There have been several posts lately that seem to be equating professionalism in real estate with what you wear, or what you drive. The classic style over substance argument.
I actually agree that there should be some standards, but the degree of those standards is what is always in disagreement because dress and image is very personal.
When I worked in a corporate environment we had a difficult time putting a definition to the term "business casual."
Last Thursday and Friday I had two settlements. One listing and one sale. With the different agents, settlement officers, buyers, sellers, loan officers and even an attorney...not a tie in sight. No dresses, hats or gloves for the women either.
What was in evidence was competence. Competence by everyone involved. Not unique, but always appreciated for a transaction of this magnitude.
For what it's worth, I prefer competence every time. I'm on the side of the substance issue.
Mostly, we're talking about Dockers and a collared shirt for the guys and pants and blouse combination for the women. One loan officer pushed the envelope a bit with jeans and a tee shirt but nobody cared.
There were no drama queens at either settlement. No having to negotiate something at the settlement table. Everybody knew their job and did it well, and everything was completed ahead of time. Nobody from those settlements is going to make the "Best Dressed List," but who really cares? They could have gone down as the two most boring settlements in history.
Give me boring and competent every time. If you want...wrap them up in a nice tie.
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
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