, and then a lot on a water access only Island, all within a 2 hour timeframe. Jeans and slip on walking shoes are my staples!
I'm like you; when I first started I was in a suit for EVERY meeting with a customer or showing. The 90-100 degree humid summers didn't make me want to continue that. I think agents should be dressed appropriately for the occassion. If you are showing properties on land and you have to walk around I'd say jeans & sneakers & maybe a polo shirt would be great. I expect my agents to wear what looks professional which usually is considered 'business casual' here. And Fridays if we don't have appointments then jeans are fine. I'm sure this varies greatly due to region but we're in SW Florida near the beach so....
Scrolling through the comments above I think it is funny how many agent's photos depict them in a SUIT but they clearly state that they don't wear SUITS. LOL; don't be afraid to show yourself how you really are. I wouldn't want someone to say "Oh, I didn't recognize you - I thought you'd be in a suit" if I was wearing something more casual. Now I change my hair often so people usually say something about that :)
love this! you're right. now here's the thing, i've never worn suits. it's just not me. i figure sales people have a bad rap as it is so i try to be as much of me as possible. i find that my clients dont care what i wear but how geniune i am and how much i care about them. i think it makes them more comfortable when they have someone representing them who looks and acts just like them.
I'm with you Jason - I'm in south FL - the heat and humidity are terrible this time of year. The Agents in ties - or even suits - just look foolish because they're so uncomfortable!
THAT isn't professional at all.
Jason, I agree with you. I also think it depends on the product or property you are selling. I sell some recreation property in shorts and a t-shirt...
Amen!!! The humidity is so bad here in North MS, just thinking about getting dressed up to show property makes me sweat dewey. If you are dressed up around here, you are either the undertaker or politician (and some of them don't wear suits).
I hear some people saying you can't wear this or that because you should "dress professionally". What does that even mean? A professional is "one who has great skill or experience in a particular field or activity." (Tormont Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary) I guess I am lucky that I have not run across a client who is so shallow that my way of dressing affects their impression of me.
I wear jeans and a nice top. When I first started out, yes, I wore skirts and maybe a dress or two. But for some reason I just don't anymore. Too hot here as well. I won't ever shorts though.
HI Jason,
I don't like wearing ties either... :) I do like to wear professional attire, and I keep it simple. Just enough to look like I am doing business, but not too much that I look like I am snobby. It works for me, and that's all I need. :)
Jason - I would never trust a man who started every day tying a noose around his neck!
I wear jeans almost every day. They are neat and clean, and most of the time I wear practical shoes. I've been known to wear "Juneau tennies" which is what we call X-Tra Tuff's! Even when I do dress up, I dress for comfort.
Yup I'm all for dressing for the whatever is the style in ones area of the country. I started in 1987 and did wear suits back them but I don't remember when that ended - probably when I moved to Phoenix 1993. It's more laid -back and relasced here. And it's HOT folks. Anybody wearing a suite when it's 110 - is an attorney in court.
PS We don't even wear our formal 'suit' in the summer here. You all know by now we really do wear Banana Suits - really! Now that's a suit that gets a lot more atention and marketing bang than a noose aound the neck.
Happy 4th of July Jason!
Around here most dress pretty casual, but that is the town's atmosphere for the most part. Some agents are certainly more polished than others, but I really think you have to dress in a way that fits your personality and local situation. You just don't feel comfortable or feel like yourself when you are dressed in a way that doesn't compliment you or make you feel good.
I dress for success. I wear a suit these days about two days a week. What is important to me is the fit - a right one for each occasion. Power lunch - best suit starched white or blue shirt silk tie. New client - maybe leave off the coat and tie.
Casual business works for me, dress slacks, jeans if it's sign day, again it is all in the fit.
I don't think my clients care much what I wear - they know I'm looking out for their interests and get results. They are just glad to see me actually in person.
4th of July, Let's celebrate Independence Day! I'm working; nice house open for a couple hours, maybe in pressed shorts and a golf shirt.
My husband absolutely hates to wear a tie. If he has to wear a coat, he wears a mock turtle neck. I have never understood why men would wear such an uncomfortable thing as a tie
This picture might have been the last time I wore a tie. I like a good suit it's just that our weather here, like your's, dictates otherwise. There are plenty of people here who wear them but I don't know how they do it without becoming a walking "wet sponge".
Jason,
Our weather is just not conducive for a guy in a suit & tie. Relaxed casual is the motto for most professional agents I deal with. I agree with you; try and dress up more than your clients. Relaxed casual does not mean baseball caps, flip fops, T-shirts and shorts. Somehow I think you loose credibility with your clients. You are there to advise and lead them through an important process not hang out on appointments.
Dressing presentable and neat is acceptable. Clients will relate to you quicker and warmer if you meet them on an even plain. Over dress for the first timers and they become intimidated. Under dress for the sellers in the mac mansion and they'll call the next agent. Act professional and caring and you can please anybody.
Jason - well this certainly sparked some interesting discussion, as the issue has always done. not unlike the question of what kind of car to drive. Decided to pop back and see what folks has to say. I always try to dress one notch up, especially when I am not sure about who I am meetingl I do, however, typically wear a tie when going on the listing presentation. In that setting I figure being a little overdressed is not an issue.
Jeff
Nice shirt, button up or polo usually with company logo, jeans or khaki's. That'sme. The last time I wore a tie was for the picture I am using here. I am Waaaaaaayy more comfortable with out it.
Thanks for the post, very good!
I hate having to dress up and am also much more comfortable in casual attire. I think it is definitely a good rule of thumb to be dressed just slightly nicer than you think your clients will dress. This way you still appear professional, but can be much more comfortable during the day.
I think one of the things that I found most striking was how many people mentioned that they never wear a tie, yet their profile picture would indicate otherwise. I used to have the same type of picture on my card until last year, when I switched to a brown polo shirt pic on my card. It's more indicative of the type of clothes I will likely be wearing if we meet in person.
Jason,
I feel your pain, sometimes I have to wear a suit, except we call them surf trunks. I was wearing my suit windsurfing the other day and pick up some clients. Then there are board meeting that I wear a suit. I was surfing this winter wearing my suit and pick up a commercial listing. So there you go, we do what we have to do.
Steve
Jason - For the first decade that I was in this business, I was hanging around a swim and tennis club for a great deal of the time. More often than not, my "business suit" was a warmup suit. It wouldn't be uncommon for me to meet at client's homes dressed that way. However, when my clients weren't from the club, I would usually try to dress a little differently;-)
I agree with what Steven Nickens wrote. Currently, I hang out at a health club, and fish more clients out of the Jacuzzi in a swim suit, than most any other type of clothing:-)
Yayyy!
My clients know what they're getting when they are referred to me... a hard worker that will get their deal done, NOT a fashionista!
I've lived in Florida all my life...I've worked the corporate suit and panty-hose jobs, and that's why I'm not there anymore!
Actually, during the summer you're just as likely to see us in shorts, in fact, that's how I first got into the mortgage business so many years ago... I was buying my first house and my mortgage broker showed up in madras shorts and I said "is your company hiring?" and the rest is history!
Andy Tolbert
The "Blue Jeans Broker"!
Jason: I think that's o.k. Granted, I would hope if you were meeting in a downtown office building with a professional (think fianncial advisor, etc.), you would dress the part. The key is to look and act professionally. I remember when I first started in this business I was waiting for a realtor at his office. Another realtor walked in in shorts, tee shirt and flip-flops. I'm sure this realtor may have been a good one. But the first impression was way too casual. Thanks for the post!
WOW! 101 Comments before me on this one!
Nice topic - though I admit I skimmed most reponses. I have seen some similar blogs in the Stager groups where they discuss "selling style" and "artistic appearance"... And it makes my head hurt to think about working that way. Another Stager could not believe I was going onsite at a home in jeans and tshirt: it was for a hands-on moving job, so I was essentially a glorified furniture mover. What did they think I would wear to such a job? Black dress pants and a black shirt, buttoned up to the top? I don't think so...
Maybe it's the Austin atmosphere or maybe it's a result of shaving and wearing a tie every day from 1996 to 1998, but I'm with you! I only shave every other day, and in this weather I only wear shorts. I have adopted a "uniform" of sorts made up of emroidered polo shirts and dark colored carpenter's shorts. If homeowners want pretense in their home stager, than I am sure some one else will oblige them. I show up ready to work.
P.S.: What's wrong with Double-breasted suits? Every good Italian has 3-4 of them in their closet.
Hi Jason,
When i was in the financial world, I had to wear suits, heels, the whole niine yards. Then I went into high tech where shorts, jeans, tees, etc. are normal. Talk about culture shock! I just found a nice middle ground and have learned to stay there. It's gotten me through meetings with elected officials and school teachers, and makes me more approachable yet seem like someone to trust.
Go with your gut, but try not to wind up on "What Not to Wear!"
I'm glad I am not the only one who feels this way. I have had clients tell me they feel more comfortable with a Realtor in more casual gear. But it really depends on the clientele. You really have to go with you clienteles desires, or choose you clientele based on your wants and needs, but be congruent whichever way you go.
We have to parallel our clients on many levels. Attire is another characteristic that can sometimes seal a deal.
Dress smart, not like a smarty pants.
Jason,
When I sold RE in NY I wore a suite and tie sometimes but usually it was when it was during the winter...it gave me an excuse to break out all the suits I own from when I worked in the city. In FL I occasionally will wear hem if its a meeting with a client on a big project or just a tie and a shirt....but usually it's slacks and some sort of golf looking shirt or jeans and button down shirt. The other reason I wear suits is I'm just so too good looking!:))
Jason, I listed a subdivision and sat the model homes for 2.5 years. I started out wearing slacks, dress shirts and a tie. I ended up wearing shorts.jeans and polo shirts. None of it made any difference for sales only for my personal comfort.
I plan what I'm wearing according to my schedule for the day. If I'm showing high-end property my look is dressier. If I'm attending inspections it's more business casual. My goal is to make sure my clients are comfortable with my style and I'm comfortable in my style.
Impressive exposure, Jason. First you got double-exposure on the feature board yesterday, and today you get kicked to the top of it. What's your secret?
I'm with you Jason! I don't wear dresses and heels very often and much prefer the laid back style of Northern Nevada. I particularly enjoy the summers where most often you'll find me in a pair of capri pants, a nice shirt, and my penny loafers!
Jason, you summed it up very nicely!! I often have clients (with money) that fly in from out of town and they show up in shorts and sandals. Being in Florida, they are enjoying what they usually don't get back north. A shirt and tie would be overkill for me. Nice pair of jeans and a sporty short sleeve shirt works just fine for me.
My profile picture since December shows me in my more natural look... big smile and casual clothes. I showed a property today in jeans... If is pretty hot here, too... Maybe in San Francisco I could wear a suit.
I say wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable! I wouldn't wear shorts though, but that is just me.
I say wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable! I wouldn't wear shorts though, but that is just me.
While I don't think that a suit and tie is necessary these days, I do think that dressing in a professional manner is important. The world has gotten all to casual I think in so many ways. I see people in church wearing flip flops and short shorts and low necklines. There's a time and a place for everything and when you want to present yourself as a professional I do think it's necessary to dress professionally.
Patricia Aulson
I'll chime in with the above that state: dress professional, doesn't need to be a suit and tie... I must admit, I have 1 suit, it's in the closet and has been for years. Dude, I'm a bachelor and have been (also for years)... I don't wear suits... I hate em... They are not comfortable... I am so envious of those tall and lanky dudes that suits hang so fine on, and they look just so cool... (you know, like James Bond)... I'm 5' 4", I look like an Orangutan when I wear a suit...
Being a bachelor... wash n' wear is totally protocal... I love style, but when you're working, function rules!
Jason,
I am a shirt and tie guy on the rare day when it is too hot in Ky i don't wear one just something i started out doing when i first got in real estate i guess shirt and tie is my identity there is a Realtor in Louisville who wear a hat as her identity whatever works i guess?
I Jason~ I have to admit, I love seeing men in well tailored suits! But, that is beside the point. I wear a suit very rarely. It just depends on what I am working on. It gets way too hot here to even think about wearing hose, and forget the heels!
I usually "dress up" for the first meeting with a new client. ...........the whole "first impression" thing makes a difference I think. After that though, I use what they were wearing as a barometer. Some clients become almost like family and with those I feel perfectly comfortable in flip flops :-) but definitely not until I get to know them pretty well.
Great blog post I must agree I am often times in jeans rarely I will wear dress pants, but either wear nice jeans with a dressy top or vice versa. Being in Orlando it's pretty hot and laid back.
Many guys are saying "I hate ties" but the ladies need to come out and say "I hate pantyhose" Seriously, it is a tortious "invention."
Thankfully, we Oregonians tend to be a laid back people. Business casual is the norm here.
DC tends to be a little more formal - women are still wearing dresses and nice pants while men frequently wear coats and ties - and not just to settlements. i think it does depend on what and where you sell.
If I wanted to wear suits and dress up I would have stayed in the corporate world. Living in Japan for two years in that humid climate and having to wear suits and business attire every day drove me crazy!
My broker wants us to dress professionally all the time; we have a rule that we can't be in the office more than 15 minutes if we're wearing jeans. Once in a while the photocopied page out of the office manual regarding dress code shows up in our boxes, and every time that happens I just know it's aimed at me.:)
My office is 4 minutes from home; if I'm going to meet a client, I run home and change into something nice(as in business casual). But if I'm in the office running a CMA or sending e-mails I will not dress up just for that. I have another business besides real estate(tea company), so I don't feel it's necessary for me to make deliveries or pick up supplies in business attire. Funny, I still seem to gain the business of people I meet while I'm out and about in my casual attire. No spaghetti straps or flip-flops for me, but I like to call dark jeans with creases "denim slacks", and I stand by that. I personally don't get why some people have such a problem with jeans.
jason,
Looks like if we meet, I sure will not outdress you. Suit and tie does not make star agents, but makes them sweaty
I'll second Melina - I have pantyhose! LOL. We dress business casual typically. Except when I work from home all day I'm in my PJ's or very casual. It's funny Brian decided at one point to impress the clients at their first meeting by putting on a suit. When most clients show up on short and flip flops he decided the heck with it. Now, especially during summer, he dresses down, shorts and flip flops, visor, and a button down shirt. People love it - one buyer 2 days ago showed up at his open house wearing exactly the same thing. They joked about calling ahead what the other was going to wear (1st meeting). One more thing even when we are dressed down it doesn't mean it's sloppy. ~Rita
I actually enjoy wearing a suit. I feel more poised and powerful, and I like the professional look. Unfortunately, our climate is about the same as yours. It's so hot in the summer, a suit is out of the question, unless I want to sweat until I'm dehydrated, and quite possibly pass out from the heat. (Go figure. I'm born here, but I pass out when I get hot.) To each his or her own I guess.
It depends on so many factors. In Florida it's relatively casual but there is a Catch-22. Whenever I am working at the office or meeting with a client I always dress professionally. Never in jeans even if they are wearing jeans. It's usually at least a blouse and a skirt with heels. I do not even wear open-toed shoes to the office or when meeting with a client.
Jason- Congrats on the feature and a topic that sparked a lot of comments.
Nestor is the suit guy and I am not, we are like opposites. Nowadays, most of the time we don't leave home and in that case, pjs and swim suits is what we work in.
But when we go on our luxury home listings, we wear suits on our first meeting. After that, we will dress the same as our clients. It also depends on the type of listing and the location of the listing. In horse country it would be pretty stupid to wear high heels when you have to walk through barns and stalls and muck and horse manure, LOL. Then Nestor will wear his boots and jeans. But he will still look very sharp.
I think it is really relative to what the customs in your area are and also the location where you live. Like in Hawaii, the Aloha shirts are considered appropriate business attire while in Manhattan that would not go over very well.
A suit and tie looks so salesy to me! Too stiff! People like to feel comfortable.
Jason - Do people even still BUY suits?
Khaki's, polos and flip flops for me.
People in the mid-West don't dress up. In the winter I wear khaki's, boots and a nice sweater.
Like you said if they want a more formal attire in their agent then I am not the one for them.
Well, isn't this a fun topic! As you wrote, I try to dress just a bit more professional than my clients but I try NOT to overdress. Here at Lake Norman, life is very casual so gone are my suits and heels from my California days. Comfort is what it is all about....I want my clients to feel comfortable and I want to feel comfortable as well....no bathing suits though!
Hey Jason,
When you visit CA, I think we should have steak dinner at a place called Pinnacle Peak. If you wear a tie, they cut it off!!! :)
Jason - Sensitivity to your client's comfort is part of sales. "Too" overdressed or underdressed will diminish connection/communication. I do like a guy in a suit, though!
Jason - Amen to that. We take it one step further in our little beach town of Port Aransas. Flip Flops are considered formal footwear.
Jason, as you already know I do sometimes wear a suit and tie. many of my clients enjoy this, especially some of the more established. You also know that I have an arsenal of very zaney ties that I wear just to take the edge off of formality! Great to see you the other day!
Yeah a suit'll work in 120 degree heat . . . esp while showing property. ;)
This is the land of the golf shirt and sundress. Not necessarily together. HAHA
There are two ways of looking at this. I too hate wearing suites and avoid it but I have collegues who never leave home without them. With me I will wear a suite if the situation dictates but will not wear a suite to show vacant houses. Maybe I have lost business because of my ordinary inexpensive car and my lack of suite, I guess I will never know. I am realticely sure that I have not gained business becasue of my lack of suite and am not sure I would encourage others to dress casually.
Crouch - You could wear a leopard print speedo and I'd do business with you, despite that. On this one, you will get no argument from me. Happy Fourth, my man!
Jason,
It kind of depends on the situation what to wear, but at least in the warmer climates golf shirt-dress slacks is plenty professional.
Jason,
I've seen comments from a few that seem to think the quality of your work is affected by how you dress. I actually get more done in jeans. The busier I am the more comfortable I need to be to get everything done. I'm not sloppy, but I do dress more casual than the other broker/owners in my area. I do dress up more when I attend closings or board of director meetings. But it's always seemed like a really bad idea to get all dressed up to show houses and property.
Hello Jason!
I know what you mean about record hot days! I had to show a commercial building this summer and it was so hot I had to excuse myself from my client to step out side and catch my breath for a few minutes! So cooler clothing does help!
Jason,
Susan Milner in her comment noted a funny thing: co many members, who agreed with you are shown on their photos with ties and suits.
And yeah, they do not wear suits and ties.,.Ha-Ha
Being professional is a must and looking the part. I have always tried to dress for the client. Some require suits, but others may be put off by a suit. You have to read they're personalities.
Jason...Casual is OK at times, but, The dirty 'T' and ripped jeans goes just a bit over the edge. I know someone will say, "but I was working at the time," and yes that can happen, but not at an Open House at a new construction. Every area is different and so are the clients.
Jason...Casual is OK at times, but, The dirty 'T' and ripped jeans goes just a bit over the edge. I know someone will say, "but I was working at the time," and yes that can happen, but not at an Open House at a new construction. Every area is different and so are the clients.
This post was a ton of fun reading! Yes, I too work at the beach so in the winter it's business casual and for summer bring on the casual dresses and polo shirts. I can understand different markets require more, I'm just glad I'm not in them!
Hey Jason, I'm with you on this one...be slightly more dressed up than your clients. I enjoy dressing well but not in suits. I think doing showing homes in business casual--even nice jeans at times--is perfectly acceptable.
Have a great day,
Anne Rains
Jason - most agents do not wear suits, however I always try and look professional for my clients.
"I typically advise my agents that it's best to be dressed just a little nicer than our clients."
I like this as a general rule of thumb. Solid advice.
The reality is if the agent is knowledgable about the house in question and the surrounding area, schoos, community events etc, it doesn't matter to most clients in your bread and butter price range homes. The upper crust of society cares more about that sort of thing, however they can never fault a person for being too professional. I have found that with www.ClientConnexion.com my ability to rapport match has been increased so much that by the time I meet my clients fact to face they wouldn't care if i wore Jams and flip flops! True Story! check it out
Jason - I couldn't agree with you more. Doing real estate in Arizona, we have temps reaching almost 120 degrees in the summer. I find that slacks, khaki's, and a polo shirt are more than enough to dress one notch above 99% of the clients here. Typically they show up in shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops - after all it's 110 degrees, and even if these buyers or sellers have to dress in a suit for work, they get out of them as soon as they possibly can. One more thing about dressing up for first impressions. I don't believe in that because first of all, if that is not what you are comfortable with, you will come across as fake. If you dress up just to meet someone, then wear a polo and khaki's after that, I would think that clients would wonder why you dressed up in the first place if that is not what you wear all the time. Lastly, I sometimes feel that I scare buyers and sellers away when I show up in a dress shirt, tie, jacket, and slacks. I feel as though that gives off an impression that I may be stuffy and too business-like, and that is not at all the impression I am going for.
I'm a big fan of dressing business casual. Given my age, it doesn't seem appropriate for me to wear a business suit and tie, it would almost seem as though I were putting on airs. So I prefer to wear something that looks age appropriate, yet still professional.
Honestly, when I'm working with another agent that's wearing a suit & tie, or worse, a bow tie, I feel uncomfortable and I can tell my clients do as well.
I think it really depends on your clients and what they feel comfortable with, though I don't dress completely casual, because this is my business.
Cheers!
Jason - You think you had it rough with business suits? Try coupling that with panty hose and THEN cry me a river!
My panty hose days are OVER, thank the sweet Lord above. Business casual is my modus operandi when I am meeting with clients.....schlep wear on my paper-wrangling days.
I have worn shorts....nice ones, knee length....when meeting w/clients....on those days I make sure to have on spiffy sandals and good looking toes!
Love this post, although in New York Real Estate market, it is a good idea to always dress business to business casual at all times. I have seen agents in their sandals and flip flops and it is just not appropriate. Although it also depends on the price point of the property each agent is representing...!
Great to have a fun topic to discuss! How many of you have been around so long you remember the "Dress for Success"? LOL You used to be able to spot a real estate agent a mile away, we all looked alike! Hey, that gave folks the change to run!
In today's economy, I think over dressing could be a problem! Notice even the stars when shopping at expensive stores are leaving with plain shopping bags? They're saying, hey there public, I feel your pain. I and the agents in my office dress comfortable and for our clients. Business casual, not I'm cleaning the basement. Gentlemen, if you can stand the tie, God bless you, but depending on your clients, I don't think it's a necessity. I've seen agents selling multi-millon dollar homes in slacks and a polo. Ladies, again, business casual, not I just left the beach, except I guess if you're selling beach front.
If you're comfortable, you can make your clients comfortable. You want to look professional and give a good impression, but not make them look at that fancy car and clothes and think, "Oh, what's this going to cost me?" You want them to concentrate on what you have to offer as an agent.
Results and not a certain dress code is what will lead to your clients happiness. If you can get the job done wearing shorts, a tank top and flip flops-then more power to you!
Jason,
The western collar and button cover are as fancy as anyone needs in Tucson. For years as National Sales Manager for OPEX Business Machines in Moorestown, NJ, the dress code was suit and tie. I'm glad to be kickin' back a little!
Mike in Tucson