Education, training, and ongoing research are cornerstones to an agent’s long-term success. Before agents can prove their worth, they must make a stellar first impression. Much like cleaning up the front yard of a house for sale, an agent’s personal “curb appeal” influences whether a potential client takes the relationship to the next level. What do real estate agents wear for success? Discuss some timeless facts every newbie should know.
One Opportunity to Make a First Impression
Agents have one opportunity to make a great first impression. Be clean, professional, and suitable for the venue and occasion. Always carry business cards and offer them to everyone you meet. Each interaction is a networking opportunity to connect with a future client. Dress for success and use promotional tools wisely to promote your business.
Learn How to Blend
Defining the target audience is the first step in determining the right wardrobe for a real estate agent. For example, an agent who sells vacation properties would wear more casual clothing than one marketing commercial properties. Agents in farming communities might wear jeans, which would not fit into a luxury market where buyers expect the highest levels of service and professionalism. Agents who blend in with the target market are more relatable and approachable.
Be Aware of Personal Hygiene
Always keep personal hygiene in mind. Keep toothpicks, breath spray, and a comb handy for quick fixes between appointments. Avoid wearing heavy fragrances that could be offensive to people with allergies. Maintain a tidy and classic appearance when meeting with clients. 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, and your attire should reflect this level of accomplishment and expertise. Traditional options include dress pants or slacks, blazers, cardigans, and blouses or shirts. Unless you work in a farm community, reserve jeans for free time. Carry an attractive briefcase to keep technology and paperwork organized on-the-go. Pay attention to details, such as repairing a ripped seam or replacing worn heels on shoes.
What About Your Wheels?
Beyond hygiene and apparel, real estate agents need to travel to house showings, open houses, and closings. Having a well-maintained vehicle is an integral part of an agent’s tool kit and image. A running car is required to meet clients and show properties. Choose a vehicle that reflects the typical buyer’s persona, such as a minivan for young parents or a luxury car for high-end clients. Just like an agent’s wardrobe, the car should resonate with the target market’s lifestyle. While an agent’s car should fit into his or her budget, it also needs to be relatable to typical clients.
A Day at the Office
Often real estate agents spend a day or two in the office to return phone calls, review leads and peruse the latest listings. Business casual is suitable these days because the agent should be comfortable, yet ready to interact with clients. Khaki pants, turtlenecks, jackets, and cardigans are all easy-going ways 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 the terrain when showing houses. On rainy or snowy days, bring jackets, umbrellas, and boots. Agents showing waterfront properties might want to wear flat, closed shoes to avoid slipping. An agent showing a chicken farm would dress differently than one showing a city penthouse. Wear practical shoes to keep up with clients who want to see multiple properties.
Appropriate Closing Day Apparel
Agents should fit in with the other professional team members at closing, such as lawyers, bankers, and title agents. Stick to neutral colors and classic styles. Choose crisp shirts, quality suits, and conservative shoes. Be ready to sit at a table with well-dressed professionals who are prepared for business to gain your client’s trust and make them feel comfortable about your abilities.
Know What Not to Wear
Besides knowing the right clothes, an agent should also 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, the one exception would be the quality branded apparel Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate affiliated agents can wear to meetings and give to clients to promote their services. When newbies ask, “What do real estate agents wear?” the answer might not be as simple as expected. Always be professional, keep the comfort zone of the target audience in mind, and be aware of the meeting venue. An appropriately dressed agent inspires trust and respect to connect with more clients. Make sure you have proper “curb appeal” whenever you meet with clients!
