Special offer

Professional dress can make the difference!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with WHISPERING PINES REALTY 20398180

I was in a multiple offer situation the other day.

4 of us were standing in the yard shooting the breeze.

WE were called in one by one.

2 of the agents rushed to be first.

Then the listing agent come out and thank the 3rd agent for coming but\the seller was not going to look at his offer.

Then I was called in.

 

I presented my offer and the countered right away.

Called my clients, got a verbal acceptance and we had a deal.

 

After  wards, I asked the listing agent when we were alone what happened with the other agent?

 

"Did yo see how he was dressed?  My clients didn't feel he would be able to do the job and get the deal done on his side."

 

 

The agent showed up in jeans that were torn in several places and a shirt that had seen it's better days.    This put up a no confidence in that agent to the sellers.

 

I know the agent and  he is a decent agent, but his non-professionalism shot him down before he ever got to the door.

 

Say what you may, but Professionalism is more that just an act.

 

The torn jean look may have it's place, but not in business.

 

Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

HI William, 

Congratulations on your offer being accepted.  I agree with you on this one. I watched an agent come to an office meeting in her workout clothes the other day. It does send the wrong message...

Aug 17, 2017 05:07 AM
Barbara Todaro

I walked into my office recently after my workout to pick up something....my builder was there.... I apologized for how I looked and told him I just came from the gym....he had a big smile on his face and said I looked great... so, you never know!!

Aug 17, 2017 06:41 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

It is becoming a norm, casual (too) attire at the office, open houses and appointments.  I am old school:  a tie and a jacket

Aug 17, 2017 05:07 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

People DO judge a book by its cover.....and the agent learned (let's hope) a valuable lesson.

Aug 17, 2017 05:09 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning William Feela,

I'm with you on professional dress but wow..never judge a book by its cover! I'm amazed you have to deliver the offer personally in this age of DocuSign. Here the listing agent presents all offers at once with a spread sheet outlining the differences and nuances of each offer. I'm so glad you were able to garner the contract for your buyer! Good job!

Aug 17, 2017 05:09 AM
William Feela

Dorie, I don't have to, but by doing so I can be one of the first ones that the sellers are willing to work with on a counter and I can many times get it all done because I was there

Aug 18, 2017 08:01 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, William Feela now you know damn well, there's not a woman on this site who wouldn't want to look like that photo.... I'd dump the shoulder bag though.... ruins that outfit!!!

Aug 17, 2017 05:11 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks so much for sharing this experience.

Appearance does make a difference.

Aug 17, 2017 05:13 AM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

William Feela I can see I need to go shopping down at the beach more often. 

I read your words and must agree. Interesting that the sellers picked-up on this element to make their decision. Congratulations!

Aug 17, 2017 05:36 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Well done, William.  Though, if it were me I would have to have a long interview with the agent in your photo.  

Aug 17, 2017 06:01 AM
Randy Hilman REALTOR® Associate Broker
Randy Hilman Homes in partnership with Bean Group - Moultonborough, NH
Guide & Mentor to Home Buyers & Sellers

Well, I don't know, William Feela .  Based on your compelling photo, I have to say that it might all depend on what kind of business we're talking about.  Cheers.

Aug 17, 2017 07:14 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning William. I think this is a really interesting post. You never know what will do the trick but in this case this guy was eliminated before he could even move forward. Too bad for his clients.

Aug 17, 2017 07:22 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Bill... you'll never get an argument from me on this issue. I firmly believe that if we are to be taken seriously as serious professionals, we need to look the part. You don't get that second chance most times to make a good first impression.

Aug 17, 2017 08:42 AM
Denise Ho

I agree with you Nina Hollander 

Aug 17, 2017 02:54 PM
Gary 'Banana' Houghtaling
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Real Estate Agent

Hi William so true looking professional and acting the same makes a huge difference. We have a cross sale going with a 'whiny' agent and I'm sure his broker has a lot on his hands with this one.

Aug 17, 2017 01:10 PM
Denise Ho
Real Estate eBroker Services - San Diego, CA
Real Estate Agent

I agree William Feela ..first impression is really important. Dressing up is like showing respect as they say. 

Aug 17, 2017 02:54 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

William,

So glad your over was accepted, and making a great first impression is  of paramount importance.  Congratulations.  A

Aug 17, 2017 03:41 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I'm still shocked you are in a market where buyer agents present their offers in person.  Definitely dress appropriately if that's what you are dealing with.

Aug 17, 2017 04:46 PM
William Feela

Again, I WANT to present. I don't have to worry about the listing agent not giving my offer it's true due.  And I can work on a counter right away and be done when I walk away

Aug 18, 2017 08:03 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

There has been several times that I have wondered why I have gotten the nod over other agents until I've seen how they were dressed. It kind of works both ways you can be overdressed or you can be in sweatpants. Clients what professionalism William Feela 

Aug 17, 2017 06:57 PM
Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Dressing that is right for the profession and the lady may be dressed right. 

Aug 18, 2017 02:03 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

William Feela - bringing up the rear, depending on how you dress has consequences! You got a lot of attention on this one and many comments too! Good for you in both getting our attention and being the chosen one based on professional dress! 

Aug 18, 2017 06:27 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

William

Dress for success is important to our business image.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Aug 18, 2017 07:34 PM
Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

I have to say, if you are presenting an offer, torn jeans is probably not the way to go. And I have to laugh at your photo -- I was standing in line at Ulta this morning and the lady in front of me was dressed in daisy dukes shorts and a bra. I thought for just a minute I had taken a wrong turn and somehow arrived at the beach. (I think both images are offensive.)

Sep 16, 2017 06:55 PM