I have always wondered why some agents and companies wear black suits and dresses in Houston’s summer heat. Houston is famous for high temperatures and a humidity which causes normal people to sweat like pigs. I recently attended a funeral where the pall bearers sat out in the heat as the funeral services took place at the graveside. I watched one of the pall bearer first pull off his jacket then unbutton and take for his shirt. Another of the pall bears spent the night in the hospital for heat exhaustion. Being of sound mind and body I violated all the rules of protocol for a funeral and wore a white linen suit with a white shirt. At the end of the event I smiling got into my air conditioned car and proceeded to meet clients.
I take pride in what I wear and drive. I show up in my appointments in a Chevrolet Volt. First impressions are important but so are your values. I drive a Volt because one it is an American Car and two it is electric. I wish I could say this about my clothes also. But most of the American designer clothes I wear are probably made in Asia or Europe.
They do say clothes make the man. The first impression of my clients is important to me. I know that the initial impression I make may be the only memory the prospect has of me. I start by picking a pair of shoes from my 41 different shoes. I read somewhere that people remember your shoes more than what you say. So new trendy shoes are the norm unless I am dealing with baby Boomers. I have reached an age where I feel safe in myself or put another way I am too old to beat up over my clothes choice. So red shoes, multi colored wing tops, blue suede, and everything but black and brown or my staples. For you baby Boomers Allen Edmond black and browns are at the ready. For a shirt it is white, blue, grey, stripped polo shirt with a white collar or the new in color light green. The pants are always solid color with a jacket of solid color. The sports coats are solid color for the most part with a few which have subdued lines.
Houston realtors in my opinion should dress for the area they represent. A New York agent may be expected to wear a black suit in summer. But a realtor living in a southern city should dress appropriate for the climate. That means seer sucker and linen suits in the summer and wool in the winter. For those agents who think custom high dollar suits showcase success. A 1986 study quoted by Market leader said that “conservative and casual clothing styles are more likely to portray a more reliable and self-controlled personality. Dressier clothing on the other hand, conveyed an unfriendly personality and created a sense of unease in other.”
In the end it is not what I wear or what I drive but what I can do for you. Your goals, your needs and your wants or what I care about. And I still have a BMW to drive when the mood hits me.