Tattoos are a wonderful form of self-expression. People get tattoos for various reasons, whether it's to honor family members, add beauty to their skin, or celebrate important milestones in their lives. But as a real estate agent, you might wonder if your tattoos could impact your career. Are there any potential drawbacks to having ink as you build your reputation? Let's explore what clients, brokers, and other agents think about real estate agents with tattoos.
Can Real Estate Agents Have Tattoos Legally?
The first thing to consider when addressing tattooed real estate agents is whether a hiring manager can legally refuse to employ you because of your tattoos. While tattooed individuals are not considered a protected classification like gender, religion, race, or disability, there may be a case if your tattoos represent your religion or are part of your cultural identity.
Another factor to consider is the company dress code. Some companies may have strict dress codes that prohibit visible tattoos. However, many organizations are becoming more flexible about personal appearance policies. A company with a too-strict dress code risks alienating potential employees.
Lastly, as an independent contractor working closely with a brokerage, you may have more leeway in your professional choices. While the brokerage can set requirements for agents' presentation, you have more control over your personal brand as a real estate agent.
How Does the General Public Feel About Tattoos?
Perceptions about tattoos are evolving. In recent years, the number of people with tattoos has been on the rise, and this change has led to a shift in societal views. According to data from Statista, tattoos have little influence on people's opinions about someone's health, intelligence, respectability, spirituality, or sexiness. While some may still perceive individuals with tattoos as rebellious, a majority of people believe that tattoos do not affect an individual's level of rebelliousness.
These changing perceptions are good news for real estate agents with tattoos. Most people do not consider tattoos as a significant factor when choosing a Realtor.
Consider Making Tattoos Part of Your Brand
If you are proud of your tattoos and don't believe they will affect your ability to attract clients, consider incorporating them into your marketing strategy. There are real estate agents across the country who have successfully used their tattoos as a way to differentiate themselves. By embracing your tattoos as part of your brand, you can show off your ink and engage clients who appreciate your unique style.
You don't have to include the word "tattoo" in your name to make your ink part of your business. Showcase your tattoos in your headshots and photos. By doing so, you can filter out clients who may have an issue with your tattoos right from the start.
Tips for Keeping Visible Tattoos
While most visible tattoos are generally acceptable to buyers and sellers, there may be some designs that you want to hide when working in a professional capacity. Here are some tips to consider:
- Avoid hate symbols or imagery that promotes racism, sexism, or hatred of other religions and cultures. These have no place in real estate.
- Cover up political statements to maintain political neutrality.
- Avoid displaying vulgar or overtly sexual tattoos that may make clients uncomfortable.
- Check for spelling errors or incorrect translations in foreign symbols.
- Consider the placement of future tattoo designs to avoid potential negative reactions.
There Are Multiple Ways to Cover Your Tattoos
If you prefer not to display your tattoos to clients, you can always cover them up. Wearing long-sleeve shirts or pants is the easiest option. For warmer climates, you can wear a blazer over your arms when meeting with clients and remove it afterward. Fashion accessories like armbands or bracelets can also provide additional coverage. Another option is to use makeup designed to hide tattoos, although this may be time-consuming and costly for larger tattoos.
How to Respond to Negative Tattoo Feedback
Unfortunately, you may encounter negative comments about your tattoos throughout your career. Whether it's from brokers, clients, or other agents, it's important to respond calmly and confidently. Practice responding to feedback and develop a prepared statement that assures others that your tattoos do not affect your professionalism or ability to handle deals. In some cases, you may need to reconsider displaying certain tattoos if they are offensive or may not align with your client's preferences.
Grow Your Leads With UpNest
In conclusion, real estate agents can have tattoos, and it shouldn't hinder their business. As perceptions about tattoos continue to evolve favorably, more people are becoming accepting of those with ink. If you're looking to grow your business and attract new clients, consider joining UpNest. Their network of agents can help you expand your client base and enhance your real estate experience.
