I Did A Bad Bad Thing

Colleen -- dressing neatly in jeans is NOT a rule breaker. In fact, to me, it's a rule all by itself. I think it's critically important to dress in a manner that fits the property and/or the client. Had you dressed up in a suit and then needed to trip out to the barn in your heels, that would have been totally unappropriate. Of course, there are jeans ... and then there are jeans. Just be sure that your jeans are clean, neatly pressed, and topped by a "dressed-up" blouse, sweater, etc. Back in the day when I was doing a lot of computer consulting, nice jeans, shirt, and a blazer-type jacket were the norm!

Dress appropriate for the environment and it sounds like you were spot on for the listing.

Having never been accused of being a "fashionista", I can see jeans as being the perfect selection for many occasions.  We all have seen others who got up that morning, or whenever; dressed, looked in the mirror and said, "I look good today!"....and we are seeing them and saying to ourselves, "What were they thnking?"

I have worn jeans to one open...along with a jacket, high heeled boots and appropriate jewelry. It was freezing and snowy out.  I don't think in the end it made any difference at all (excpet to me).

We have a new dog and I feel like I am constantly walking her...it has wrecked havoc on my 'getting ready every day' routine. I have been living in my workout clothes unless I have an appointment. Sometimes, you just need to go with the flow (easier said than done!).

I wear jeans all the time, I live in a rural area. And when I do an open house at a farm, I wear cowboy boots as well.

Jeans and boots are perfectly acceptable attire to a farm property. You would look weird if you showed up dressed in nice slacks or a dress.

Love it - sounds like your rules - and exceptions - are appropriate!

I love it - you staged yourself along with the property.  Totally appropriate!  And when you develop great rapport with your clients, and pets are an important part of the mix, it's natural to meet each other's furry family members.

Wanted to respond to Steve #18.  My philosophy is to allow one showing appointment if I've only connected with the customer over the phone, and then talk with them at that time about the importance of preapproval, and as noted above, refer them to several lenders or get their permission to have a lender call them.  If they proceed to get the preapproval, I know they are serious.  Beyond that, though, I don't want to be a cab driver and home tour guide.

You are really worried about wearing jeans? Really.. Not a problem here in Texas. In fact if the agent dresses up too much the client wonders what is his or her issue? Life is way too short to worry about jeans at a open house.. thanks for the blog..

Living and showing in the country in TX starched Jeans, boots and shirt or jacket are a normal outfit.

Oh boy, whenever I am not spackled properly (I snorted when I read that) is when I run into someone I don't want to! You were dressed perfectly for the occasion, for sure. I hate roosters however, and would have had a broom in my hand too.

I never wear make-up - never have.  Never stopped me from succeeding in anything I tried.  You need to be clean, tidy, and  professional.  And yes you can be professional in a pair of jeans.  Especially on a ranch.

Dressing for success means dressing appropriately for the property and the situation.

After I quit selling real estate, a past client of mine wanted to list her house. She has a beautiful, high-end country home on 5 acres.

I have no idea why, but she decided to call an agency from 70 miles away. She wrote me after the agents had been there and gone...

"Marte, can you believe these idiots? The man showed up in a business suit and shiny shoes - and the woman was in a long dress and spike heels! She could barely walk up my driveway, let alone walk the property lines!"

I guess you know, she didn't list with them.

I have always been told to dress 1 step above the client. I started my career out in business attire, but have changed it drastically along the way. I usually dress up when meeting the clients for the first time, and always at the closing table. But I will tell you, jeans and showings seem to be the norm around here in WI, especially for farm properties, and REOs when I never know what I am getting into. My best friend and agent in my office always wears suits, of the designer kind. He would harrasse those of us who "dressed down" when in the office. I asked him what he did when he was out on a farm in the spring in his "shined leather shoes" and he said, he carries rubber boots in the back of his truck. Wow, I thought, life is way to short to be so closed minded. Now he moved to the "top producer" office near our capitol. Agents have to produce a min of 2.5mill to even have an office there, and he thought he would fit in. Guess what, everyone there wears jeans, everyday. It is what the younger, downtown yuppie wears...

Good for you, I bet you will start breaking the rules more often now.

That rule was made to be broken. As my fashion-conscious daughter says, you can be very dressed up in jeans. And for a country property, you need to look like you have enough common sense to be appropriate!

You might have looked stupid in a dress with heals.  You probably made a good choice.

Colleen ~ I think if you had worn anything other than jeans, it may have been improper.  There are times when jeans are more appropriate than heels and a pair of slacks or skirt.  You absolutely made the right decision, even though you think you broke a rule!

Great story.  But seriously Colleen, given it was a country home with horses and all, I bet it went off perfect!

As they say, "When in Rome..."  I think you did the right thing.  You would have a hard time relating to potential rural farm buyers in a "city slicker" pant suit.

You are like me, some of my rules most people never even notice. As long as your shoes were clean when you came in the house, you're OK.