In the highly competitive real estate industry, projecting a professional appearance is crucial to your success. It's not just about your knowledge and communication skills; clients often judge you based on your appearance and first impressions. To help you make the right impression, we have put together some valuable tips on how to dress and look the part of a successful real estate agent.
The Importance of Professional Appearance and Attire
Your appearance and attire play a significant role in how clients perceive you. Studies show that clients tend to hire agents based on their appearance and gut feeling. For men, wearing freshly pressed shirts, smart-looking ties, and well-polished shoes projects professionalism. However, it's important not to overdo it with jewelry. Keep it simple and elegant, focusing on small accessories like a watch. Also, pay attention to neatly trimmed and clean fingernails.
Keeping up with current fashion trends is also essential. Men can take inspiration from men's fashion magazines like Esquire, GQ, and VMAN. Women can stay updated with women's fashion trends by consulting Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Vogue. Marie Claire offers valuable advice for female real estate professionals, such as maintaining well-manicured nails and wearing conservative-length skirts.
Acting Like a Professional
Apart from dressing professionally, it's important to act like a professional. Chicago Agent Magazine recommends avoiding excessive glitz and glamour and staying true to yourself. Dress appropriately for your market and surroundings. For instance, a sharp blazer and dark-wash jeans may be more suitable for young, hip regions, while a suit and tie might be more appropriate in more formal settings. Above all, always maintain a genuine and respectful demeanor.
The Power of Details
In addition to attire, paying attention to other details can help you appear more professional. Consider driving a popular and desirable car, as it sends a strong message to potential clients. One successful broker in Washington State always traded for a new Jaguar sedan every year. The sleek car left a lasting impression on potential buyers during property showings.
Your office's appearance also matters. Keep it organized, clean, and presentable. Display attractive curios and artwork to create a welcoming atmosphere. Remember, a messy desk is a sign of a disorganized agent.
Adapting to Your Audience
Not every situation or client requires the same level of formality. It's important to blend in with your client's expectations and dressing style. The way you dress can vary depending on the location, type of property, weather, and client preferences. If you're selling ranches, jeans, western shirts, and cowboy boots might be more appropriate. On the other hand, resort communities may call for a more semi-casual attire. Always have a change of clothing ready to adapt to different situations.
Overcoming Age Perceptions
Younger agents often face challenges in being taken seriously due to their youthful appearance. To overcome this, dressing more professionally can help establish credibility. For instance, a 23-year-old agent who looks like a high school student can make a significant impact by wearing a blazer, shirt, and tie. Dressing the part encourages potential clients to focus on your expertise rather than your age.
Remember, your professional appearance goes beyond attire and the car you drive. It encompasses your overall image and how you present yourself to potential clients. Adapting your appearance to different situations, maintaining a clean and organized office, and acting professionally are all key factors in establishing trust and building successful relationships.
For more valuable tips and tools to help launch your real estate career, browse our blog. And if you're not licensed yet, consider earning your real estate license online at Colibri Real Estate.
Written by Steven Rich, MBA. Steven Rich, MBA has over three years of experience as a successful real estate agent. He was awarded the Top Condo Salesperson for two of those years by his real estate company. Steven has served as Associate Editor for a real estate magazine and is the author of a 104-page e-book on How to Buy, Develop, Lease, and Sell Real Estate.