Real Estate is a lifesytle not a job

I think as long as we are well groomed, have a smile on our face and are "dressed" for the context we will may be seen in we are okay.  At the garden center loading mulch into the trunk - jeans and a T-shirt, off to the gym and need to s stop for milk - our workout clothes should be fine, work your destination into the conversation if you're concerned.  Sometimes we can look out of place if we are overdressed compared to everyone else...we all need time to relax!!

I don't think I'd want to see my agent at the garden center in heels, hose and a suit, it would make me feel uncomfortable to chat with her seeing me at 'not my best' if I was a customer.  But to see the agent in clean clothing, appropriate for the place they are at, perhaps with a big smile for me and even a huge hug of hello, would mean more to me than formal polished look.  

I tried to look nice once.  I just couldn't pull it off.  What you see is what you get.  i don't wear jeans or sweatshirts but I don't wear suites much either.

I certainly don't do prospecting at the grocery store if I've been doing yard work and stopping in to grab something to grill, but inevitably I run into someone and start up a conversation. I just hope I can meet them again when I stop in with my "work" clothes on - which is 80% of the time:)

ONCE AGAIN I AGREE, IT HAPPENED TO ME ONE TO MAY TIMES. NOW I AM DRESS ALWAYS. I EVEN WENT TO VISIT MY DAUGHTER AT CAMP IN HIGH HEELS. LOL

Hi Beth - it never fails that when I take a chance and run to the store, looking less than my best or close to it, I always run into someone I'd prefer to see when I have on my 'work attire' clothes.  Oh well, I sometimes think WE think we look worse than others think we do - we are our own harshest critics.  I try to not have to run anywhere, except maybe through a drive-thru ( ;-) ) when I have on 'yard clothes' or something like that.....  ;-)

Ann

Good morning Beth....My family teases me because I also dress well even when I go to the grocery store.  I don't know why, that is just the way I am.  Of course I don't have two yound children to take care of either plus everythin else in your life. Cut yourself some slack...you deserve it. :-)

You never know where you might meet your next client.  But as others have said as long as you can explain where you are off to and at least if your clothes match and are clean.  The client should understand.  They do want someone that has a normal life.  I think most clients would worry if you didn't.

I think if you're clean, and dressed for the occassion, you're fine. Once I ran into an agent I was in contract with at a pool where we were members. I was in a bikini and just wanted to "duck and cover" but noooooo he came up and talked with me, LOL. I DO know agents who would never go out of the house without "looking perfect" (perfect hair, nails, makeup, whatever) but I don't want to live that way. Most folks know we are not really "on duty" 24/7. I wouldn't want them to expect that, either.

But your post is GREAT because it discusses what often goes just under the radar regarding expectations. I give ya a "5"!

You are right... guess what.. I shop "outside" of my town just for that reason....   I am brain dead when doing "household" tasks.. and want to be and look brain dead.. so on go the sunglasses and out of my market i go.

 

I try to dress appropriate for the occasion, and don't run to the store without looking "decent". What I personally have a problem with is how to "dress" for working in the yard. I'd LIKE to be able to put on my grubbies because I'm going to get sweaty and dirty. But since my neighbors are potential clients, I don't feel as though I can look as grubby as I would like. Any one else have this concern? Or am I carrying our "always on" too far?

I agree that it's a lifestyle and although I don't feel we have to be in full suit, heels and all everytime we're out, I think we have to dress in such a way that we would feel comfortable in not missing out on the opportunity to hand a potential client our business card or not having to "duck and weave" in the store to hide from an existing client or someone else professional that we know LOL  Sure, it takes more time to always present the image, but I feel it's definitely worth it.

Beth,

Can you see me smiling - what a great post. I was a consultant for IBM in my first career so it was Blue suit white shirt - then I took some time off to be a stay-at-home mom and it seemed like that was what I would call my "sweats period" - when I got into real estate I did become aware of looking presentable when out. Luckily we live in a Florida resort community where we're more casual anyway - so while I work to look "out together" I gave up pantyhose with IBM. Both had a place and served a purpose but I'm happiest where I am now. My kids are 5 or 10 - I can so relate!  Congrats on the Feature!

TLW, I don't take large bites, lol!

Working at the beach in Southern California is a more relaxed lifestyle and attire, I rarely wear suits anymore.  We are more casual to dressy casual, not so difficult to maintain on a daily basis.  I must admit I actually like wearing high heels many days, but not at the grocery store.

Tony wrote "When you are in public - you are on stage.  Every day is a "full dress rehearsal".  Maximize your "curb appeal"!"

I have to agree

Beth - we do have lives outside of real estate. I think most clients understand and appreciate that fact.

Having knowledge of our market and demographics pretty much dictates our business practices , including dress , here in Boise if you are going to talk to a farmer regarding his land in most cases you dont want to dress up in a suit & tie , also in dealing  to my Fellow Southern California clients a casual but very neat approach is ok , it's like you can wear a nice polo and shorts golf like attire and it puts everuone at ease .

In some cases casual dressy or Full dress will only do depends on who you ar talking to .

We all need downtime once in awhile, a chance to turn off our real estate agent persona and just be ourselves. Any other time, it's in our best interest to be presentable. We never know who may be around the next corner!

You are sooooo right!  I'm currently in the process of redoing my "casual" clothes so I always look presentable!