Should you Judge a Realtor by the Car they Drive?

This all boils down to judging a book by its cover doesn't it? Perception is often reality for some however.

Great post Charles.  You know your market and your sphere of influence.  I've never been to Austin but have heard that there is a wide range of demographics there.  If your clientele is more first time home buyers or eccentric, "green"  types then the car is neutral.  Dealing with a different demographic may have a different effect.  If you work with Baby Boomers some may feel that working with you - as long as you prove your competence - would be akin to working with their own children.  They may consider the car you drive and say to themselves "He's a good Realtor.  He's conservative and not over extending himself with a luxury car payment.  Perhaps with our business he'll be able to buy a better (newer) car someday".  Who knows what people will think?  At the end of the day it is our perfromance that should matter.  Some people will judge you but that's always going to be the case.  I know several Realtors that spent big on cars in the "fat days" and now struggle to stay in the business at all.  What they drive is no indication of their worth.  I will say that having a clean car means a lot.  No dents, primer, McDonald's wrappers on the floor, etc.  Your car may not appeal to some but if its clean then it might not be such an issue.

Best of luck.

Interesting points of view. I drive a 5 year old bright blue PT Cruiser convertible. Paid for. Cutest car I ever saw and I love it. So what if it only cost $20k? The Sebring didn't have the leg room that my 6'4" husband needs.

I pulled in to pick up a client with the top down (and yes...it's clean inside), and she said, "Oh yay! A convertible! I'm one of the beautiful people!" It was so funny, and we became friends right off the bat.

Oh, and it was in January. Isn't Florida great???

And in response to #25 (Nina): I did my first 2 deals on a bicycle because I had a car BUT I didn't have a drivers license, and didn't know how to drive yet!  I would meet my clients at the office (bike parked safely in back) and say, "My car is in the shop, do you mind if we take yours?" Aww c'mon, I was 25 and living in downtown yuppie-ville Toronto. I still love telling that story...can you tell?

Lisa

Middle of the line is always good - not too fancy but not a clunker either. You want them to see you for you, not remember your car, good or bad.

Let me add to the qualities of your car; conservative, cost & value conscious and eco-friendly.  Isn't that everything a person wants in a real estate agent?  Your car is a reflection of who you are!

Hi Charles...I don't choose anyone by the car they drive, not my friends, not my stock broker (my son), not my doctor, not my fellow agents, and not my clients. 

If some folks don't approve of what I drive, a 2006 Toyota Prius bought new for cash, then they can decide not to work with me.  I do not believe I would be that interested in working with people who judge others by the car they drive.  There are way more important things in this world to be concerned about then a person's vehicle.

For the $33,000 that I spent I could have put towards a much more luxurious car.  Would that really change me as a person or a REALTOR?  Of course not.

Kate

I believe that first impressions are VERY important!  I neither want to look like a wasteful egotist, nor do I want to look like a bum.  I think looking professional is important.  I would not want to show up to meet a buyer in any of the cars I drove in college.  Personally, I drive a 2005 Land Rover that is "paid off".  My next car will probably be a Toyota Prius.  

Here's what's important to me, and I bet most agents:

1. Your car should be neat and clean
2. smell pleasant
3. be easy to get in and out of
4. be comfortable to sit in while driving about
5. BE RELIABLE

 I'd pick your professional car carefully.  Don't discount the value of first impressions!

I drive what I drive because I like it and it's comfortable.  However, most people I work with who have millions to spend don't drive "impressive" cars.  It's really up to the other people to not judge someone by what they drive but by what they say and do.

This is a local culture thing, I think.  Most Oregonians have a truck or SUV type car to haul camping gear, kayaks, skiis, etc.  We are an outdoor based culture and sports cars are totally impractical for enjoying our state.  Most agents here have older cars because we don't see the value in getting a car that will be covered in mud from the canoe. 

I like my 2005 Ford Escape that I bought used two years ago...it gets me through the snow in winter, through the mud in spring and the view from being high up (I've always had sedans) is priceless!  Oh that and the fact that my car payment is $115.00 per month, LOL!

If someone doesn't hire me because I drive a Ford Escape....well, that's probably not someone I want to do business with anyway as we are all about so much MORE than our vehicles!  I've never had a brand new car in my life and I'm fine with that.  I drive 'em until they die (but not as rusty rattletrap junkers!)  Someone mentioned the word "pretentious" with regards to those top of the line vehicles and I totally agree!

Charles, it is a psychological thing. People will always judge you by your external factors first: car, clothes, hair cut, etc. And that is normal, that's how people's brain works. But further, if you show yourself as a true professional, these external factors fade away. People will stop notice them as other more important human qualities appear on the foreground.

I drive a Mercedes but its paid for (and nine years old, but looks almost new).  I'd like to go to a Jetta diesel that gets 45-50 mpg and was all ready to do it until the last two clients I had made compliments on my nice car then I started re-thinking.

A little secret... you can get a nice used luxury vehicle for an affordable price.  If you keep it really clean all the time, the car will look much newer than it actually is.

...being in my car quite a bit every day while doing my job it has become my second "office"... therefore I treated myself to a car that does the job without much fuss and coddles me also a little bit...

I agree that we shouldn't be judged by our facial hair, or clothes or the car that we drive. But let's be honest the first impression is everything. 

Realtors compare themselves to Doctors, Lawyers for the right reason. Knowledge, professionalism, quality of service and so forth. Have you ever seen doctor that drives a very cheap car, hasn't shaved for 3 days, or wears not professional clothing? How about a lawyer? I can tell you from personal experience I have and I left their office and never went back and this happens all the times. 

The exception here is if they are your friends, relative and so forth but if your business depends on new clients I do believe that at least a presentable car, nicely groomed and professional clothing definetly heighten your chance of success.

Matt

I drive a ridiculous amount of miles and bought a BMW after my Saab kicked the bucket. I know a ton of agents who drive fancy cars and probably can't afford them. 

The image thing in real estate is stupid, but in suburban New York it is all too real. 

It's all about first impressions. Some people wouldn't work with someone that's "snooty" because they drive a new Lexus, some people won't work with someone that drives a 4 door Buick. Whatever. I turned in my leased H3 Alpha (awesome vehicle!) this past spring and now drive an Explorer. To each their own, but I do think that some people judge you on the car you drive, right or wrong. Like I said, first impressions.

Interesting post. I always tell people to drive what feels like you. I bought a Range Rover (which I got for a great deal) and loved it. It felt like me, right up until it spent more time in the shop than in my driveway. 

Then I purchased an older Infinity SUV. Although it isn't a RR, it appeals to me, in that it starts up every time I turn the key and doesn't require maintenance. 

So I have to agree with those who suggest an older, high end, well priced luxury vehicle. Sharp enough for clients, not too ostentatious, and great for reliability, which is real important in this business. 

There's a saying, "dress for success".  I believe that applies to cars too!  I happen to like nice things, and regardless of my profession, I will always dress nicely and drive an expensive car.  But, that's just me!  My cars are leased, so always relatively new, and since it's a tax write off, it's less that I have to turn over to the greedy IRS.  Works for me!