Landlords....Be CAREFUL What Car You Drive to Your Rental Properties

Let the games begin! Too bad it has to be this way but people think differently and justify things in their mind... Probably a smart move if you own a bunch of rentals...

JC in Vegas

Wallace, Yes, sometimes impression works for different situations. I have a work and fun car all in one. It's also a 4 Wheel Drive. My Hummer is ideal too for the different rough Terrain I have to drive through from time to time to get to certain properties. It's multi-use vehicle, the one I drive the most.

It does make a difference what you drive when showing properties, but I never gave much thought to the idea of what to drive when you are collecting rents.  I can imagine some types of tenants would get the false idea that you don't really need their rent on time as you are doing just fine while they are struggling.  Interesting point to consider. 

It's unfortunate that this make a difference.  But when showing properties, we need to be very careful with the cars we drive since some people don't think beyond what their eyes see.

Great article, Wallace.  Yes, it is important to "mirror" the client / customer, that makes them comfortable with you.  Not the time to impress them with expensive toys!!

Very wise post, Wallace. This thinking runs across a gamut of areas in our lives. One great example is in the election of our presidents. If one does have an abundance of wealth, better to tone down the perception, at least to those who live lives economically below average or even worse, at poverty level.

Hi Wallace.  I know perception is reality but I have always driven high end vehicles.  I want to look successful.

Wallace - During the REO times I was asked to go post a house for a bank.  Not a pleasant activity in the first place.  Then I received an email from a friend about a nasty post that had been put on the net about me.  Anyway to make a long story short, this article railed about me driving my expensive Mercedes to harass these poor people.  Aah well I do not own a Mercedes however I do own a 2001 Ford Taurus with a whole lot of miles on it.  The person that wrote that article did not know me or the situation.  Funny how it is preceived that we all drive expensive cars and take advantage of people.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Thanks for the bolg.

Wallace, makes sense. And it should be very much applicable to listing appointments!

Very unfortunate the we have to worry about what we drive after working hard all of your life but yes people don't seet past their eyes.

Have a Blessed Day!!!!

I'm looking for a Buick soon, driving a high end car to every place or "situation" does not bode well.

Good morning Wallace. I had to laugh as I read your post. I have my rent collecting pickup, I have owned this pick for over 20 years. If only this pick up could talk.

Thank you for commenting on my post.

When I drive my Honda, I never receive the nasty notes like those left on my Mercedes.

Wallace, Thanks for the good advice. I like the idea of having a fun car and a work car.

I agree Wallace....A few tenants have had the impression that we just stuff all that rent $$$ into our pockets every month. We use our work truck & trailer for the rentals.

Unfortunately, tenants (and people in general) can make false assumptions about landlords simply due to resentment.