Real Estate Investor · Joliet/ Plainfield, IL · Member since 2008 · 37 posts · 0 votes
I'm working outside of the Chicago area with sellers in preforeclosure usually. They usually call me off my newspapers ad. The average home I'm looking at is $100k-$250k
What clothes are you guys wearing to look at properties like this?
I've been wearing jeans and a polo shirt. What about wearing a company embroidered logo shirt?
Usually however you don't want to advertise to the neighbors that you buy houses, many people are embarrassed that they have to call someone to bail them out of foreclosure or some similar situation. So if you have car magnets do take them off so it doesn't start the neighborhood gossip floating around. Remember the people you are meeting with are humans too and you still need to treat them with respect.
Larry -
I think you're cool in jeans and a polo. A logo would certainly add a little extra, I'm sure. If you showed up in a ripped shirt and ratty jeans, but a wad of cash, I don't think anyone would care. While impressions are important, what is more important is the ability to deliver.
Usually however you don't want to advertise to the neighbors that you buy houses, many people are embarrassed that they have to call someone to bail them out of foreclosure or some similar situation. So if you have car magnets do take them off so it doesn't start the neighborhood gossip floating around. Remember the people you are meeting with are humans too and you still need to treat them with respect.
People like to do business with, and feel more comfortable with people “like themselves”... and/or… people that sound like, or look like, they can help them with what they (the seller) want done.
If you know what the seller does for a living, dress how they may dress…
I usually dress in slacks, a pull over or button up shirt, and nice shoes… Basically “business casual” attire. If I am going to an upper end home, I may step it up a notch.
And… I agree with Michael... how you sound, present yourself, and know is way more important that what you wear!
Usually however you don't want to advertise to the neighbors that you buy houses, many people are embarrassed that they have to call someone to bail them out of foreclosure or some similar situation. So if you have car magnets do take them off so it doesn't start the neighborhood gossip floating around. Remember the people you are meeting with are humans too and you still need to treat them with respect.
-Michael
Michael... I make certain everyone knows what I am there for... And if I can buy the neighbors house too or find one of the neighbors who is a tenant I may have a house sold before I buy it..
I do a six pack around the sellers house and make sure they see me... Neighbors dont lie about the motivation of the seller and they tell you things about the neighborhood you wouldnt normally know..
This business is about presentations.... AND A PROPER PRESENTATION WILL MAKE YOU RICH...
I believe in keeping things simple and casual... nice T-shirt/polo with jeans or Khaki's. I usually wear casual dress shoes that are comfortable. I'm not a suit and tie kind of guy which is one of the reasons I got into real estate investing. I think as long as you keep yourself groomed and showered along with a professional demeanor that is what matters most to buyers and sellers.
I make certain everyone knows what I am there for... AND A PROPER PRESENTATION WILL MAKE YOU RICH...
I strongly agree. I have to order shirts like yours, with company's logo, in a meantime I always dressed neat but never in a business casual. When I am talking to people I am melting ice and that is most important in my presentation.
Looks like only the menfolk are answering this one... :wink:
I wear a button front shirt- tailored with 3/4 sleeves, black dress pants and low heels-- no jewelry but my wedding ring and Timex-type watch. I drive a plain white Toyota truck (not the Lexus which we bought very used for less than the truck, but which we've found causes a negative reaction.) I have a purse bought at Penney's that's leather and big enough to hold letter-size files, a legal pad, my camera and business calculator.
So-- neat and clean, professional, age appropriate, nothing fancy or designer that reeks of money (like I'd have anything fitting that description in my closet anyway-- sheesh :mrgreen: )
I know this is about clothes. But how about cars. Does the car you drive make that much of a difference?
I would most likely either be driving a primered/red '70 Chevelle that is less than stellar looking, and kind of loud. Or an '89 Toyota Cressida. Neither of which are very good looking cars, but they are all I've got. \
Would I be alright wearing black jeans, and a plain black shirt and driving either of those?