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Does Your Car Reflect What Type of Realtor You Are

By Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway California Realty DRE #01492138

May 16, 2015 04:42 AM

Does Your Car Reflect What Type of Realtor You Are

I read an article this morning in Inman News and while driving to my morning appointment, I thought about the article all the way there and back so decided I would blog about the subject matter "Realtor Cars".

Does Your Car Reflect What Type of Realtor You Are

Does your car reflect what type of Realtor, Lender, Inspector, Title/Escrow, or Stager you are? Does an expensive car say you are professional, work hard, and very sucessful? Or does it reinforce the FBSO idealogy that we make too much money for very little work so they can do it themselves. If we are driving an expensive car, does that make sellers want to reduce the commisson since we make plenty. Or does it say this person is successful and I respect that. If you drive up to list a luxury home driving your 1990 Civic that is all banged up and missing the hubcaps, do you think you will get the listing? I say probably not.

Does Your Car Reflect What Type of Realtor You Are

What about driving foreign cars vs. American made cars? This is something I hadn't really considered until this morning but does it really matter if it is Toyota or Ford?

Does Your Car Reflect What Type of Realtor You Are

And is it gender based as well? If a woman drives up in a new BMW, does someone think she is wasteful with her money but if the man drives up with his nice Ford Raptor, does the seller say "Nice Truck".

And what about economy or green cars vs. gas guzzlers? Prius is nice but Cadilac is a gas hog and you should be ashamed of yourself!

So do you think the car you buy, represents you and the type of image you want to be known for?

Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog.............

Does Your Car Reflect What Type of Realtor You Are

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Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807

HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ

Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Kristin - I really don't even think about the type of car I am driving. I don't look at any of my clients and judge them either, but I am sure that there are those that do judge.

May 16, 2015 06:19 AM

Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI

HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA

Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Kristin Hamilton CA Realtor We have often had this discussion in the Rain and while many will argue that a age and model of car do not matter, I do believe the condition and cleanliness do.

May 16, 2015 07:13 AM

Larry Johnston

Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN

Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Kristin Hamilton CA Realtor , I don't think there is a "Right" answer here. Some people are turned off by an agent pulling up in an expensive car and dressed the same. We had a buyer choose us, back when we first started out, because we did not pull up in an expensive car. They wanted someone on their level. It just depends on their taste and how they perceive it.

May 16, 2015 11:01 AM

Debbie Laity

Cedaredge, CO

Winston Heverly

Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA

GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

First impression is a lasting impression or should it be. I think the country has forgotten that as we look at how people dress and carry themselves. This of course includes automobiles. Success breeds success.

May 16, 2015 12:46 PM

Debbie Laity

Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO

Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I've heard about some news about what type a car a person drives and how it reflects on the owner's personality. I drive a Subaru. It's a practical choice and a great snow car. I once had a client ask me why I wasn't driving a large Lexus SUV. That is so not me.

May 16, 2015 02:06 PM

Mark Pederson

If people really judge on this.... not ok.

Mark Pederson- San Diego Home Inspector

May 17, 2015 06:11 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Troy Erickson

I do agree but think if someone drives up in a 10 -20 year old car beat up and goes for a listing in a luxury neighborhood, they may see this agent as unsucessful and pick another agent instead.

May 18, 2015 01:23 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI

My car is new but always dirty as I live in the foothills and the dust and mud mess it up daily plus I have a listing in the mountains. I hope no one thinks I am messy as my car always seems dirty lately.

May 18, 2015 01:25 PM

Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...

, CA

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Larry Johnston

I drive a nice car and I own it outright. I always wear inexpensive suits and nice clothes and accessories except when I go to inspections and then I throw on jeans and a sweater. I cannnot change my lifestyle as I think everyone expects a Realtor to show up looking nice.

May 18, 2015 01:28 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Winston Heverly

I totally agree and maybe that is not right but that seems to be the way it is.

May 18, 2015 01:29 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Debbie Laity

I think what car you choose is your personal choice and you do not need to drive a Lexus to give a good impression and I love the Suburus. I have also heard it is the best car in snow areas like yours.

May 18, 2015 01:30 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Mark Pederson

I like nice cars and spend my money on them but our other car is a CRV so I have both. I love cars.

May 18, 2015 01:32 PM

Mark Pederson

Kristin Hamilton CA Realtor Love cars too!

Mark Pederson- San Diego Home Inspector

May 20, 2015 01:09 PM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Mark Pederson

There is absolutely nothing wrong with driving a nice car in my opinion. My last car was almost at 55K mileage and just about to go out of warranty when I traded it in as a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle and bought a new one. Nice cars do not depreciate like other cars do and they seem to be more safe.

May 21, 2015 12:44 AM

David Shamansky

US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO

Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

I love cars and dont care what "image" it presents. Sure I love to think of myself as successful but what that means is different to each person so I am not trying to be mean or harsh but the decisions I choose to make for what I buy has NO bearing on my ability to help someone get a loan. I see NO relevance but I am sure some do and thats sad

May 21, 2015 02:24 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi David Shamansky

I think it shouldn't make a differnce but it is true a nice car gives the impression of success and image.

May 28, 2015 03:09 PM