Special offer

Professional or Not

By
Real Estate Agent with Prestige Properties

I wrote a blog many moons ago about real estate agent photos.  The photos I am referring to are the ones that agents put on their businees cards or mailers. (not photos such as you find on social sites like this one).

I recently saw a photo of an agent that I knew and I called her to tell her there were flyers with her name but someone else's picture.  She told me it was her high school photo.  This is a woman in her late 40's.  I ask her why she did that and she said she thought it would get her more business.  I am thinking not.

I also had the displeasure of going with another agent to view a home with one of her clients.  She brought her toy poodle with her.  She said clients love to see the little dog (I'm still not sure it wasn't a rat).  The dog was bouncing all over the vehicle and getting in the clients lap.  The client did not at all seemed pleased.  When I last spoke to the agent she had not heard from the client in over a week.  Anyone reading this suprised?

My point to this is that clients want to know who they are working with.  They want a professional that is honest.  Not portraying your accurate picture is not truthful.  If it was then it would say "this photo is 25 years old" underneath it.  Bringing your dog on showings is not professional.  I have two dogs that I love.  I take them on rides and trips with me.  I would NEVER take them on a business appointment.

A professional image goes a long way.  That is not to say that you have to be dressed to the nines everyday.  I have several rural customers that would run if they saw me pull up in a suit.  They don't trust those "city slickers".  I put on a nice pair of jeans with some walking boots and a clean shirt.  It portrays a clean image but not an image they can not relate too.  Know your client!  It will take you a long way.

Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

A picture is worth 1000 words, as the saying goes.  Can't imagine WHY an agent would use their high school photo . . . can not even comprehend the logic on that one!

Jun 22, 2009 06:26 AM
Bob Pearson
Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners - Glendale, AZ
GRI, E-Pro

I see it all the time. I agree that a photo should be honest. Look at me. I should have someone photoshop a full head of hair on my photo. It might get be more business.

Jun 22, 2009 06:29 AM
TIM MONCRIEF
Tim Monciref - Austin, TX
Over 2,000 homes sold…..

I see it all the time from success to unsuccessful agents.  Why do the success remain successful despite the things they do?  Relationships....  We joke at there photos, but yet they sell homes, and that is the bottom line.  So if it works it works.  The dog is pretty funny, but if the agent is pulling a 7 figure income, all the power to them. 

Jun 22, 2009 06:32 AM
Anonymous
Holly Cowdrick

Todd,

Great advice

Jun 22, 2009 06:33 AM
#4
Anonymous
Kathleen Pileggi

Pictures should be updated periodically. Use a professional photographer that will capture you in "your" best light. We all are what we are, but that being said we shaould all strive to put our best face forward.

Jun 22, 2009 06:34 AM
#5
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Todd, I know a guy whose picture is at least 30 years old and when I met him I thought it was his son! 

Jun 22, 2009 06:42 AM
Darren Revell
Keller Williams Realty Temecula Valley - Temecula, CA

As I agree with you on needing to have an up to date photo, there are also those that have their pets, or even someone elses pets on their business cards and mailouts. 

Some say they work...

We are all individuals.  Everyone has what they think is right, proper, etc.  Though many times the masses do not agree. 

Just glad that what I do is always right.. lol  .. :)

Jun 22, 2009 07:01 AM
Ryan Hartman
ReTechulous, LLC - York, PA

100% with you... show the real you in those pics... even if it involves a toilet bowl in the background :)

 

 

Jun 22, 2009 07:12 AM
Kate Wheeler
Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor - Murphy, NC
CCIM - Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale

I am continually amazed at the behavior of some of our fellow salespeole.  All I know is that if I act in a professional manner, I'll attract clients who share my ideas of how business is done - and that makes my work easier.

Jun 22, 2009 07:22 AM