Real Estate Entrepreneur · Liberty Twp., OH · Member since 2016 · 37 posts · 22 votes
I have been a full time investor now for over a year and a half. I've done a number of different kind of deals. One thing I have not been able to figure out is what is appropriate and gives the best impression to a seller when going into a home? I'm talking about off market, seller owned homes and when I go to view their homes for the first time to get them under contract. I've gone in regular clothes - jeans and nice shirt, gone in work clothes, and lately I've been going in nice clothes (business casual - wedges, and dress or pencil skirt). I feel they all portray a different image and I just want to make a good first impression and appear professional and that I know what I'm doing. Any suggestions or opinions would be greatly appreciated! It's so much easier for a guy in this dress code arena! :)
Having dealt with similar issues I think it is important to dress for the seller. AKA, if I am meeting with an older gentleman, its cowboy boots (I live in the boondocks), jeans, and button up short sleeve shirt. Old ladies get the khakis with the long sleeves. Out of towners (Portland, Seattle-big city folk) get the nice dress pants with a sweater or vest. Working class local folks get the work boot, jeans and Nice T-Shirt look.
I want the sellers to be comfortable, so I dress for each situation independently.
Having dealt with similar issues I think it is important to dress for the seller. AKA, if I am meeting with an older gentleman, its cowboy boots (I live in the boondocks), jeans, and button up short sleeve shirt. Old ladies get the khakis with the long sleeves. Out of towners (Portland, Seattle-big city folk) get the nice dress pants with a sweater or vest. Working class local folks get the work boot, jeans and Nice T-Shirt look.
I want the sellers to be comfortable, so I dress for each situation independently.
Investor · Wasilla, AK · Member since 2016 · 277 posts · 139 votes
10y
That's almost exactly what I was going to say, but I was going to put it this way.... dress one step up from the class of property (assuming you don't know who you're going to meet). So, if you're visiting a trailer with 300 trashbags on the porch.... wear work clothes. If it's middle class income neighborhood.... dress casual, and if it's really high end or maybe commercial... you get the idea.
Personal thought that may or may not apply: Don't wear fancy shoes. Looking nice is still possible, while wearing something that lets you still walk around the house. I've looked at houses with agents that are tip-towing through the snow and muck, and this only tells me they are not really on top of their game or thinking ahead.
Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
10y
Completely agree with @Mike Sattem. High end property/seller gets a high end look from me (or my interpretation lol). Lower end tired landlords get a workman-like look.
I flinch when someone over dresses and isn't in a position to my view attics, crawl spaces, basements or walk the property properly. Dirt/mud and heels don't work well. Is this person the decision maker or just an agent or rep of the decision maker? Do I have to go through all this again later?
It may be a good flinch because I know you won't be looking to closely, or a bad flinch that you are more professional than I am and will be possibly trying to take advantage of me. Either way, over-dressing results in a flinch.
To some under-dressing may do the same, although I have successfully negotiated apt buildings best with tired landlords in my homeless construction plumber painter clothes.
But I'm not selling million dollar houses :) They want nice clothes and for you to drive up in a nice car payment as well I am sure. Good question @Lindsay McLaughlin!
Software Developer · Vidor, TX · Member since 2015 · 922 posts · 639 votes
10y
I typically research the property prior to scheduling a viewing. Shorts, t-shirt and shoes. I crawl through attics, stand up in hvac intakes and all that good stuff. If I like it, I immediately give them an offer right then and there (bring a residential contract and checkbook for earnest money as well). I like the whole mom and pop trying to make a living vibe we bring.
I treat realtors no different. Most realtors don't expect a viewer to inspect chimney flues, aerated septic water pumps, attics and etc. My wife does dress a lot less like a bum though haha. She's the talkative one that somehow knows their entire family's history by the time we're out of there.
If I did all that in "business-casual" attire they'd probably think I was a baller or something, ruining nice clothes like they're disposable.
Rental Property Investor · Orlando, FL · Member since 2016 · 463 posts · 220 votes
10y
Everything I was going to say has already been said, so I won't repeat it... But what @Sam LLoyd mentioned about shoes is absolutely key!!! I usually wear business casual, which is my everyday normal, but when I am going to visit a property, I make sure my shoes are flat, have good grip, and comfortable. I would hate to have to climb some pull-down attic ladder with wedges on, lol.
Real Estate Entrepreneur · Liberty Twp., OH · Member since 2016 · 37 posts · 22 votes
10y
Thanks everyone...yes I agree with this....although some days it's tough when you go from one meeting with an investor to discuss private lending or partnering, to looking at a very rough house in a rough part of town lol. I'll definitely take all this into account though and bring a change of clothes if it would best fit the sellers perspective!! Thank you!