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Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

I believe there are agents who spend more time worrying about their car, their hairstyle or their attire than they do about being competent and knowledgeable. In the end, you can have the nicest, cleanest vehicle and be the best-dressed agent in town, but no amount of preening or grooming will make up for a lack of professional skill.

Mar 25, 2015 11:42 PM
Rainer
428,833
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

Russ, did you see a picture of my car?  I live in it and the birds love it  too!

Mar 26, 2015 04:42 AM
Rainer
293,277
Ron Aguilar
Gateway Mortgage Group - Saint George, UT
Mortgage & Real Estate Advisor since 1995

everybody is correct

Mar 26, 2015 03:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,836
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Yes.  The only time I don't worry about getting my SUV washed is when I'm heading out to raw land on dirt roads. 

Mar 25, 2015 10:39 PM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

When the car is clean and the tires shined (have to add that) then I feel more confident myself.

Mar 25, 2015 07:14 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I think it makes me feel better which makes be look more professional

Mar 25, 2015 02:37 PM
Rainer
359,046
Nina Rogoff
Boston, MA
Wix Websites for Real Estate Agents

I agree with Cindy Davis . I don't think it helps your business to have a clean car but a messy car creates a situation that is open to negative interpretation. The possibility exists that your client might think, "This guy is a slob" or "This lady is disorganized". Not the kind of thoughts we want our clients to have about us. 

Mar 25, 2015 01:42 PM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

I don't know that a clean car helps your business. What I do know is that a dirty car will likely hurt it!

Mar 25, 2015 11:32 AM
Rainmaker
175,614
Spirit Messingham
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

Its doesn't hurt.  I keep my black truck looking and running smooth, and I have had several clients comment about it.  I dont do it to impressive them,  I do it because I care about the things I own, and I take care of them.   You will never find a wrapper, discarded piece of paper, or any trash in the inside either.  Just how  I operate.
I saw the other response about some agents caring too much about their appearances.  I get it.  However, lets face it appearances do count.  In fact, studies have been done on them, and you only get 1 first impression.  Is it "fair", no but it is the way some people perceive.    My trucks appearance is an extention of me, how I operate and run my small business.  It shines.

Mar 26, 2015 05:42 AM
Rainer
258,273
Kathleen Frawley
Keller Williams 916 730-4404 Elk Grove, Wilton, Folsom, Sacramento - Wilton, CA
South County Sacramento, 916 730 4404

My busness car squeeky clean. (but I don't put Realestate signs or numbers on it so I can still drive on the sidewalk)

My farm truck...not clean, infact you have to get your shots updated before you can ride with me......

Mar 26, 2015 05:20 AM
Rainer
33,053
Shelly Hendry
Keller Williams Realty Cityside - Powder Springs, GA

Its part of making sure there isn't anything for a client or a potential client to object to. Clean and neat is part of a professional presentation. Slovenly is un-professional. 

 

Mar 26, 2015 05:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Russ, I think a clean car adds to your professionalism. Besides who wants to get into a dirty car!

Mar 26, 2015 04:35 AM
Rainmaker
161,489
Morris "Bill" Austin
Team Price Real Estate - Dripping Springs, TX
Exceptional service is my standard expectation.

It sure doesn't hurt...that's enough for me. I"ll be cleaning my car today for the weekend showings. (It needs it)

Mar 26, 2015 04:33 AM
Rainmaker
519,139
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

I knew this agent who had a small older rusted sports car Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239 .  She was smart!  She had the CLIENT drive her around and pick her up!  After 15 years, she now owns several million dollars worth of properties and still drives a beat up car.

Mar 26, 2015 04:18 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Your car is a reflection of you and your professionalism.   I have never met a good agent that looked like a slob.

You should always look your best and you car should be spotless...and smell good too.

Eve

Mar 26, 2015 03:36 AM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

I've been in cars where the back seat is a trash bin. I believe I'm not one to judge a person on anything other than the job they perform but thinking back to whenever that's happened, something went off in my brain that said "ughhh". That can't be good for business.

Mar 25, 2015 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
38,609
Holleay Parcker - Spinnaker Realty - Serving Clients From Corolla to Hatteras
SPINNAKER REALTY LLC - Kitty Hawk, NC
With 14 Yrs Experience in Outer Banks Real Estate

Hi Russ;

Yes, I do think it helps business.  As others have posted, I feel better when the car is clean.  Also, I wouldn't think of meeting a client without first washing the car.  But here's another reason: as I am out and about in town, running my errands or whatever, other agents may see me (I have a vanity plate that spells out SPINAKER, so my car is readily recognizable), and so may other clients who might be in town, or local, as well as vendors I work with.  In other words, you never know who is noticing you - so why not always put your best foot forward?  Just my two cents...  

Mar 25, 2015 09:30 PM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

Absolutely.  I keep my car clean, inside and out.  Presentation matters!

Mar 25, 2015 11:17 AM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

Of course.

Mar 18, 2018 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,432,649
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I think every thing about our appearance says something.  Some people are more impacted by it than others.

Mar 27, 2015 05:36 AM
Rainer
335,636
Art Welch
Superstars Realty - Buckeye, AZ
Broker

That's just a given, this is like asking if you should show up in clean cloths.  I can tell you stories of some agents.  I remember once I was opening an appointment only home, the agent was meeting his clients at the home for the first time.  When the agent arrived the clients and I were already there waiting for him, when he got out of his car the trash from the last few fast food joints also followed him out of the car.  It was great for me, the buyers called me after the showing saying they would really like to work with me and asked if I would help them find a home.  As a buyers agent, as a listing agent if you don't show up ready to work, clean and prepared, stay at home.  I even have different cars, The Prius for the green or budget buyers and sellers, and The Lexus for my upscale, and of course the Big Ford for my ranchers, farmers and Rodeo Crowd.  Our cars are one of our tools to success,  I can't believe Eric Kodner's remark that it's not important.  The first thing I did when I started in the business was buy a cream puff used Lexus, and it made a huge difference in my business when I was taking buyers to look at Million Dollar homes.  Buyers and seller really do care, they don't want to work with a bum, and there is a fine line that's why I have more than one car as I have found some don't want to work with a show off.

Mar 27, 2015 02:35 AM
Rainer
13,904
Tony Romero
Autaugaville, AL
A Positive Force in Real Estate

I think clients care more about your driving skill than the appearance of the car - at least once they are inside, and it is moving.  But I agree with those who say first impressions do have an impact, so I try to keep my car spotless if ever meeting a prospective client.  But don't forget about being a very safe driver.  Their lives are in your hands...

Mar 26, 2015 08:14 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Love all the responses.  Overall it makes us feel good about ourselves with exudes confidence which ends up in a good impression ... overall!  Business increases!

Mar 26, 2015 12:00 PM
Rainmaker
263,898
Sandra Paulow
Aspen Properties, Inc. - Pinetop Lakeside, AZ
REALTOR, Associate Broker, GRI, SFR

I try to keep my car looking nice but I live in an area with a lot of dirt roads so it is next to impossible to do.  I do keep the inside clean but I have to say, I have yet to have anyone refuse to buy a house from me because my car wasn't spit polished. 

Mar 26, 2015 10:11 AM
Rainer
557,375
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

It depends, doesn't it, how clean is defined? I imagine most professionals already drive a clean car, don't you?

Mar 26, 2015 09:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,315,804
Dagny Eason
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
Fairfield County CT, CDPE Homes For Sale and Condo

Definitely Russ!!     I think everything is a reflection on you and your organization.

Mar 26, 2015 06:59 AM
Rainmaker
659,119
Pat & Wayne Harriman
Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499 - Wallingford, CT
Broker/Owners, Wallingford CT Real Estate

Well, we've never had anyone tell us they didn't hire us because of a dirty car, nor have we had anyone say that our shiny auto was the reason they signed on with us either. We do try to keep our cars clean as a matter of personal pride, but we like to think it's our keen business acumen and good looks that get us business! (OK, just kidding. Well, about the good looking part anyway...)

Mar 26, 2015 06:07 AM
Rainmaker
539,468
Jerry Lucas
ABC Legal Docs LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Notary Training, Consulting. Colorado Springs, CO

Some landlords check out a prospective renter's car to see if it is well kept.  New, expensive cars don't impress me.  Lots of wealthy people are frugal and drive older cars. 

Mar 26, 2015 05:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

The better question is does it hurt to have a dirty car and the answer is yes, just like bathing and wearing clean clothes don't hurt.

Mar 26, 2015 04:39 AM
Rainer
57,915
Vicki Temple
O'Fallon, IL

Customers think you are organized, paying attention to detail and thus will get the same from you for themselves.

Mar 26, 2015 04:11 AM
Rainmaker
183,227
Karen Steed
Tallapoosa, Bremen, Waco, Buchanan, Temple, Carrollton - Tallapoosa, GA
Associate Broker Haralson Realty

Does a clean car make a person better, or just different?

Mar 26, 2015 04:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I have to say that it does show what type of person you are. I notice A types who's cars are detailed when they pull up. I also know that I won't ride in some agents cars because they are so gross with food wrappers & junk.

Mar 26, 2015 03:31 AM
Rainer
354,788
Ben DeHaven
Haven Realty & Investments - Lakeland, FL
Proudly serving Winter Haven & Lakeland, Florida

Keep it clean. Just like your attire. Look professional. Speaking of that. Time to wash the car!

Mar 26, 2015 03:21 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Actually being in possession of a dirty car will have no relevance or impact on your business at all.

It is when others SEE you driving that car, and your logo and tagline "I'll get you moving" registers.....now you have a problem, You lost control of the context in which your business will be discussed.

Of course...If everybody's car is grimy and muddy and dirty...it's then ok.  NOT!

The grim you find on my ride will be TODAY's grim, not grim for 3 days ago.

Mar 25, 2015 10:32 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I am not obsessed about having extremely spotless car( I don't really drive my clients that often), but it definitely should be clean. Why would I want to be myself in a dirty car?

Mar 25, 2015 04:58 PM
Rainmaker
690,493
Jon Quist
REALTY EXECUTIVES ARIZONA TERRITORY - Tucson, AZ
Tucson's BUYERS ONLY Realtor since 1996

If I am with clients, I expect my car to be shiny and clean. Better comfort level for me.

Mar 25, 2015 04:50 PM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

With most clients yes. Some are I've had, whom I'd already spent time with and had a solid relationship with were relieved when I let them in my "less than perfectly clean" car. 

 

Mar 25, 2015 03:31 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239 - not exactly. Although with the winter like what we had, all cars are almost so bad - and need car wash!

Mar 25, 2015 02:42 PM
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

I have no doubt. A clean car definately helps my business.  So does clean clothes.

Mar 25, 2015 01:59 PM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Get business? no, keep clients that you meet or drive around? certainly

Mar 25, 2015 01:49 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Russ -- it makes me feel better.   A positive attitude is important for business.

Mar 25, 2015 01:32 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I believe it shows you are prepared for clients and take pride on cleanliness.

Mar 25, 2015 12:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Yes Russ it shows you are serious and clean. It give a feeling of a good business person.

Mar 25, 2015 12:02 PM
Rainer
25,344
Mari Armstrong
ArmsLink Realty - Murrells Inlet, SC
Offering You Honesty, Sincerity and Integrity

I've been in the business for years and I feel it used to be more critical that it is now. I used to drive customers and clients around all the time. Now it seems many of my clients want to meet me at the homes and drive themselves. But I do keep my car very clean, more for me than anyone. :-)

Mar 25, 2015 12:00 PM
Ambassador
6,392,879
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

People hire me for my skills, not my car.

Jan 08, 2020 10:50 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

Yes, if you have others ride with you or see your car.

Jul 10, 2018 06:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Never had a seller inspect my car at a listing appointment!

Aug 06, 2017 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,107,863
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

A clean car is important to many clients.

Mar 28, 2015 05:11 PM
Rainer
166,435
Marshall Brown
Mid America Inspection Services, LLC - Fargo, ND
BSEE, CHI

You get one chance to make a first good impression, everything contributes to that impression.

Mar 28, 2015 02:52 AM
Rainmaker
263,898
Sandra Paulow
Aspen Properties, Inc. - Pinetop Lakeside, AZ
REALTOR, Associate Broker, GRI, SFR

I wanted to add I also think it makes a different where you work too.  If you are working in an area with a lot of corporate types or a luxury home community, I believe your car appearance would matter a great deal.  In my area no one has a clean car, even the clients, so no one thinks much about it.  If you see a sparkly clean car or a suit and tie, you know they are not locals.  Boots and jeans are the norm, even our summer visitors are going to be in shorts and flip flops. 

Mar 27, 2015 10:38 AM
Rainer
305,560
Tammy Adams ~ Realtor / Podcaster
Maricopa Real Estate Co - Maricopa, AZ
A Maricopa Agent who Works, Lives & Loves Maricopa

I think it depends. I think most folks care how good you are at what you do. Certain neighborhoods might need certain requirements.  But if clients are getting in your vehicle then you have a little more grace

Mar 27, 2015 07:26 AM
Rainer
672,772
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Russ,

It makes me feel better, but I doubt my clients care much.

Mar 26, 2015 12:59 PM