Realtors, Dress for Success

Are you a realtor? How can you ensure that you’re dressing for success, that your appearance and outlook is working up the numbers even before your pitch and site inspection does anything?

*Here’s how: *

The most important thing to remember as an agent no matter what you’re wearing is to look clean and carry yourself well. An outfit you feel comfortable in can change your attitude and give you that extra boost of confidence when talking to clients or showing houses. When you feel great, you can be great.

You need to figure out and understand your personal style as well, understand the science of dressing and then* portray the right kind of image* that ties in with your personal brand, for the right audience what your essence is…So, learn the science of dressing and then tastefully incorporate your personal style.

Are you supposed to keep it casual, professional, or somewhere in between? The answer is all of these. Honestly, it depends on the area, the client, and situation. So, dress for your market. Regardless, a great first impression is crucial. People will start making judgments about your professionalism from the second they see you.

Appearance is extremely important, as most clients tend to hire agents based on appearance and gut feeling. Obviously, men wearing freshly pressed shirts with a smart-looking tie and well-polished shoes look professional. However, too much jewelry distracts people in the wrong way. So, keep it simple. For instance, you may decide to wear just a watch, and maybe one other piece of jewelry. And remember: Neatly trimmed and clean fingernails count.

So, for the ladies: A Ponte blazer is a great pick, it’s a more casual version of the classic blazer. Doesn’t get wrinkled, goes with a nice patterned blouse, jeans, trousers and DRESSY flats.

A button-down dress shirt works wonderfully with a pencil skirt, a pair of fitted trousers, or under a blazer. Just make sure it is opaque and not see through. We’re trying to sell the properties and not the ‘goodie twins’ aye?
The pencil skirt is a great piece for a professional look, say a first meeting with clients. Make sure it’s a conservative length, and pair it with a nice blouse, blazer, or a plain button down.

A modest A-line dress, or wrap dress reaching the knee or above the knees work too. For dresses, nothing too clingy or short works.

For shoes, A classic black heel is always a staple. However, make sure you’re wearing wedges so your stilettos don’t get stuck in the dirt if you’re showing a house that has a soft turf or when going on a site inspection. Always have well-maintained manicures…

Now for male agents, dress shirts, nice pants, and dress shoes are a must have. They complete any professional look beautifully. Dress shirts are easy to wear with a tie, no tie, or under a sport coat. Just don’t get too flashy. Always start off shopping for neutral coloured ones before you go on to the daring and bold. Make sure to wear matching colour dress socks and keep them in good condition.

For pants you could actually do khaki’s as well, this can be dressed up with a button-down shirt, or dressed down with a polo, depending on where you’re going. Always accessorize them with a belt and matching shoes.

Now this major point cannot be overemphasized. Want that money? You gotta smell like money, fresh, minty, both in breath and overall aura. So, invest in good fragrances, cologne and aftershave. Also be picky in colour of outfits, it’s unsightly to walk around with a sweat patch; this is where deodorants and antiperspirants come in handy. Ensure the air-conditioning in your car is always running. It gets really hot in this part of the climate, so stay breezy with light, breathable fabrics.

Finally, it’s important to note that you should vary your dress style, depending on who you’re meeting; a millennial, a professional, a government official, you need to understand your audience. A general rule to keep in mind is that when in doubt, you can never be overdressed, better to be overdressed than to, you know, be looked at as below par.

So, embody what you wear, ooze out the best vibe, and dress for success!