I'm wondering how important it is to have a nice car, when starting out as a real estate agent. If I dress to the 9s and present myself in a respectful and professional manner, will it matter what I drive starting out? Are potential clients going to think that I must not be a very good agent, if my car is not the tip-top. (I drive a 2002 Hyundai Elantra).


Does anyone have a stance on this? What are your thoughts?

Your post made me smile because I recalled a situation a couple of years ago (I, too, drove the same vehicle you drive). My colleague and I were doing a CMA on a very high-priced home. She insisted on taking her car (it was much nicer than mine). We got to the client's home, and the owner wasn't there yet. Five minutes later, he rolls into the driveway in a beat-up car that looked like he could entered it into a demolition derby.

Some clients will be impressed by an expensive car, and some may very well be turned off by you driving a Mercedes. I think it's more important that the car is clean inside and out, and that your appearance and demeanor is professional.

Before I was a Realtor, I was turned off by agents that drove very expensive cars. That was just me.

The answer to this question totally depends on whether you plan to target a specific market, price point or type of client. And even at that, it depends on where you are, geographically.

There will be people who do not care, as well as people who will read something into the type of car you drive and make a value judgement. There will be plenty of people who think if you drive a nice car, you're making "too much money" (however that is defined) -- the question is, do you want those types of clients? There will be other people who will think you are less than successful unless you DO drive a certain type of car -- and again, do you want those types of clients?

In some markets, the type of car is very important and says a lot about you and your level of success; in other markets, cars are not nearly as important. The answers you get to this question will vary dramatically and really won't apply to your specific situation.

I am most comfortable (and most successful) working with my peer group, at certain income levels and with certain housing prices. My clients tend to all drive cars that reflect that, as do I. It has nothing to do with impressing -- or not impressing -- anyone. It has *everything* to do with being comfortable with whom I am and my clients being comfortable with me.

The answer to the question is possibly.

for all the reasons given above. If you will drive clients around your car is likely to small. At a minimum a mid-sized car is usually the best. Honda, Toyota, Buick, Ford, VW, Pontiac all reasonably priced rides and not over stated but if kept cleaned and waxed good enough.

Honestly, up until 6 weeks ago, I drove a 1990 Toyota 4-Runner, it looked nice, and I kept it clean, and nobody ever said that it wasn't nice enough. I didn't drive into the milliion dollar neighborhoods thugh either. Now I drive a 2004 Pontiac Vibe, a little smaller, in the cargo area, but has the same amount of seating, and I just keep it in tip-top shape, there is NO eating in my car lol!

What about a 2 door car? I have a 2 door 2004 Honda Hatchback. It is very nice and cannot afford to get a new car with 4 doors. I am worried I will have a hard time taking clients around. Well getting in and out might be troublesome but other than that I think I can work with it. Is there anyone else out there that has a 2 door car? How has it been working out for ya?

I plan on getting a new nice 4 door when I start bringing in some income.

My only comment on car buying: Carmax, Carmax, Carmax.

Have bought x2 from them, great experiene both times. I've been able to buy nearly new (last one had 3300 mi) for a very fair price. The $ they paid me for my trade was $1000 higher than I expected. They paid that out before I even looked at other cars.

One thing our instructor beat into our heads was to NEVER take clients around in our car - for safety reasons. Unless we know them - and then it won't matter what kind of car we drive, because they DO already know us. Being a woman, I'm really fine with that. I'll ask folks to follow me in my car (1998 Toyota Corolla), unless I feel very, very comfortable with them.

Elecat, I don't take people around in my car either, never have. But like you said, if I am already friends with them I might, which is why I like that my car is comfortable. I do keep it clean though inside and out, because I always look at the cars of people who I am going to do business with, and if it is unclean, or junky I assume that they don't care enough to clean their car, so they may not care enough to do a good job.

Your instructor is very intelligent to teach that. Most people in my area still take buyers around, and I'm unusual because I don't, but the fact is, it is VERY unsafe these days, I don't care who you are!

What about the subject of auto insurance? I've heard it is hard or more $$$ if you tell your agent/company that you are using it to drive people around as a Realtor. Is this true? Also, if you don't tell your insurance and you are involved in a claim can they drop you without paying any claims, medical or otherwise?

I have a 2 door Honda Accord.... And love it. I Will not take peopel around I am an agent,not a TAXI!!!!!!!!!! Also with a 2 door many people just say we'll follow you. I do want to get a new car and have looked into th e Taho, but Think I'm going to get the infiniti G35 2 door. I would like the 4 wheel drive of tha Taho, but don't really need the room or the gas bill!! (LOL)

I myself prefer the "middle class" type of cars. You know the ones...not too expensive yet not cheap and crappy, just a nice decent looking, cute car. After all I'd be there to sell a house not my car. So I'd say as long as it's not beat up and crappy it should work fine!

Misty Babb

Thanks -- I agree! And like "Soldhomes" said, we aren't a taxi service. What other profession drives their clients around? None that I can think of...except car salesman (and saleswomen!). Even then, I'd take a guy with me -- work isn't worth your life.

When I bought my house, I did not want to ride along with my realtor, I told her we would follow, it is much more comfortable. I don't want to take people around either, I would prefer to meet them.

No joke....don't get a Tahoe!!! I have a single cab 2002 GMC Sierra along with my honda civic....26 gallon tank = almost $100 a fill up and only get about 350 miles per tank! ITS A GAS GUZZLIN BEAST!

I kind of like the idea of having my 2 door cars so people will feel more comfy following me, instead of wanting to ride in my car. I know I never go anywhere without my vehicle! I can't iimagine anyone who would. Plus there might be that awkward silence riding with your buyers if I don't know them and safety reasons