Many times when scheduling an appointment to see a future seller's home they ask me if I have my name and company plastered all over my car.  They don't want their neighbors to know I'm coming to talk with them.  I always answer NO! I DO NOT make my name & company visible on my car.

Sometimes I'm meeting with  clients that want my advice on what projects they should be working on to prepare their home for sale in a year or two.  They want to know where to be investing their dollars and get some enjoyment out of the updates before selling.  From time to time there is a divorce and they don't want the neighborhood to know yet, but need a figure to determine proceeds that will be split.  Every so often someone is considering another job opportunity and wants to see if the numbers work to make a move across the country.

Privacy and confidentiality is often key in my appointments.  Advertising my name on my car could have some benefits,but for me I choose to keep my car from being a moving personalized billboard.

If you do make the decision to place your name and company on your vehicle, please take care to keep your car clean, don't drive in the left hand lane slowing backing up traffice for miles while talking on the phone, run red lights, roll through stop signs,etc.  I'm just saying..........

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276 Comments on Do you have your name & company plastered all over your car?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

FEB
03
2011
166,997 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

I am plastered all over my car and detailed twice a month for cleanliness.  I do advise clients before I come over in case they want my signs removed.

Also have a custom URL for our team website www.GreatFloridaHomes.com stuck right on the back.  That one stays.  Good quality, because I've moved it between 3 vehicles.

I had a guy make an appointment with me while I was sitting at a light.  Sold a home to someone that talked to me while pumping gas.  When I was younger, they had the occassional disadvantage with weirdos calling.  Two signs run $80 and I feel its a good mobile billboard ad.

The key is remembering that the signs are there and always make courteous choices when driving. Joy

11:25am • #261

I had my truck custom lettered with my company logo; phone number; and vinyl waves that make it look like my truck just went through some water "Lake To Lake Realty" .... I only have one truck but when I got a call from a potential seller (now a happy past client), I asked "what made you decide to call me?"   Answer "Shiela I see your trucks everywhere - you must be doing something right ".  I have had calls where people asked me not to bring my truck, so I use my husband's truck (with no lettering).  I will tell you one thing, though; it really has improved my driving etiquette.

11:38am • #262
112,436 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Dorie,

I took my signs of years ago because of my aggressive driving!  I did find a really cool electronic scrolling sign that goes in the back glass. I can change the messages and turn it off if necessary.  I have had some fun with that!  I also agree with you about the privacy part.  Best wishes in 2011 - love you AR header!

12:49pm • #263
379,863 Points 84 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dorie- I've been trying to congratulate you on a great, informative post, but with AR being on the fritz, it proved futile! I couldn't agree more. As a stager, the last 3 homes I staged weren'ta good situation. One elderly woman's husband passed away and she had to sell, another couple were getting divorced and the last job I did, the owners couldn't afford to keep their home! Selling a home isn't always a happy occasion and we all have to remember that. Thanks for the reminder!

6:52pm • #264
1,024,215 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You know I never thought of it from that perspective.  However, I am just embarrased by how dirty the car is.  I have to drive 6 kids around in it too.

8:22pm • #265
1,100,626 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Label that car.  Park it on the end in parking lots, keep it clean. Get the local buyers and sellers in the habit of seeing you here, there, everywhere through out the towns, zip codes you deal in. You are in real estate sales, don't keep it a secret and all the branding helps your reach, frequency in the marketing. Don't worry about stalkers, don't drive to need an 800 number on the back of the jeep with question "How's my driving?"

11:13pm • #266
FEB
04
2011
204,385 Points 2 Featured Posts

One of the nicest things about our country is the ability to do it "our way"!  And I can see points on both sides of the issue.

But I note that there sure are a bunch of crappy drivers posing as realtors.  I think that's a crappy reason for not marking your car.

I like the comment about the person being a "REALTOR" not a salesmen.  But it did confuse me!  I thought realtos were salespeople, not doctors or lawyers.

7:12am • #267
178,271 Points

Dorie, I got a chuckle out of this!  And the comments! I prefer to work by referrals, and thus, "plastering" my name everywhere is not really a fit.  To each his/her own!

4:57pm • #268

This is a very interesting post. My thoughts are, first, The neighbors already know! Second, if you want more business stop being a secret agent. Third, if it helps some people drive better then everyone should have a sign on their car so I can call them and tell them they need to learn how to drive!

5:14pm • #269
FEB
05
2011
170,864 Points Outside Blog

I like Randall's "wrapped" car #227!  Actually have been toying with getting something on my vehicle, but not quite sure of what.  Now after reading the pros and cons here...still haven't decided. 

BTW - I'm on my way to "sunny" TX (San Antonio) in about an hour, but had to have my morning coffee and read AR first:)

8:18am • #270
865,166 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Personally I don't do that - however - it's a choice - and I don't criticize those who choose to do so.

9:33am • #271

Dorie, I think this is the first post I've seen on this topic. It's good to follow the discussion.

I used signs on my car for a couple of years but was never convinced it did any good. As people have said already, it meant that I had to be careful with what I wore and my driving, etc. Now that I have no signs on the car I'm enjoying it much more.

 

8:42pm • #272
Attended Rain Camp

This is an interesting topic for me,  as I have several agents with vinyl lettering and I have had lettering on my vehicle in the past.  I have an ordinary car and my lettering was not colorful.  My results were also unspectacular.  One of our agents has billboards ,  newspaper self promotion  and car lettering.  i think this works well for her .  She is charismatic,  and very attractive.  Some of her calls are bogus,  but her identitiy plays a huge role in her success.  For me the jury is out on whether car signs are a blessing or a curse;  my choice is to forget about them.   

8:52pm • #273

I can't imagine doing that to myself. There are enough idiots on the road, talking on the cellphone in the left lane, and not paying attention and hold up traffic. I don't want to give up my ability to wail on the horn behind them. If you advertise your name & info on your car, you open up your car to other people by giving them the ability to locate you, badmouth you to potential clients, and other things that they wouldn't otherwise be able to do, at least not without taking a lot of time & effort.

11:09pm • #274
FEB
07
2011
115,913 Points 1 Featured Post

I cannot imagine putting those on my car.  My professional position is about attaining a certain image, and posters on my car would only cheapen what I have been working to achieve.

Interesting note about sellers not wanting a car with a post on it in their driveway.  But, I have had customers who truly did not want their neighbors to know they were selling.

11:26am • #275
FEB
16
2011

Great post Dorie ! Privacy and confidentiality are two things which must be taken into consideration every time we represent a buyer or seller. I guess the car wrap thing is a matter of personal taste or style.

5:18am • #276
MAR
04
2011
124,221 Points

If the idea is to get calls, ok. But making your car a "geek Squad" mobile is a bit over the top!

10:22am • #277
MAR
12
2011
Localism Sponsor

Dorie, you couldn't have put it any other way.  I, too, elect not to have my car detailed with my contact info.

 

Liz Streed, PRUDENTIAL Holley Properties - 850-368-7735

3:57pm • #278
JUL
31
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I was Googling about magnetic signs for real estate and came across this post and the wealth of different opinions.  I'm glad I did!  I think I will have to spend a little more time thinking it over as to whether I should "sign" or not "sign".

7:51am • #279
NOV
09
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Interesting post and great comments. I have been contemplating advertising on my car and these comments have given me a lot of insight.

9:51am • #280

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Dorie Dillard Realtor® Canyon Creek NW Austin TX homes for sale

Austin, TX

More about me…

Coldwell Banker United Realtors

Address: 9442 N. Capital TX Highway, Plaza Two Suite 150, Austin, TX, 78759

Office Phone: (512) 346-1799

Email Me

Author Bio: I was once a school teacher and still like the learning process. Only now I enjoy learning what dreams my clients have and what I can do to help them. I am a firm believer in asking the right questions. It is the only way to get answers that have helped me build an impressive business over the past 21 years and leave a trail of happy clients

Welcome to my ActiveRain real estate blog and profile. I'm a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United and specialize in NW Austin. Once a school teacher I still like the learning process. Only now I enjoy learning what dreams my clients have and what I can do to help them. Dorie Dillard, Real Estate Professional in Austin, TX

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