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Your Office With Four Wheels, What Does It Say About You?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale

 Atlanta Country Club Golf Homes Estate Sale Private Gated Public Course Subdivision

     Yeah, I know, kind of a shallow thing to write about, but, meeting clients at a property, what is the first impression you give? Yep, that four wheel rolling office you spend a lot of your time in. First of I'd like to say that when we interview prospective tenants for one of our rental properties, the first thing we do is look at and inside their car. If the folks can't take care of their car, what will they do to one of our homes? What impression does your vehicle make? Mine makes none at all, it's no different than showing a home and the first thing you see is a beat up front door with a lock that does not want to cooperate. Yikes, negative vibes before you even enter a home.

     Personally, I have no preference if you have a hug a Realtor today license plate holder or your name and phone number plastered all over the vehicle. That's your choice, I just do not do that. Clean, comfortable and uncluttered, that's about all you need, whether they are riding with you or not. The last thing you want is for somebody to think as you pull up to meet them is, "I hope that's not him" Lol. Good Luck!

 

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Comments (17)

Debra Cernick
DeShazer Ryan Realty - Libby, MT

Frank and Jodi- Good post! Well said and it does remind of us to think about our  first impression- whether from car or phone or office! Thanks

Apr 05, 2009 06:04 AM
Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

Debra, we had to tell one of our agents to take better care of her vehicle, there was stuff everywhere Lol...

Apr 05, 2009 06:08 AM
Connie Lou Barnett
Real Living/Home Realty - Owensboro, KY
GRI,CRS,CRB,SRMM,ARA,PRS,SFR,QSC

Good Points!  The same goes for your appearance.

Apr 05, 2009 06:09 AM
Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

Connie, Geeez, a poor appearance is a death wish...

Apr 05, 2009 06:11 AM
Steve Chaisson
Keller Williams - Nashville, TN

That reminds me.  I need to clean my car today!

Apr 05, 2009 06:18 AM
Stuart Dobson
eLoanRates.org - Thornton, CO

I think mine says I spent waayyyy too much on a vehicle lol

Apr 05, 2009 06:19 AM
Mario Avila
Simmons Homes - Owasso, OK
2008 & 2009 Sales Person of the Year

I hate to admit that I think make and model also make a difference. Something too old and the client might think you aren't good enough to get something newer. Something too nice and they might think you make too much off of people. Something in between that you take good care of and looks nice is just right.

Apr 05, 2009 06:23 AM
Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

Steve, Lol, we have a shop vac in the garage, it gets lots of exercise.

Stuart, That's funny, I think most of us do!

Mario. I agree with you, I'm not trying to make an impression, I just do NOT want to give a BAD impression...

Apr 05, 2009 06:31 AM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"

They say not to pull up in a real nice car or a "hoop-TEE"  I have an acura....I think that's pretty much middle of the road.. :) My car is my office,  my restaurant, my locker room......so My car doubles as many things...  :)

Apr 05, 2009 06:32 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Frank & Jodi,  Interesting way you evaluate propects by checking out their car.  It does make a lot of sense,

Apr 05, 2009 06:34 AM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Frank...

Ours says a very large man needs a very large vehicle. Ford Expedition. Gas Hog? Ya think? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Apr 05, 2009 06:36 AM
Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

Konnie, could you imagine showing up with the spinning hub caps and oversized wheels??

Bill, It really works, I swear when they have a nice clean car they are great tenants!

TLW, Lol, a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do! So glad you have been able to go home, we've been keeping up with the situation. Stay well...

Apr 05, 2009 06:45 AM
David Ravashiere
David Ravashiere, Tee 2 Green Real Estate - Chandler, AZ

Although there are always exceptions to every rule (Sam Walton used to drive around in a beat up old pickup truck), I think you're right on the money.  Stale french fries on the floorboard says 'slob' ... not 'snacks!'  Thanks for the post.

Apr 05, 2009 06:56 AM
Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

Honestly I think it's one business where your vechile says a lot about you as a realtor not only it being clean but what you drive, like you said it's a first impression.

Apr 05, 2009 07:04 AM
Libby Offnick
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Mooresville, NC
ABR, e-PRO, SPS

Great post.  A couple of minutes every night to make sure everything is out and tidy.  The next day....even if running late can be worth the extra effort.  Gas your car as well....I try to never stop for gas with clients. 

Apr 05, 2009 07:11 AM
Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

David, Personally, 95% of the time I meet clients it is not a private office location, it's in a parking lot...

Heather, as shallow as it sounds you KNOW folks will think the worst if you let them.

Apr 05, 2009 07:13 AM
Frank & Jodi Orlando
Frank & Jodi Orlando Get Us A Home Realty Atlanta Homes Sale - Cumming, GA

Libby, the gassing up is a great point, I know you're not supposed to top off the tank, but, once I get around half a tank, I do.

Apr 05, 2009 07:15 AM