In regards to dressing the part as Ryan and Jason have stated. I think it is important as well to dress the part. While you may not see me in a suit daily, you will certainly see me in a dress shirt and tie. In the real estate industry you are seeing a lot more casual dressing agents, even so far as crocs, clogs, flip flops, shorts, and t-shirts. While that does say comfort it does not say professional. Jason made a great point in saying, we never know who we will encounter in a day, could be the next million dollar listing, it could be a lender, or even an attorney. How often do you see these professionals in flip flops and shorts. I don’t think I have ever seen them at least while working. So I think keeping it professional is important. Also I typically get a little less formal as you begin to work with a client longer. Often times as you get to know someone you feel more comfortable and maybe taking that tie off is ok. Especially on some of the windy days we have been having, nothing like getting slapped in the face by a tie while your trying to show homes. But as a young professional in real estate, I think it is important to bring our industry back to a higher standard of professionalism. Part of that starts with the way you dress.

Also to touch on Jason’s post about changing the photo and design of a business card, I would love a blog post on that. It is hard to be creative without seeming too out of the box when it comes to business cards.

Thanks for all the great suggestions Caitlin and I look forward to hanging onto your every post.

Thanks in advance.

The other side of the coin suggests we make people comfortable. Part of this is the assurances we can carry out our contribution to the transaction which doesn’t necessarily mean we have to dress up, but it does help the image that we are professions guiding the proper stewardship of our client’s finances. When I have meetings, speeches or closings, you will find me in a suit and tie, or about 2/5 days a week. The other days our professional uniform lends itself to more of a bus casual that includes polos and dress shirts sans the tie. Some of my peers approach the industry with flip flops and t-shirts. I applaud them, don’t think any differently about their style, but in the end personally feel my clients are better served with someone who can walk into a board room full of brokers, lawyers and appraisers and be taken seriously as I represent and advocate on their behalf.

So yes, we do wear clothing more in tune to the mall scene, some more than others, but as a great Realtor, we should always make our clients comfortable. Some express this and actually “give permission” to dress down…and that’s what they get.

Hope this helps.

Royce – no need to be upset about the post (or plotting)…just know that I seriously look at crocs ALL the time here. So, that could be retribution enough L.A.-man.

Also I am dramatically better looking than other groups of people, thanks for pointing that out! Your crocs story slayed me as well.

Your specific suggestions are phenomenally good. Like, I’m really impressed right now. I’m going to start doing those things and I’m not even a realtor, just to make me seem cool (or at least less annoying).

Also, lets suits, more business casual. It’s your job to make people feel comfortable during the home-buying process. Suits are too formal, intimidating even.

That’s my two cents.