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Should Brokers Enforce a Dress Code For Agents?

By Lorraine or Loretta Kratz

Services for Real Estate Pros with Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.

March 15, 2008 11:45 AM

Many agents that I see out in the real estate arena, are shockingly dressed in such an unprofessional manner. In the corporate world it is a must that you show up in attire that is of a professional nature, recently I was invited to a real estate seminar. and when I observed the individuals coming in I was disappointed in how under dressed most of the agents were. Here is where I find most agents cross the line.

Coming in with clothes that need pressing, or to be dry cleaned.
Clothes that do not fit (ladies--please look at yourself in a mirror before you leave) Blouses in which the buttons are being strained is not attractive.
Wearing inappropriate attire, jeans, overalls, and the like all have a place, but when your out on a listing presentation --- please dress in a professional manner.
Having stains on your clothes, yes, food that lands on the front of your clothes leaving visible stains, need to be address immediately. Sure there will be times when you cannot do anything about accidentally get food or spilling a drink on yourself, but try to take care of it as soon as possible.
Men what is it with not shaving and or getting a hair cut that is a becoming style? How about practicing good grooming.
Men and Ladies --lets look at your shoes, why not take them in for repair or have them polished on a regular basis. This was one of the most flagrant offenses.
Men how about keeping your shirt tails tucked in.
Running suits are for running. Not meant for use as professional attire.

These are just highlights of what I saw at this seminar. Many of us use professional stagers to maximize the presentation of a home. Should we not be as REALTORS putting our best foot forward when out in public.

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Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing and Online Advertising Consultant

Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision - Lake Geneva, WI

I think you need to dress to the occassion. You should always appear clean and well-kept. I would not hire someone in pajama attire, or someone in rumpled clothing, to help me with my most important financial decision.

Somewhere along the way, mainstream business started to change a lot of decorum and policies. But not everyone likes to look disheveled. I have a friend who after college went to work in a starting office position in an attorney's office in Boca Raton. She needed professional attire, but with low wages and high rents, didn't have the money to pull off wardrobe. She would go to 2nd hand stores and salvation army stores and spend the time to find appropriate clothing. Her endeavors paid off and she was one of the most stylish looking people in the office.

I guess it comes down to values and what you place an importance on.

Mar 16, 2008 04:17 AM

Ken Wagner

Short Sale Advocates / Century 21 Superstars and Award - Yorba Linda, CA

I dress to suit my clients. Since I mostly do short sales, I don't wear suits very often these days. That would send the wrong message. Today, I am dressed in a golf shirt, and Dickey's duckin pants, and boots to show property because the clients are looking at distressed homes at under $115,000 in the inland empire. So, it just depends on the situation.

I drive a truck and my clients get to see the signs, the tools and the various forms packets I keep with me. I've even been know to do a bit of handyman work or install some computer software for a client after listing a home. My clients find me to be hard working, resourceful and above all honest.

Always be clean and professional for the situation, but make sure the clients can see that you work for a living.

Mar 16, 2008 05:41 AM

Joyce Thomas

The Thomas Group Brokered by eXp Realty - San Tan Valley, AZ

Your Home Sold Guaranteed!

Showing a cowboy a ranch in a suit or heels driving your BMW you may be out of place a bit versus a pair of Wranglers and a pickup truck. The opposite is true as well. The Wranglers and truck don't work well in downtown metropolis U.S.A.

Simply put you need to "Dress for Success" and for the situation or area where you specialize.

Mar 16, 2008 06:48 AM

John Dirgo

Aloha Coast Realty - Hilo, HI

R, BIC, e-PRO, ABR, EcoBroker, GRI, CRB

Things are a little different here. The truth is that if you are over-dressed (and here, overdressed is khaki pants and a Polo shirt), people won't trust you. And when I'm showing buyers around, I'm wearing slippahs (flip-flops to the rest of you) as are the buyers, because to wear shoes into someone's home is the very epitome of "rude". As with so many things, I would say "dress the way the client dresses" -- if they are in nice shorts and an Aloha shirt, that's what I'm going to wear. I haven't seen a business suit in years, except on mainland salespeople that are laughed at by the residents the moment they leave.

As for dressing for a seminar, my rule of thumb is "if I paid to be there, I'll dress how I wish". If I paid to be there, its not my job to impress them, its their job to impress me.

Then again, Hawaii may be a part of the United States but until you've lived here, you never understand that its really a world unto itself.

Mar 16, 2008 07:26 AM

Natalie Langford

Realty Negotiations - Winchester, VA

Winchester, VA Real Estate

Mr. Cole, haven't you heard of the RNS (Residential Nudist Specialist) Certification? For a small fee, I'll gladly give any one the permission to use the initials. There's no class. There's no dress code. In fact, it's a rather transparent group. :') Do I need a dizclaimer?

Mar 16, 2008 02:45 PM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

I think people attract a certain type of person when they dress a certain way. I wrote about this a long time ago when I saw some one show up in a sweat shirt and pajama bottoms to show a condo. I was just amazed!

The overalls and boots are fine if you specialize in farm properties, but come on people most of us don't!

Mar 16, 2008 05:48 PM

Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI

Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

First time we meet them, a suit, then I dress how they dress. Ann Arbor is very casual.

Mar 17, 2008 12:19 AM

Sandra Workman

Coldwell Banker Realty - Bradley, IL

BBA, Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR, SFR, CNE, ePRO, CNHS

First impressions last forever!! I walked into a Real Estate office one time and stood at the reception counter. The agent at the floor desk turned in her chair and you could literally see all her business. Her skirt was so short that when she sneezed her behind showed!!! No matter how professional this agent now dresses, that will remain in my mind.

Mar 17, 2008 12:48 AM

Jeremy Blanton

Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com

Our company used to have a dress code of wearing a shirt & Tie and coat. However a few years ago when they finally relaxed it some since we are a beach community. they relaxed it to business casual.

Mar 17, 2008 01:31 AM

Susan Mangigian

RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA

Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

I think that as professionals, we are smart enough to know how to dress for each opportunity we have. I wouldn't work for a company that told me how to dress. I agree with many others here that you should look professional, never trashy but business casual is my usual form of dress. I dress up more for listing appts. and settlements.

Mar 17, 2008 09:12 AM

Terri Matlock, Assoc. Broker,CDPE,CRS,GRI,ABR

Keller Williams Home Towne Realty - Frederick, MD

I think that dressing for each opportunity should be common sense. I would not dress in a business suite and heels to show farm land nor would I dress in jeans and boots to show a $500,000. home. I do think that business casual is ok for most situations.

Mar 17, 2008 09:26 AM

Greg Steffens

Mountain Country Realty - Lake Arrowhead, CA

Touchy subject. I notice this trend in church, too, where my wife and I tend to be more dressed-up than many (shorts and flip flops on some). I, however, live and work in a resort town where the majority of our owners are part-time only. When they come up to look at houses, they're in jeans and sneakers many times. To dress to the 9's, I think, would defeat the purpose and make it harder for them to relate to me. If I was showing "corporate America" homes, I would dress the part

Mar 17, 2008 11:34 AM

Jacki & Jerry Shafer

The Shafer Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Louisville East - Crestwood, KY

The Shafer Team, Call 502-643-SOLD

Dressing down on occasion if you and your clients know one another and you've got a good rapport is one thing, but you should always be neat and clean whatever the situation.

My pet peeve is the agent who looks like she'd be better off standing on a street corner. I don't think a tight, short skirt and cleavage peeking out is appropriate ladies, and if I were a Seller and an agent came in to my home dressed like that, I would NOT list my home with her no matter how good she was at selling houses. Just on principle.

And guys, shave! Since when did it become attractive to look like you slept till noon?

Whew. I feel better.

Mar 17, 2008 11:47 AM

Alan Brown

Coldwell Banker Realty - Davenport, FL

32 Years of Real Estate Experience .

I couldn't agree more, some form of dress code should be enforced by brokers.

Mar 17, 2008 01:16 PM

Karen Monsour

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL

REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Dress for success! My parent's taught me that as a child. I think female agent's who wear Victoria Secrets "teddies" look horrendous and do in fact annoy the wives of couples looking at properties. Save it for later!

Business casual is Ok after the initial meeting. After all, we are professionals...would you go back to a physician or lawyer who showed up in flip-flop's, jean's and a t-shirt?

No, I do agree that if you are showing farm land or newly developed property...the appropriate clothing would be boot's and jeans...why ruin your nice clothes...save them for writing the contract.

I know I have been told I look professional in my business suits...I dress down a little after the first meeting and I dress back up if need be.

Basically, use common sense...that's just my opinion!

Mar 17, 2008 01:50 PM

Palm Coast Homes

100 Plus Realty LLC - Palm Coast, FL

Palm Coast/Flagler County Real Estate, The Ross/Co

This all depends on where you live. Here in a resort community in Florida where people come to get away from stuffed shirts...if you were to wear a suit...most people would think you were with the IRS or FBI and avoid you like the plague. Plus you would be sweating like a pig which is much more unattractive than wearing a pair of shorts and sandals...eeeeewwwww. The beautiful thing about being self employed as a REALTOR...you can dress however you want :-) Isn't America Great..FREEDOM.

Mar 19, 2008 11:14 AM

Ron Bodden

Re/Max 440 - Quakertown, PA

Sorry, but in the rural town I live in a suit is a costume. I used to wear suits or at least sport jackets all the time but I found out that when I dressed more casually, most people were warmer and less intimidated.

In short, I believe every client or situation demands it's own dress code and it's up to us to choose wisely.

Mar 22, 2008 12:35 AM

Anonymous

Dianne Clayton ~ Exit Realty Music City

Great Post! Great Reminder! You only get one chance to make a good first impression! I never leave home without dressing as the Professional I promote myself to be.

Who wants to meet a potential buyer or seller for the first time looking like something the cats drug home?

Always wear your name tag, always have plenty of business cards & always be dressed for success!

Dianne

Mar 22, 2008 11:36 AM

#79

J Perrin Cornell

Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA

Broker, ABR, VAMRES

I get a kick out of those that say..."well you dress up and you just can't walk in the dirt or the clients won't like it". Horse puckey. I do not think your post was about dressing up but rather about dressing right... and not a corporate thing either. If you are in the hills for the day...dress accordingly... but still NEAT... still appropriate. It is not just the client you are with but the others you might see or meet. I would not wear a suit except under very narrow circumstances. But I dress to fit the day/circumstances. That means pants and shirts are pressed. Shoes are polished and I am ready to face the crowd. Yes areas differ and yes people or groups differ... but there is, in my opinion, no excuse for neat, clean and appropriate.

I once worked for a man that would not hire anyone wearing loafers..."if you are too lazy to tie your shoes you are too lazy to work for me" He was by the way very successful. I worked for another person that would not hire an attorney from one of the big name schools or if they graduated in the top 10% of their class. his opinion was they did not know how to get in the gutter and fight. You don't know when you might be meeting someone like this. In turn you dn't know when you might be meeting someone that is entirely the other way... so appropriate, neat and clean are NEVER out of style.

Mar 23, 2008 02:52 AM

Darleen McCullen

Raleigh, NC

Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate

I think it's a good idea to have a dress code in the office. There will be some agents who resist, but others will certainly appreciate it.

While many think that it should be "common sense" how one should dress when meeting with clients - and when in the office, some agents will not have a clue. Perhaps they previously worked jobs where it wasn't necessary to "dress up" - or may not have a sense of style. A few office rules can go a long way.

Mar 26, 2008 12:54 PM

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