What you drive, what you wear, how you look, what you say, and how you act all do matter. But only to UNmotivated sellers and buyers. If they're motivated they couldn't care less about any of that as long as you can solve their problem.

Hey Mark I just sold an 2005.5 Audi A4. I recommend you selling yours after the warranty as things get expensive to repair and you will need repairs.

who would you take financial advice from?

1. an unemployed person
2. a successful entrepreneur


basically, when you look the part that you talk, you have more punch with the words that you do choose because you are a walking talking image of success.

i was with some buyers this morning that were refered to me and because my car was so clean they asked me if i minded if they brought their coffee in the car. i only drive a volvo s-60 as mentioned in the post earlier, but if i were driving an old beater, they would probably not have asked me if it was ok to drink coffee in my car (if hte car had coffee stains and dents on it)

all that being said, when i first started re, i drive a pickup truck.

i can say that i list more houses now than back then, but there are to many factors that play into part, like my experience level (i can compete with anybody now, when i started i could not)

to many variables, but i must say that when i went to 2 waterfront properties (total 2million)that were owned by the same person and i pulled up they were driving a brand new bmw. if i pulled up in my pickup, they would have percieved me as being less successful and everyone wants to use a successful agent.

Yeah, I know the 05 A4's had a bunch of problems. I have friend who have A4's 06's sedan and convertible and they haven't had any issues. I'm leasing for 3 years and will return the car and probably end up buying the ultimate car I want to drive for 7+ years. Having too much fun in the business meeting and helping new people and making money. I can't tell you enough how awesome this business is! Thanks for the advice!

Your car and your clothes definitely matter. Neither have to be top of the line brands but they must be in excellent shape and well maintained. Would you buy a house from a person who looks like they should be selling pretzels on a street corner? (anyone whos been to philly knows what im talking about lol).

You should adjust your outfits to mimic the buyer. If im showing $100k row-homes im not wearing a suit, im wearing kakis and a polo or jeans and a polo if its my 2nd or 3rd appointment with the same buyer. I found that if I wore a suit the first time I met this price range buyer they felt uncomfortable. now if i have a buyer looking in the $300k and up im definitely wearing a suit. another time that i wear a suit is at a listing appointment, regardless of the price range of the home.

Now as far as the car goes I personally own a 97 BMW Z3 (its the little 2 seater roadster). I got a 2 seater for a reason, I hated driving clients around! Plus this model was made for 7-8 years and there is very little difference in body style so the car looks like its a lot newer than 11 years old. I paid cash for the car so i dont have the burdon of a car payment every month.

Ill never buy new again, I did it once when I was 23 and the payments sucked. I had that payment up until about a month before I got into real estate. I sold my truck, got rid of a $300/mo payment, and bought an '82 mercedes diesel, in great shape, for $2000 cash. yeah the car had 200,000+ miles on it but those engines last forever and the body was clean. Id probably still have that car if i didnt crash it.

I was just having a discussion with my husband about people and their fancy/ sports cars, and how they are percieved to be affluent or wealthy or whatever, but in reality, it is about choice, not $, I guaruntee you that my Truck and horse trailer are worth more than your ferrari thing. Drive a Lexus, BMW, etc etc, buy a Ford King Ranch Edition - all priced about the same, Now if you are driving a McLaren or something, I might sit up and take notice. Around here my duly (dual-wheeled truck - big. fancy.leather. ladder to get in - lol) is fine. My snooty out of state buyers get a charge out of it, and my locals just see me as a down to earth local. My truck cost over 100k when all was said and done, but I am certainly NOT lumped in with all the mercades/bmw/lexus/audi people that run aroud here in DROVES, (THANK GOD) and I am doing very well.TYVM.

Yes what you drive/wear says a lot abot you - your self esteem, your opinion of yourself, your goals, your circle, and you can turn off just as many people as you attract. So drive and wear what you want so long as it is clean and appropriate. Driving and Audi is NOT going to get the P&S signed any sooner.

I wouldn't want to park or drive a Ford King Ranch edition on small streets or small parking lots. Or drive a Ford altogether. When it comes to trucks I'm a Chevy guy.

Chevy, huh? I'll be sure to give you a tow the next time I see 'ya! ~~~~~ Just kiddin'.

Never said my truck was for the city people. Not a lot of narrow street s here

I like my Honda mini van....going to get one of those little Honda Fit models one I get a good sale! The tinier the better...I also prefer to not have customers in my car. I may even get a motorcycle.

Hmm, Best of Both Worlds strategy, here. I can always use my husband's new Lexus for first-time appointments, then revert to my much-adored, beautiful, fun 1988 Honda CRX after that, impressing people with my practicality in driving a 45-mpg car for 20 years!

Do you let appearances rule you? People who were were poor, that became rich, like Sam Walton, were not governed by appearances. Read his story, and you'll see. He didn't care what other people thought about him. He knew what he was doing. Do you remember him driving that old nasty Ford pickup? Ever heard of Wal-Wart?

Do you let appearances rule you? People who were were poor, that became rich, like Sam Walton, were not governed by appearances. Read his story, and you'll see. He didn't care what other people thought about him. He knew what he was doing. Do you remember him driving that old nasty Ford pickup? Ever heard of Wal-Wart?

Greetings Everyone,
I realize this is an older post, but one that caught my eye~ I'm one of those that does believe the "implied by what you drive, you are deemed more successful" However, I like to think that people don't define ME on what I drive...but how I interact and my professionalism.

That being said, Im a brand new agent...I traded in my 1997 Ford Expedition that I had driven since new- incidentally it also looked like I had been running a day care in the back for the last 10 years~ For a 2004 X-type Jaguar 4 door with all wheel drive. After my trade I got them down with 18 months warranty to about $13,000.00 and car payments are less than I was spending on gas per month in the old truck. For me, it was simple economics's ...the cars a joy to drive, and if people "perceive" me to be successful because of it- well what can I say.

( I also think region is really important...So. Cal- you ARE what you drive, sadly) anyway..my 2 Cents. for what its worth.