Real Estate Professional Network

How do I look? by Laurel Grandle, REALTOR

It's been long enough since this incident that I can talk about it without anyone being able to guess the names of the parties involved. I was showing a nice property to a lovely couple and the listing agent was intentionally present at the showing. Although this is unusual in our area these days,it is surely appropriate. It is her responsibility to get the property sold, whether she does it herself or someone else does it. Knowing that I was coming, with buyers, she presented herself in shorts and flip-flops, no make up and she looked like she hadn't combed her hair that day. She made a terrible impression. My buyers just could not believe she was a REALTOR and this impression reflected badly on me, by association.

Many of us are not particularly attractive; a lot of us are overweight. That doesn't matter. But the DRESS and general APPEARANCE of a REALTOR should ALWAYS be professional. Even when shopping for groceries, you never know when you'll meet a former client or find a new one...dress appropriately! Always think, before you leave your home, would you be embarrassed by the way you look if you were to accidentally run into your most valuable clients?

I called on an expired listing recently; they were interviewing several agents and I was the 5th one to make a presentation. As soon as I sat down, they said, "We don't need to hear what you have to say...where do we sign?" I pulled out the forms and got them listed immediately THEN I asked them how I got the listing. I was quite surprised. They told me, "You look like a REALTOR. You're wearing a nice pants suit (I bought it for $24 at Ross's Dress for Less) and you were ON TIME. NO ONE ELSE HAS BEEN ON TIME and this is extremely inconsiderate...our time is valuable, too. And the last agent was wearing shorts! We were grossed out!).

And that brings me to your car: Is it clean and neat, inside and out? I've had a lot of listing appointments with folks who have followed me out to my car and I've seen them examine it for cleanliness and neatness. Thank goodness, most of us have trunks or pull-across curtains to conceal the myriad of "tools of the trade" we must carry by necessity. ANYTHING visible should be clean and neat.

The lessons are clean: Dress appropriately and be on time!

Thinking of moving? Call Laurel today! She can help you with every aspect of your relocation: 865 389 2551 or her office: 865 690 4300.

visit her web site: http://www.LaurelGrandle.com. You can begin the search for your perfect home right there!

Laurel Grandle sells homes throughout the East TN Area, including Knoxville, Karns, Farragut, Halls, Powell, Loudon County, Knox County. She specializes in Lake homes, Luxury homes, Historic homes, New Constructionand is an expert at matching buyers with the right house, regardless of the area or price range, she has over 25 years of experience and has helped thousands of clients with their real estate needs.

Here is what some of her clients have said about her recently, “Laurel has an unlimited amount of patience. My family has very specific needs and she understood them and worked with us until we found the perfect home at the right price. I don’t think anyone else would have done that for us and we’ll always be thankful we found her and worked with her. She’s wonderful!” Margo

“Laurel has accommodated us on many occasions very quickly, as our schedules change all the time. She was always understanding of the time and date changes and she helped us find a great house.” Williams

“Thank you! It's wonderful having you as our agent and we both think you're a terrific person. Bob was right when he said we'd love you.” Joe

“Laurel really knows the area and the market. She didn’t waste any time…she showed us what we ask for in the location we wanted and made the whole move a very good experience for our family”. Robert

“Before we wrote an offer, Laurel did a detailed market analysis for us and discussed it with us so we understood what a fair price would be. She went over the entire contract in detail and clarified everything for us. We purchased with confidence and we’d never use anyone else IF we ever decide to sell!” Anne

Exit Realty Knoxville (each office independently owned and operated) is your number one resource for all your real estate needs, including listing, sales, referrals; our EXIT agents are committed to serving you—put us to work for you: 865 389 2551