Hi, I'm scheduled for my state exam next month, and just an off the wall question. I love watching the real estate showplace, that's a two hour TV show which previous homes for sale in our market...which triggered this thought for me. I'm a 46 year old woman, I consider myself attractive, casual, love gardening, cooking and not too much into the designer clothes or the latest hair styles. So watching these "sophisticated," prim and proper female realtors, on this program made me wonder.

This is my question: Do you think that in order to work with some of the upper-end clients, would I have to become one of "them?" What experiences have you had with some of these clients? My attitude is to be myself, offer the best service to my clients and treat everyone, as I do now, the same no matter their income or status?

Thanks!!

I believe in dressing conversative-casual, meaning a jacket & slacks. I rarely wear skirts or dresses. The top agent in our office, who is also a woman, has a short, short "non-style" haircut & dresses pretty casual, even more than I do (she'll actually go out with clients in jeans). However, we don't really cater to many upper-end type clients. The only million dollar plus properties we deal with are commercial.

I've had to battle image since I started in the business. I was 30 when I got my license but looked 20. Sounds like a compliment I should have been happy about but I always felt like I had to prove myself so I pulled my hair back & tried to dress "older" & very business conservative. Along with age came confidence in the business so although I do believe in presenting myself in the most professional way possible, I'm not trying so hard.

And I'm still surprised at how some other agents present themselves in higher priced areas. I've been greeted by agents that sounded very professional over the phone but who met me at a property wearing cut off jean shorts!

I recently took a listing in downtown Chicago (the Loop) & was wondering about the types of agents I'd be dealing with (feeling like I'd be considered the "hick from the southside"). These agents ranged from ladies in moo moos, tennis shoes & my favorite, a 60 something woman who was trying to dress like a teenager in stiletto heels & a mini-skirt with Tammy Faye make-up & a hairdo from the 80's. It takes all kinds!

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Southwest Chicago Suburbs Real Estate is an affordable area with close access to downtown Chicago. Money Magazine says that Orland Park real estate is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Next door you can find Tinley Park homes for sale and get Orland Park amenities at a more affordable price.

Thank You!! I'm not off the wall with my question, am I? You knew exactly what I meant. I’ve lived in the Tampa Bay area all of my life and we're experiencing an incredible growth. It seems like the average home is now over $500,000. I don't anticipate working with these clients as I'm just starting out, but as you can guess, I feel a bit intimidated already. I'm counting on honesty, and my strong work ethic to work for me…no stiletto heels or mini-skirts in my closet.

Thanks again.

Hi again!

Just be yourself. Don't try to be anything else.

My company specializes in building for the affluent, developers and investors. People with millons of dollars to play with. What they are looking for is someone who is comfortable with themselves, knows what they're doing, stays on top of things, returns their calls and keeps them informed.

Nothing to crazy or way out....

They key is to be comfortable in your own skin. When you try to be something you're not or you're not comfortable being -- it shows. And, you lose your credibility and the trust of your client.

Never be afraid to tell a client you don't know. They appreciate it. However, they also want to know that you're going to find out and get back to them. No one expects you to know everything and the more you try to present yourself as knowing everything the less lenient they'll be with you, if you make a mistake.

I like to work with new agents because they're still coachable. You'll find that many of the Affluent would rather work with a new agent than an experienced one. The reason is the new agent is trying harder. Hasn't become jaded. Is still trying to do their best.

Trust yourself...

Anyway, just my two cents. Hope it's helpful....

Storm

ProCustomHomes: Ensuring Residential Developers Profits
PdqSeminars: Free Online Seminars for the Building Industry

Confidence, Attitude, Honesty, Integrity, Humility, Speed and Accuracy of response, Skill in Communications of all kinds, a good and frequent, honest smile. Great listening skills, great questioning skills, good grooming, cleanliness, clean breath, manners, poise, posture, and an attitude of equality are all FAR more effective than dress, hairstyle or expense of car.

It is YOU that is valuable to the client and that long list of attributes above and other similar ones make the difference.

If you wear jeans, press them and make certain they are clean and wear an attractive, conservative top with them and good sensible shoes. BE YOUR BEST and Most REAL Self!!!

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My Personal Site: www.JodyHudson.com
Take care,
Jody
Delaware Beach Real Estate near Rehoboth Beach on The Atlantic Ocean Beaches.
Our Local Discussion Board is www.DelawareBeachBoard.com

Cleanliness & Clean Breath above all else LOL

Remember, you can be versatile and still be yourself. When I'm showing entry level homes and condos I wear jeans and a nice shirt from time to time. If I'm showing or holding an open house for a luxury home I make sure to wear a coat and tie with slacks. Of course, as Storm and Jody said, do be yourself.

You're right on target, Jody!

I really DID have a good time thinking and writing the above... and FUN too. I truly hope it has helped some of the readers who may be new in this game. And hopefully it may have saved them some hard earned money too.

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My Personal Site: www.JodyHudson.com
Take care,
Jody
Delaware Beach Real Estate near Rehoboth Beach on The Atlantic Ocean Beaches.
Our Local Discussion Board is www.DelawareBeachBoard.com