Realtors need to look less intimidating

Submitted by Nicole Boynton on January 8, 2009 - 9:48am.

I would like to understand what Tara means by "looking less intimidating." I guess I never considered that REALTORS had a look that was intimidating. Is this a demeanor or in the clothes we wear? I am truly confused and would appreciate clarification in case this is an issue I need to address this in my own real estate business.
I always dress professionally but with enough function to endure a day of showing homes. That may mean slacks, a button down shirt, and heels...is that intimidating?

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Submitted by Leon De Vose, II on January 14, 2009 - 7:20am.

1. She does not flesh out what it means to look intimidating. Is it that some are overly dressed? Is it that some are too casually dressed? Who says we look intimidating? What study or survey has been done? Intimidating customers, clients and prospects is antithetical to success, but how am intimidating them? I mean I have had experiences where simply the fact that I am a Black man, albeit professionally dressed, has intimidated and turned off prospects who were surprised that the "articulate" person on the phone is a (clean) Black man. Should I go for the Michael Jackson treatment to be less intimidating?

2. The diversity of backgrounds and education. Has this not always been the case, especially because of the melting pot that our nation, especially on the coasts, is? Where does Ms. Nelson live? Does she only see one kind of person? On my block in a rather urban suburb of Newark, NJ, there are at least six nations represented within three doors on either side. In my new office I have met or talked to twenty different agents. Of those perhaps 10 are at least second generation United States citizens. One is from Italy, one is from Armenia, one is of Greek descent, the others are South and Central American and West Indian.

In my opinion this clip is overly general and not helpful at all.

What are the consumers I deal with looking for from us?

My findings are:

- Professionalism. They want someone who looks, acts and speaks like they can be trusted with the next quarter to half million dollars or more of their and/or their families' financial future.

- Responsiveness. They want someone who is truly on their team. They want someone who will work for their interest. They want someone who will answer, even anticipate, their questions and concerns.

- Communication. They want someone who will keep them up to date on all goings on.

- Competence. They want someone who knows what they are talking about, knows what they are doing, and can give a well based rationale for their advice.

- Innovation. They want someone who can (I hate this cliche) think outside the box. They want someone who will go beyond the conventional to serve their needs.

- Value. They want to know that they are getting at least an even exchange of service if not more for the money spent. They do not mind spending the money as long as it will produce a win.

This is a short "off the cuff" list. Looking intimidating and being more diverse as you can see is not on the list, because at least in my market these are from the issues.

Just one man's opinion, for what it is worth.

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Submitted by Andrew Mooers on February 21, 2009 - 1:25pm.

Being real, down to earth and not pushey but caring, going pace the other person feels comfortable at. That's a good working relationship!
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine / Aroostook County

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Submitted by Rosa Vargas on July 8, 2009 - 7:33pm.

Looking for a career change is scary but I just enlisted in my first course Real Estate Sales Agent at the AREI school of Real Estate.This Clip was very informative

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