In this monthly column, Anthony Askowitz explores a fictional real estate situation from both sides of the broker-agent dynamics. Anthony is the broker and owner of his RE/MAX office, the largest in South Florida, and an agency that sells over 100 homes each year.
This month’s situation: Standards of proper business attire are an ever-changing target, especially in the real estate industry. A more casual style has become the norm, with men rarely seen in traditional suits and red power ties, and women with closed-toe nylon shoes.
But we may have gone too far in that direction, with a growing tendency to ignore anything that resembles a professional dress code. How should residential real estate brokers navigate this ever-changing playing field, filled with landmines in every direction?
agent’s point of view
After five years of struggling on our own, my new partner and I teamed up to quit our old school brokerage firm and start a state-owned company with the tools and support we need to reach our full potential. I decided to join the company. We are excited about the possibilities of this new direction and proving our former colleagues wrong.
Our markets are major US cities renowned for their youthful energy, international talent and cultural diversity, not places of formal and boring dress codes. It’s the vibe that my and colleagues have been trying to bring into our office, and they didn’t miss an opportunity to condemn us for making modern, stylish, yet professional fashion choices.
Often we mirror the style of our customers and prospects, but these agents present themselves like all other cookie-cutter wannabes. , deliberately set us apart and follow new principles to create our own brand.
We are confident that forward-thinking brokers in major national offices will agree with our philosophy and enthusiastically recruit us to join their offices.
Broker’s Perspective
Our market is certainly style-conscious and modern, but there is a line between professional and casual attire that new agents often cross with reckless abandon. Pandemics, social media, hyped real estate Blame it on reality shows, poor mentoring, or all of the above, but the lack of dress code standards is spiraling out of control.
I had the pleasure of interviewing this new team of two agents with five years of personal experience. Both were professional, well-maintained, clearly knew the market, and had excellent plans for reaching the next level of production.
But to be honest, I had a hard time getting over their flashy fashion and accessory choices.
At this point in your career, no one needs to be told that a look like this doesn’t inspire trust and respect in a business that deals with your customers’ most valuable assets. Hairstyles are the latest trend and you’ve definitely spent hours at the salon creating them. Their designer clothes cost hundreds of dollars, and their jewelry and makeup choices would have been perfect in a particular setting, but the real estate agency…is not one of them.
Don’t get me wrong, professional fashion has become more casual over the last few years. I’ve grown completely used to style choices from both men and women that would have blushed ten years ago. But there is a line of validity, and unfortunately this team didn’t even realize it crossed that line.
This is a real shame, because in the fleeting moments when I was able to get over their style choices, I really loved their demeanor, their experience, and their confidence. How can you think about hiring an agent who lacks
Solutions
The disconnect between the broker and these prospective new members of his team may not be as far off as he thinks. You’re right about what you need to do and professional attire that generally moves in a more casual direction.
But there are other factors to consider when it comes to suitability, and different markets and circumstances call for different dress codes, even within the same region. ), Palm Beach’s style tends to be “country club chic,” which tends to be traditional and colorful. bigger fort. Lauderdale is a little more conservative and reserved. In Miami, you’ll find a wide range of contemporary, edgy, body-conscious choices, while in the Florida Keys, you’ll find a much more casual, resort-based look.
A pre-construction condo in-house salesperson working in a glamorous, ultra-chic sales gallery would dress quite differently than an agency specializing in suburban single-family homes that prioritizes function over function.
Instead of dismissing these potentially productive agents, the broker should be open and direct about the typical clientele of his office and their expectations of how agents present themselves. agents feel strongly that their style choices reflect an untapped customer base that could open new doors to the office If so, you can try to convince the broker of your decision by responding directly to the same.
Since this conversation takes place in a respectful and supportive environment, it is possible that both parties will find a happy medium if the agent continues to dress stylishly within the professional guidelines of the office. Very high quality.
Anthony Askowitz is the Broker Owner of RE/MAX Advance Realty and leads the activities of over 190 agents with offices in Hollywood Beach, Davie, Miramar, North Miami, South Miami, Kendall and the Florida Keys.follow him Instagram.
Note: Anthony Askowitz is not an attorney and does not give legal advice. Please consult a licensed attorney regarding any of the matters described in this column.
