Realtors, Should There Be a Dress Code?

I totally agree with your 'dress' philosophy.  It really all depends on the day.  Today I have one showing to a jeans and tshirt buyer so I have on a cute sweater, jeans and some Vans. 

You know I like dressing comforable. I think you've got to look professional though the first time you meet someone. Once you get to know someone and they see your abilities then it shouldn't matte.r

I think taht you can base your dress depending on the client , but that first impression is always a dusey!! and if you meet them wearing stained shirts with holes in it and some old rag jeans. They might reconsider, but once they see you can be professional when it calls, I think you are safe :-)

Emily, while it is true that you "can't judge a book by its cover," and you shouldn't make assumptions about people based on their attire, we all know that people do judge on this basis.  I believe it is part of our job as Realtors and service providers, to put our clients at ease, and if doing so means wearing a suit or jeans, so be it.  So I do agree with you that as agents we sometimes have to, at least appearance-wise, be chameleon-like!

Fortunately, like our buyers and sellers, we also have a choice as to with whom we work.  Unfortunately, many hungry agents don't exercise this very liberating option.  I am happy to say that in my 10 years of selling real estate, I have only had to "Donald Trump" one client, but it certainly improves your outlook and esteem when you realize you do hold this power of choice.  So, wear what you want and work with whom you choose!!

Allison Smith  http://www.coloradodreamhome.com/   http://activerain.com/blogs/allicat44

I agree with you, I dress according to which client I am out with.  I love to dress up but also like jeans.  Have a great day.

I pretty much wear the same thing for all clients, khaki pants and a Polo shirt with dressier shoes. I've never felt like I was under or over dressed. I really don't target the very high end market that much though but even then I probably would wear my "uniform".

Yes I agree with you should dress accordingly to your client. Now if I don't have clients I usually wear a suit.

"Dress to impress"

 Thanks

It does feel good wearing jeans when with a customer, but people judge you whether we want them to or not. I wish I could wear jeans all of the time, but I do it sparingly.

Emily - Most of our agents wear jeans every day.  I, also, think you have to base it on each client.  However, there's a difference between "casual business dress with jeans" and "I'm wearing dirty, ratty jeans because I'm a lazy slob".

       For several years I was one of the top producers in a large RE company in Seattle. A new broker came in and told me that effective immediately I could not wear hawaiian shirts on the main floor of the office.  This was in summer and the weather was nice and warm. I told her effective immediately I was leaving. Prompted me to start my own company which has been a great thing. Just wear what is you and the right clients will follow.

I agree but others are more one minded.  I myself like to "Dress for Succes"  I do like it when Im showing Land because I get to wear my jeans and a hoody or something like that.  My office has its rules in place I think just for the certain agents who think a t-shirt and jeans are a daily attire.  Now I am rambling, sorry.  Dress for Succes and you cant go wrong.

I show mostly dirty smelly foreclosed houses to investors.  It's jeans and comfy shirts/sweaters for me.

I agree with you, but some clients appreciate you dressing a little better.

There is a certain amount of respect you are accorded when you dress up a little.

All the best!

I agree with the statement tht you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover - but that being said ... I think that it is important to "dress" the part.  If I have slipped into the office in my jeans I inevitably end up with clients!  ARRRRRGGG!

Emily,I don't have a dress code....depending on the client,our agents know how to dress...besides..my office is on the beach...wearing a suit just doesn't seem appropriate

The old addage goes that you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Do what you want but the first meeting you should always look sharp. then mirror your clients there after.

  About a hundred years ago when I had my first job out of college...not as a realtor, I had worn a lower cut top to work with a blouse and jacket over it. A client of the firm apparently viewed it as a "COME ON"  and I viewed it as fashionably comfortable....My then boss said  "Dress in the manner you wish to be treated." I never forgot that....and dress accordingly.

I agree that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, however I also know that most people (myself included) do judge this way... it's just human nature.  We should dress professionally.  This can be accomplished without the traditional business suit.  You can definitely dress up a pair of jeans, but NOT with a t-shirt. 

Emily, I agree completely.   I believe that we need to make our client comfortable and can we do that if we are in a suit and they not even own one or visa versa?

I've worn denim jeans since about 1990.  So do most of my buyers, including the multi-million dollar folks.

I dress to suit my clients.  Sounds like comfy to you is comfy to me also :)  High end jeans are just as acceptable now as a suit!  People who are buying or selling high end know what those jeans are.  People who are not buying or selling high end probably don't know what those high end jeans are and are not intimidated by it.  Suits and dressing far to formal can be intimidating!

Thankfully, I live in a resort area where "casual" is acceptable...  But once in a while, even I put on my "Realtor" attire (I dislike looking stuffy, though). 

Kim - I applaud your leaving the company!  Hopefully you are making more money now!

Andrew - You are hilarious.  I agree a Realtor should always be dressed. 

BLR Guy - Maybe I should move to the beach. 

Paul Gaddes - See ya at the office in my blue jeans :)

I agree with all of you that clean and neat is appropriate.  It's just that I can be clean neat and presentable in my blue jeans!

Hard one here. I love my jeans also. I try and dress as neede for the day. Sometimes jeans sometimes skirts. It really depends on my schedule.

Emily - yes, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, BUT...

    it's not about our judging our clients/prospects - it's about how people are judging us.

Yes, definitely what you wear is different if you're showing ranch property or beach property or city property, BUT

    we're still making an impression. We could wear khakis when they're wearing jeans...or we could wear jeans but "dress" them up.

We're making an impression not only on our client (yes, when we're showing good friends property and know that they'll be wearing shorts, we're tempted to weat them, too) but on other agents, the owners of properties, the neighbors of the homes we're showing, etc. 

I am more casual than dressy, in fact I have never worn a dress or skirt to work yet.  I do not wear blue jeans though, its funny but I will wear a jean material pant in any other color but blue to work.  I think my clients have every right to come in cut off shorts and tube tops if they want to look at homes, but I have to be the agent in the group and have a certain minimum standard for myself.  I also wouldn't want a seller to be watching from across the street and wondering where the agent is if they see no one looking like a professional amongst the group.  So, I am in the middle I guess, casual but no blue jeans for work is my basic rule.  I am also in a small, middle american town which may be part of it, we tend to be a little behind the more fashion forward areas :)

WOW! Very good topic.  A simple subject that probably is thought of but not spoken about often.  The days of judging a book by it's cover should be over.  Dress accordingly?  But what is accordingly?  I've met many people that look great but don't have a brain in their head.  Judging by the number of comments here Emily has stirred up a great topic.  My preference?  Jeans and a collared shirt.  As previously stated...just be you.

Sharon - While I can see where you are coming from, I would also like to explain a bit further.  I think the times, they are a-changin'.  Today not everyone judges based on clothing.  I NEVER assume that because someone wears a suit, they are a responsible and good person.  What makes the biggest difference to me are the words coming out of that person's mouth.  Clean and neat is my personal rule.  And if I am worried about "what the neighbors will think of Realtors" then I am missing the point.  I clearly am more interested in "is the house good for my client".  Lots of people dislike Realtors, and I don't think it is because of the way that we dress. 

think it depends on the client and the area i'm working in. if i want a higher end listing in a nicer neighborhood, then i'm going to wear a suit. if i'm going into a lower income area, im going to wear jeans and sneakers because they may not receive me well in a suit. i think we should speak the language of our clients from words to wardrobe if we can. fyi...im with you...im most comfy in my denim ;-)

I might be the odd ball here, but I tend to disagree. I might be from the old school where this is still a business and you have to look like a professional. That doesn't mean you have to wear a three piece suit, but in my opinion jeans are not professional attire. I agree you don't judge people by their appearance, but there is a fine line between looking professional and looking like one of the gang. If I went to an attorney and he or she came out to greet me wearing jeans and a sweat shirt, I would think twice. Dress for success and you will be successful. Just my opinion.

Good Post!

Michael - I think you bring up a good point with the "old school" comment.  I think in the "old school", there are certain things that you have to do to be accepted or acceptable.  Being from the "newer school", I know that some of my $150+ jeans and designer t-shirt are much nicer than my $100 suit.  At the end of the month on the monthly sales reports, they don't say Jane Doe brought in $3 million in business this month in her nice business suit.  They simply state the fact that she brought in the business regardless of what she was wearing.  One of my friends had 17 closings last month, all in jeans.  So does it REALLY matter?

I agree, I know I have to dress for the client. In the area I work, one day we can be showing Million dollar homes, or walking 70 acres of raw land.  Some of our clients are very distrustful, or put off by the agent that pulls up in the Jag or Hummer and dressed to the nines. Granted I never wear the shorts of flip flops, but that is a personal choice. I guess you have to decide what works in your market.

Good post.  I do agree that it helps to think about the clients that you will be meeting that day before you get dressed.  If you are going to walk land, or see a farm, etc. a business suit or a dressy outfit would really not be appropriate.  We have a dress down day at our office where everyone wears jeans and donates $1.00 to the charity that we chosen for the year. 

If you worked in a jewelry store, would you sell someone a $10,000 diamond ring while wearing jeans, tennis shoes and a Bon Jovi T-Shirt? If your answer is no, then why would you sell someone a $500,000 home wearing the same outfit? 

I've been back and fourth on this issue personally.  I travel a lot  in my role at Real Living.  Here is my thought.... When I'm in an airport, hotel or restaurant or any other meeting, I notice a distinct difference in how I'm treated when I'm in a suit vs. casual.  While I (and most) would prefer casual attiire, a suit in a lot of ways commands a higher level of respect from my "research." 

Kirk - I would not work in a jewelry store.  However, I WOULD and HAVE bought jewelry through a broker in a pair of jeans.  He knew what he was doing.  It had nothing to do with what he had on.  In fact, he saved me quite a bit of money because he was such a good diamond broker.  By the way, the majority of people buying $500K homes have less than $100K to put down on it.  So they are actually not spending $500K.

Chris - This is what I think the problem is.  Why should anyone be treated any differently because of what they have on.  That should be a crime.  Each person has value because they are human beings. 

Ever see someone riding a Harley with a three piece suit?  how about going to a listing presentation with scuba gear on (flippers and all) Is it ok to do so? of course, but how would you feel? What respect would you receive? I always wear slacks , shirt and tie. I feel better doing so. It reflects on my attitude and helps me maintain my focus as a professional REALTOR. If someone wants to wear their jammies to work... who am I to stop them.

Wow - there are truly a lot of 'polyanna's' out there.  While I agree with most of these comments, I doubt that dressing professionally will ever work against any realtor. 

Reality always 'trumps' idealism...

Emily - I wish I could wear comfortable clothing.  I'm not particularly a jeans person, but I am much more comfortable in casual attire than even business casual attire.  I think it depends on where you practice real estate and the values of the community you work in.  For example, if you are a real estate agent in New York City I think people expect you to wear a suit.  It's part of the culture.  People are more conservatively dressed and you would probably not be taken seriously wearing jeans and a t-shirt (I agree people shouldn't judge, but people do make a decision about you and your professionalism within 30 seconds of meeting you and I do think how you dress does play into how they perceive you as a professional agent or not.)  In Humboldt County California, you don't necessarily have to wear a suit and many agents do where casual clothing often, but we live in a more laid back community.  I wear business casual, but I have seen a few agents wear suits and they are all very successful and well known in our community.  Most of them cater to the high end business community (developers, etc.)

Emily, I think jeans are OK for days in the office, but for meeting with clients I dress nicer. I want to appear professional, and I'm afraid that I don't if I am in jeans.

I'm so glad that I can pick clients that let me relax a bit more...  I don't like suits and ties.  I like shorts and sandals...  I had to almost carry an agent up to a house from walking down to the lake because he was wearing inappropriate clothes (dress shoes) and had no traction. 

I generally always dress up for a listing appointment.  For buyers - Winter outfits are a pants suit or dress pants and a sweater.  Spring time - chinos and a polo shirt.  Summer - dressy shorts and a polo shirt. 

Professionalism comes from with in and how well you follow up and service your clients.  When being a buyer myself, I hate the slick salesman type in a suit - I want to work with people who are down to earth.

The key word is "appropriate" when dealing with business dress and that leaves a lot of room for interpretation.  You want your client to be comfortable with you, but also recognize you as a professional.  Some of the wealthiest, most successful people I've know have worn jeans (nice jeans) and sneakers....

I think I'm down to 2 suits these days. Usually they come out for weddings and funerals. It's usually a button down shirt, a pair of jeans or khakis and I'm all set.

My broker is very oriented towards dress for success.  We are not allowed to wear jeans in the office, for example.  I am under the mind set that we should dress for what makes our clients comfortable.  I have no problem being comfortable, once I am comfortable with a client.  Besides, it's not very comfortable to wear a suit when it's 100 degrees and you are showing new construction all day!

Lisa - Completely agree - professionalism comes from within. 

Greg- Also agree with you,  appropriateness is has to made on a case by case basis.

I was thinking that maybe coming from Nashville where blue jeans and cowboy hats are king, I may have a different viewpoint on it than in other parts of the country.  It's hard to get some of these Nashville folks to give up their jeans - even for awards ceremonies on their umpteenth million dollar record sales!!!

Some Days it's blue jeans and some dress pants and sports coat, Sometimes to match client, others to our whims

Great post Emily. I think it does depend on the situation and who it is you are dealing with at the time. I prefer to just be casual & comfortable.

I say, what the client is comfortable PLUS ONE, at least.  We are professionals and even though your client may have the day off and want to do business, they may expect more from you.  You don't have the day off.

One up your clients at the very least, they deserve it. 

It just depends on what you feel as a professional is appropriate. If you are dealing with a family member or a close friend then you can dress down. But with clients that you get off of activerain or are referred to you by a colleague then you need to dress professionally. Like others have said its on a case by case basis.

Eddy  

I don't like my agents to wear jeans. I don't think they are professional. Sometimes I will wear jeans to the office if I'm not expecting any customers. Then it always seems that a customer shows up and I feel silly in my jeans. Now, if I am going to be walking around all day looking at houses I might slip on some comfy shoes that may or not be the most professional. But they sure beat high heels and walking all day :)

Emily - I worked at a brokerage that had a "dress code"... Real estate is such a personal business, I ususally dress up for the first visit (first impressions) then I dress according to their style.  I want them to feel comfortable with me, it has been succesful so far.

dress in what makes you feel good, if you don't feel good the buyers will pick up on it pretty quick

I learned this chameleon way of dressing back 15 years ago when I sold advertising. Back then as a guy we all had to wear ties. That was all fine and dandy when calling on the marketing VP at the bank. My next appointment was at the mechanic. The tie came off and the sleeves got rolled up and I would sell them both!

I agree with many comments.  I usually dress "up" if I have a listing or buyer's appointment.  Once the client and I get to know each, I am more comfortable being more casual. As a woman, I have more latitude than a man, as long as my clothes are neat, clean and tasteful. One constant, though - I always wear my high-heeled, behind-kicking, boots when I need a little "kick it up a notch" boost of confidence.  They never fail me!

Here's a little clothing joke for you:

 I started wearing a space suit to work every day. When people started questioning my choice of attire I said, "I thought you were supposed to dress for the job you WANT, not the job you HAVE."

All joking aside. I think that as long as you look presentable it doesn't matter what you wear. As an inspector I wear a uniform and insist that my inspectors wear uniforms as it makes us appear more professional to the clients (rather than low slung jeans/plumber crack look that so many people in this industry sport.)

I've seen realtors dress in a large variety of clothing. I think you have to use your judgement for the clients that you are representing and the fact that this is indeed your job and you take it seriously. For instance, it can possibly make the client uncomfortable if their female realtor is wearing a suggestive outfit or their male realtor (or inspector) looks sloppy and unkempt, etc.

I think that clean blue jeans and a presentable shirt can look just as nice as a suit provided that it is not wrinkled or otherwise unpresentable.

I believe people expect their Realtor to dress at least as well as they do.

For a first meeting with a new buyer or seller I usually wear a jacket and tie. After that it depends on what we're doing. Summer months lend themselves better to short sleeved shirts and on very hot days shorts might be appropriate. 

Emily -simply - dress cleanly, dress comfortably, dress for the occasion.

One Should Never Judge A Book By Its Cover.

likewise

Should We Be Judged By What We Wear
As long As What We Wear Fits The Occasion.

I love this topic, Emily:

The rule is: Wear what YOU are comfortable wearing.

 In 1995, a had an Open House in June. My first visitor was an agent. When I opened the door in shorts, she went into shock. She eyed me head to toe and said "My, are we comfortable today". I wanted to say "No, I'm comfortable"...but I just smiled and gave her a flyer.

Now, do I do that all the time? No. But I was going to wear shorts that day come hell or high water.

Today, it's a lot easier to get away with downdressing. According to many experts, this decade is a low point in the male garment industry. Take a look at what I am competing against: Some of the younger agents take fashion tips from Grand Theft Auto. And what about the older agents who try to be young by wearing flip flops with casual pants. Compared to some, my shorts and weejuns look pretty damn professional.

 I sound like a snob. Perhaps I should delete that last paragraph. :)

Whether it's your Bonnaroo 2002 T-shirt that's destined to be in the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame  OR your Dad's 70s leisure suit that's destined for Ripley's Believe It Or Not - ONLY YOU can decide what makes you comfortable.

There are fine lines though, I had one agent show up at a listing that I have while I was there in pajamas with her client. I thought that was a little over the top for what you should and shouldn't wear.

Todd is right...PJs are about as professional as a straitjacket.

I only wear blue jeans if I am walking land. I usually wear casual sportswear and I have seen many an agent wear shorts and blue jeans and be very succesful.

Emily, Sounds like you hit a hot topic. Meeting clients for the first time, going to meetings, and settlements require, IMHO, more business attire. When you are doing home inspections, showing land, and inclement weather..use common sense.

Find someone your really admire and want to emulate and follow their "dress code" or ask them for advice.