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Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It depends on the market. Seniors may well reject a poorly dressed agent for the simple reason that they have no confidence in a professional who fails to dress like a professional. 

Jan 26, 2015 11:07 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Suit and tie! We are dealing with people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. We wouldn't expect to see our attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, etc. in shorts and t-shirts!

Jan 26, 2015 08:15 PM
Rainmaker
1,574,666
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I wear a dress shirt (with or without tie) every day.  I never know who I am going to bump into and even if the tie is not on it is available for that unscheduled appointment.  Not everyone in Florida wears flowery shirts and shorts and flip flops every day!

Jan 26, 2015 08:18 PM
Rainmaker
821,426
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Depends on my market - horse properties - jeans and boots.  High end, dress up definitely required.  Rehab foreclosures in 110 degree heat - the least amount possible - typically a pair of golf shorts and nicer summer shirt - not a tee.  Then, head home for the second shower of the day, LOL.  

Jan 27, 2015 02:24 AM
Rainmaker
542,076
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTOR® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

I show a lot of equestrian properties and farms.  Then it is jeans and boots because we will be walking land.  To show upscale residential I dress in slacks and a nice sweater or jacket. 

Jan 27, 2015 01:54 AM
Rainmaker
432,957
Shanna Hall
Real Estate Solutions - Kirkwood, MO
I love selling houses!!!St. Louis, MO 314-703-1311

I completely depends on the client. 

If I am with investors- I will dress down- as we will usually be going into gross properties and/ or construction sites. 

The first time I meet a client - I am dressed to impress.  I then gauge their expectations and go from there.  Different ages have different expectations.  I have some clients that appreciate a more casual dress code. 

There are also my clients that wear $500.00 shoes.  They will want me to look upscale.

Yes- this sometimes catches me with the wrong attire for the client- but usually by that point they have observed the reason they picked me (knowledge) and it is no longer a factor.  (This typically only happens if I am on the run and squeezing something in.)

Jan 27, 2015 01:38 AM
Rainmaker
713,369
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Depends upon your market. Suit and tie would look out of place in a beach community, just as shorts and tee shirt would in a New York high rise. Know your market and your clientele and dress accordingly. 

Jan 27, 2015 01:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

It depends on the situation.  Listing appointment?  Dress pants and buttoned shirt.  Showings with a new buyer?  Sometimes the same, sometimes jeans and a nice shirt.  I like style, but you won't see me in a suit and tie unless somebody's dead.  

Jan 27, 2015 01:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,432,649
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

The only time I have worn shorts is on very hot days with clients I have a good relationship with.  It is not lazy on my part, it is to keep me comfortable and to keep me moving through a long day of showing homes in the heat.  I know it sounds pathetic, but a long day of showing homes leaves me very sore and tired.  

Jan 30, 2015 01:06 AM
Rainer
187,583
Rick Snow - Selling El Paso TX
EXIT West Realty - El Paso, TX
Cool Deals on Hot Real Estate in El Paso, Texas

I went one summer and never wore anything other than shorts and tennis shoes and sold just as much as when I sweated to death in a suit or slacks and a jacket. If you are professional and courteous you'll do fine. I think if someone can't get past what you are wearing I don't care to work with them anyway.

Jan 27, 2015 07:51 PM
Rainer
557,375
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

It depends on many factors, but Pete X's comment is the coolest IMHO.

Jan 27, 2015 10:03 AM
Rainmaker
953,717
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

In my Zegna suite and tie for a multi million dollar listing appointment in Beverly Hills/Newport Beach (if it's only a million...tie comes off) and only my briefs on for telephone prospecting and follow up.

Jan 27, 2015 06:00 AM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

 I agree with know your market. But no shorts or tee shirt for me regardless. Dress shirt, on occasion a tie, sport coat and blue jeans and dress shoes work for my clients. Most of my business now is referral so they pretty much know what they get with me. 

Jan 27, 2015 01:30 AM
Rainer
105,987
Chris Mamone
Keller Mortgage - Tacoma, WA
Senior Loan Officer

I've been working with realtors now for almost two months, and the most successful realtors I work with always dress business casual. The ones who are just starting out often tend to wear what I consider weekend clothes for being around the house. First impressions are the door to getting business from clients and becoming successful.

If you want to be successful and give the right impression to clients, go to work dressed like your a professional.

Here is the other key to dressing for success. GET TO KNOW YOUR CLIENT. Some clients dress like slobs while others dress like corporate professionals. You want to try and match your client without going below business casual. This gives the client the impression your not better than them, and creates a good first impression.

Jan 27, 2015 01:29 AM
Rainer
4,999
Brian Swope

I used to be a suit and tie guy, now I sell in South Bay area of Southern California where most people are in shorts and a tee shirt.  I am typically in slacks and a dress shirt now, I haven't been able to make the move to shorts yet.  I guess it just depends on where you work along with your clients comfort level.

Jan 27, 2015 01:21 AM
Rainer
355,039
Ben DeHaven
Haven Realty & Investments - Lakeland, FL
Proudly serving Winter Haven & Lakeland, Florida

I wear slacks and a dress shirt or a golf type polo every day. If I'm walking neighborhoods I'll swap the slacks for jeans and wear some walking shoes so I dont look so salesman-ish. 

Jan 27, 2015 01:07 AM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

A long time ago...before I was in real estate some said"Dress the way you want to be treated."  Amen and Women

Jan 26, 2015 09:26 PM
Rainmaker
885,790
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Good question. I change my clothes depending on what I'm showing and the type of client I'm meeting. It does matter. I never wear shorts, but I can definitely be more or less casual as the situation requires. I need to be taken seriously and not look like I'm a part time working and part time hanging out at my pool. Dress for success they say. I find that it matters!

Jan 26, 2015 08:24 PM
Rainer
279,878
Dipti Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
On a team with Praful Thakkar

PRO!

Jun 06, 2018 10:39 PM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

Suit and Tie for sure. Be professional.

Jan 25, 2018 10:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Somewhere in between.

Nov 07, 2017 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Doyle - depends on the client.

Aug 25, 2017 09:59 PM
Rainer
131,196
Carolyn Shipp
Source 1 Real Estate - Mineral Wells, TX
Mineral Wells Texas Real Estate

In our area it is jeans and tennis shoes or boots.  There are a lot of oil field workers and cowboys here.  When the temperatures are over 100 during the summer, many agents will wear nice shorts with tennis shoes, but we do have some agents that do wear their flip flops.  For me it is always jeans with a casual pair of shoes.

Feb 04, 2015 12:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Depends where you sell your properties. I heard about agents who where showing houses in Malibu in swim suits:)

Jan 30, 2015 03:41 PM
Rainmaker
1,257,045
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Funny that you ask that question.  In our 110 degree heat as Juli Vosmik quotes we end up dressing cooler, but I still wear nice clothes.  It's not easy but we try to always be professional in our hot climate.  

Jan 28, 2015 10:49 AM
Rainer
51,536
Marilyn O'Donoghue
Long & Foster Avalon - Avalon, NJ

I always dress in suits, skirts or dresses.  I work in a beach town but it works for me.

Jan 28, 2015 07:53 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

No Shorts or T Shirt.  Depends on the client, maybe suit and tie, but mostly casual.  It makes the buyers feel more comfotable. I'm more apt to wear  tie when going to a listing.

Jan 27, 2015 11:45 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

This is not a tie and coat area and if a guy comes in dressed like that agents tease and asked who died. Business casual works best in Clarksville. Shorts are not appropriate to be in the office IMHO. 

Jan 27, 2015 11:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Never ever shorts. If I know the buyer client it is jeans and a nice button down shirt. A listing appointment, nicer slacks. Not many people wear ties these days.

Jan 27, 2015 08:37 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Here in Santa Barbara, it is dress pants and shirts.  There is a firm in Florida that requires suits and ties, and suits and dresses for women including panty hose....It is what works in the market.  Shorts in my opinion would definitely not work.  A

Jan 27, 2015 06:33 AM
Rainer
16,817
Christie Moore
ERA First Advantage Realty, Homes and Real Estate - Henderson, KY
Your Real Estate Lady,ERA First Henderson

I agree with always being ready for what the day may bring. I don't always wear heels but I don't wear jeans for appointments or to the office.

Jan 27, 2015 06:10 AM
Rainer
37,691
Brad Hornshaw
Brad Hornshaw Realtor Lynnwood, Bothell, Everett - Lynnwood, WA
Realtor, Listing Agent, Buyers Agent, Investments

Wow so many varied opinions! I have to agree that knowing your client and market is huge. For me there is another factor though. When I started out in Real Rstate I thought that suit and tie was a must, but the truth is that I grew up a farm boy and then was a steel worker for 30 years before entering Real Estate. Suit and tie is not really who I am, and I think any one who knows me for 5 minutes is going to realize that. I dont want to pretend I am some one I am not so it is usually short sleeve collard shirts and slacks for me and if the weather is cold I throw on a sport coat. I know there are people out there who view my casual dress code a sign of disrespect, but there are also many who apreciate my down to earth style and honesty. Not likely we can please every one

Jan 27, 2015 06:02 AM
Rainmaker
236,403
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

somewhere in between? I don't think agents should wear jeans and t shirts. However, a tie is very formal for my area in Southern California. Maybe polo shirts and slacks?

Jan 27, 2015 03:13 AM
Rainer
245,600
John Rakoci
Eagle Realty - North Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach Coastal Carolinas

We are in a resort environment selling a lifestyle more than a property. Shorts, yes. T-shirt, no but a golf type with collar. Sandals, no but boat shoes sure.

Jan 27, 2015 02:58 AM
Rainer
356,182
Tom White
Franklin Homes Realty LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.FranklinHomesRealty.com - Franklin, TN
Franklin Homes Realty LLC, Franklin TN

I think it depends on your market..and the weather! For the most part I wear casual clothing that fits in with my client's expectations. No shorts or tee shirts, but nice jeans and a button down shirt is good for our market.

Jan 27, 2015 02:31 AM
Rainer
46,277
Nancy Middleton
Counselor Realty, Inc. - Excelsior, MN
Nancy Middleton, Counselor Realty, Minnetonka, MN

Great topic. I personally believe in dressing honestly for who you are and yet being open to adjusting your attire to your client, geography, climate, type of properties being shown, type of market you serve. Don't overdress or underdress, be real.

Jan 27, 2015 02:22 AM
Ambassador
735,052
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Ha! If I showed up in a suit and tie in my farm I'd be disc'd immediately. Not so sure about the shorts and T shirts, however. That may be pushing the envelope unless you just got out of the water with your client. LOL!

In our funky little beach community almost anything goes. I've thrown away more moth chewed ties and dress shirts than I've purchased in the past 2 decades. Shorts and even sandals are widely accepted if not proper protocol.

Tommy Bahama style are more the norm, however, over T-shirts. It's part of the surf/beach culture and you'd be as out of place at the beach donning a tie and slacks as you would in your shorts, sandals and Tommy Bahama in Beverly Hills.

That stated, However, It's even different in beach cities like La Jolla, Del Mar and Newport beach. Not saying Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the Sea, Carlsbad and Oceanside don't harbor high end properties.

In fact the 92024 zip code, funky Leucadia, boasts price points as high as La Jolla and Newport Beach. But truth be known the dress code is a little more demanding and protocol leans a Little more towards a shirt, tie, slacks, even nice Levis and Top Siders but no sandals. 

That's my 3 cents worth (adjusted for inflation). 

Jan 27, 2015 02:21 AM
Rainer
145,595
Jeanne Kozak
RE/MAX In Action - Martinsburg, WV
REALTOR and Broker/Owner in WV and VA

It all depends on the client and sometimes the property, maybe even the weather. If I am going to spend the day touring acreage or foreclosures, for instance, probably jeans and boots, you never know what to expect. Otherwise pretty casual for the most part.

Jan 27, 2015 01:57 AM
Rainer
258,273
Kathleen Frawley
Keller Williams 916 730-4404 Elk Grove, Wilton, Folsom, Sacramento - Wilton, CA
South County Sacramento, 916 730 4404

Suit and tie! My dress shows respect (or lack of respect) for whoever I am representing.

Jan 27, 2015 01:34 AM
Rainer
10,953
Claudette J. Davis
Keller Williams Preferred Properties - Upper Marlboro, MD
"All Your Real Estate Resources Under One Roof"

 I vote for the shirt and tie.  Not only does it look professional; but it also sets you apart and people remember you.

Jan 27, 2015 01:24 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Casual chic, not too dressy, no shoes I can't walk in depending on the terrain.

Jan 27, 2015 01:23 AM
Rainer
371,913
Travis "the SOLD man" Parker; Broker/Owner
Travis Realty - Enterprise, AL
email: Travis@theSOLDman.me / cell: 334-494-7846

In the winter, shirt & tie, coat or vest optional. Summer (South Alabama heat'n'humidity - polo & khaki long pants.

Jan 27, 2015 01:23 AM
Rainmaker
631,962
Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Suit and tie depends on the client, but shorts and T is a bit to casual.  We are professionals...se need to look like professionals.  WE are getting a bad rap many times and the overly casual look doesn't help.

Jan 27, 2015 01:16 AM
Rainer
49,761
Gene Fitzpatrick
Charlotte, NC
the Mortgage Doctor

I worked in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale for many years and always wore a shirt and tie and nice slacks, even with that humid weather.  Jeans may be in with many but a nice pair of khakis/slacks are more professional, even if you are "walking properties".  

There are times that I will wear a jacket and tie; often when I am meeting a Realtor at their office for the first time.  

Jan 27, 2015 01:15 AM
Rainer
330,375
Donald Reich
Madison Specs - New Rochelle, NY
Cost Segregation Specialist

Khakis and a button down

Jan 26, 2015 10:27 PM