So I have this problem with cars... I drive them until they are dead because I like to get my money out of them. Well I have a 1999 Cirrus that will not die it has 278K miles on it.

Runs strong, outside looks good the only real problem is leather seats are cracking and have seat cover on drivers seat.

It never bothered me that I have an older car because I like being frugal and I refuse to have a car payment.

I was in a discussion with another agent who thinks we get judged by our clients on our cars, I disagree.

What do you think? Break down and buy a 8-10K car with cash or should I try to get another year out of this one?

We've had this discussion many times on this board - you might want to do a search and see some of the older discussions.

If this discussion takes off though, I'll make it a sticky, since it keeps coming up every few months.

I think a car needs to look presentable. If it were me, I would buy very nice seat covers for your car so that it looks all uniform. If the car is neat, clean, and well cared for I don't think anyone is going to think you're a piece of worthless trash. LOL

You will have opinions all over the map. I drive a Honda Mini Van. I love it, though I'm thinking of getting a Subaru Forester. Used. I never buy new.

i have been really busy and have not posted lately.

do i drive a decent car because i sold more houses or did driving a nice car help me sell more houses?


i would say...a little of both.

most clients know NOTHING about me until we meet. first impressions are important. if i tell them that i am successful and drive a bucket, they might not believe me. if i drive a nice car and dont sound successful, they might not believe me. you have to have both in my opinion.

when i first meet someone, all they know of me is what they see of me until we start to talk. if they make a decision in thier mind before i get to the door, i have more "catching up to do". if i look the part of a guy who is successful all i have to do once i get to the door is keep the part.

i think that i have more credability when pulling up to a 500k home in a decent car.

if i bring my bucket of a truck (used to make dump runs) to a house they might think that i am desperate for a sale and that could hurt me. if i look as if i make many a sales that could help. your call, but i would say that if you can drive a decent automobile then you should.

i always buy used. i cant rationalize a new car price.

I have a 1997 Toyota Tercel with 132,000 miles on it. My mom has one with 281,000 miles on it but hers is a 1996. I have almost all original parts on there if you can beleive that. I get letters weekly from Toyota wanting to buy the car back from me because they have a 6 month waiting list for them.

To bad GM is going down the crapper. They are looking at BK and just recalled over 1 million vehicles built in the 1990's because of possible engine fire hazards.

I like buying American but they just don't hold up like the Toyota's.Go 80k in an American car and I will already be looking at the tranny.

The type of car depends on the client. If you have the stuck up type that is superficial (botox,cosmetic surgery,all that crap) then yes image will matter.

I work with developers and list commercial. I always tell people I love my Tercel as it's effecient on cost and gas. People always like the fact that I am cost effecient. They feel like I will look after their bottom line and work to put more money in their pocket.

I have had developers say they would never buy a car new and those people were idiots for paying full price.Newly rich are the idiots who blow their money. Old money people are astute and keep a low profile and always love to save money.

Most people in whatever income bracket are everyday folk looking for an honest business person to trust and do what they say they will do.

2006 Buick Rendezvous here. It is a sort of SUV, so it looks like a real estate car. It's a Buick, so it doesn't look pretentious. Yes, I bought it used in 2007.

I do think the car makes some difference, and I do believe I'd need a fancy car if I dealt in $500k houses. I just don't believe that an agent has much credibility if the car doesn't almost match the client. I said "almost" because the agent does not necessarily have to play in exactly the same league as the client, but the client does have to be comfortable in the car.

Heck, I just drive a 08" Accord 4dr and it seems to fit all my needs and all type of client ranges. Its good for cheaper prices and more expensive because its newer.

The car you drive implies alot about you to anyone who agrees to meet you for a professional purpose.

It's the "dress for success" concept. It applies to your whole image. You wouldn't meet a client in a tank-top and board shorts, would you?

lizl has the right idea. Nothing over-the-top, but try to imply that you're not struggling.

People always get caught up in how human nature should work rather than how it does.

The average person would pick lizl over deanmesaAZ or super realtor if they had just that information about them.

It matters.

The car you drive when you take clients to visit properties is a lot like the shoes you wear.

If your car is clean, looks good(not expensive but looks good) and smells nice that is all you usually really need.

For example, if you were driving a client in a BMW but the the car had not been weashed in a few months and the inside smelled bad, that would leave a worst impression then driving a 1996 Tercel.

Alot of the times, we are gonna get judged by our cars, dress and other things in or out of the RE industry...like I said, all that matters in the end result is that you deliver and REALLY impress your clients. I know we all do it, but you really get another whole kind of education working in Real Estate!

Right now I don't have a car, I get around on public transportation, I will be buying a point A/point B car pretty soon...I just activated my license and signed on with an office at the end of last month. It's a business that takes money to make money, at least in the beginning. I would love to push a Prosche or a BMW, but the income doesn't call for that at the moment. When and if it allows, I will continue to move business and gather gather gather when it comes to generating leads and doing business...my car and style of dress will change more than likely, but my business sense will not

I think that what you drive depends on what your target clientele would be. If you are in a fairly large metro area, looking to become the #1 agent with ultra luxury homes, I don't think that you would be taken seriously with a 1998 Ford Pickup. On the flip side, if you are showing some 10 acre horse farms, the Zegna suit and new LS430 probably won't really score you many points either.
For most of us, the lions share of our business will be in the middle of those extremes, and "clean and presentable" rules the day.
On a personal note, I am much more impressed with at 5-10 year old car that is super clean, than some new lease vehicle that rolled right off the lot...

I'm sure there is probably a car upholstery repair shop somewhere around you. Whenever my leather seats start to wear, I just take them there and get them fixed. (I like driving the wheels off my cars as well.)

Might be your best bet.


Thats assuming of course, that the rest of the car doesn't have a smashed in fender, haze oil smoke, etc.

I just bought a Cadillac Escalade and I think it reflects a great image of my success and business. I have had several compliments made by clients about my Escalade too.

So I think image matters. I think a vehicle is a part of your image, just like the clothes you wear. This is just my opinion.

Add me to the list of people who drive the wheels off of their cars before getting rid of them. I had an '89 Chevy Beretta that had 198K on it when I traded it in for a '01 Chevy Cavalier. The Cavy had 130K on it when I swapped cars with my BF for his Nissan Maxima. I would have held on to the Cavy until it died but I did need something with 4 doors. Say what you will, but cheap Chevy's that are well maintained never die.

I'm thinking about trading the Maxima in for a Certified Pre-owned Mercedes C300 once I start getting something that resembles a steady income. Looks impressive, but can pick up an '07 or '08 for under $30K.

I drive an '02 Lincoln Navigator. Bought it used in '04. Now it has over 100k but I still love it. With two kids, the inside is a bit messy but in my area, we don't drive clients around, they meet us. I do believe you are judged by what you drive but again it depends on your clientele. My clients are anywhere from a $100,000 to $350,000.

I drive a 06 dodge charger custom convertible and a Infinity qx56. On nice days i drive the convertible and if i drive really far i jump into the infinity for a smother ride.

I drive a ford truck and I don't iron my clothes. Many times I wear shorts or jeans. I always tuck in my shirt and wear a belt though and my shirts button down. I think image people attract image clients. Not everyone cares about image. Some people look for substance. Substance agents attract substance clients. Image and substance are not exclusive, so I am not trying to insult anyone.
Eons ago Plato and Socrates had this same debate, form versus function.
I know people judge me by the way I look and by what I drive. I don't think about that or dwell on it. I know people judge me based on what I do for them. I care about that. These folks keep me busy and I don't have to iron. Woohoo!

Who cares! It's the work that you do that matters.
The only thing I agree with is that you do have to look presentable! No excuse.

I've never seen myself as a shuttle service for clients. they are adults with their own vehicles.

I'm shopping for a Mercedes SL63 convertible. It'll hold ONE passenger, so clients can forget about a caravan. LOL

I lease a new one every 4 years. You gotta look successful in order to be successful in Real Estate. I would rather live in a mini home and drive something expensive cuz your clients don't see where you live.

Hey guys,

Would clients see a big expensive car as a bad thing? I realize having a nice car shows success but when is nice too nice?

That's a good point. You impress some and irk others. I guess you have to establish your target market.

I agree some buyers can be intimidated by too much flash, just as some buyers are impressed by a fancy ride.

I've visited St. Frances Xavier College!! Lovely area. I walked on the frozen waves there. An experience I will NEVER Forget.

Sorry though, I totally disagree. I would rather ride a bicycle than live in a mini home. You have clients may come by or check up on you and you live there for goodness sake. Enjoy it, and Sleep well. Driving around in a box of metal on wheels is only transportation, not a habitat. Just my 2 cents

Here is my opinion, I have seen Realtor who do great business in jeans and old car. There are different kind of people, people that want to see shiny Realtor with luxury car and people that look what this Realtor has in the had. i am from the second group people. However if the car is clean and you wear yourself clean and nice it is OK. I hate dirty cloths and cars.

Does it matter what I drive to a former on lock-out day or an investor buyer of my reo? After 20 years and spending thousands of dollars on vehicles the answer I learned is no, not really. So I buy used and drive a 10 year old car with a couple hundred thousand miles for now.

I think I'm going to leave the office now and give my car a thorough cleaning. It's pretty bad right now...darn kids!

That's one cool car!

I referred my brother-in-law (and sister-in-law) to an agent in L.A. when they were looking to buy a home in the area. A few weeks later they were in escrow with a house in Burbank. I thought, great, that referral worked out. But then my brother-in-law told me that they had used a different agent. I asked why the agent I had referred him to hadn't worked out. He said it was because she picked them up in a crappy car. So there you have it. Some people definitely care about the car you drive. I'd call that a pretty significant example.

Did you choose the 1st referral agent randomly or did you screen the agent?

Brian Buffini used to drive a pretty crappy car when he first started out.

Oh well. If people don't like my van, that's fine...I probably wouldn't like them either, anyway...it would be a strained relationship. I don't get along well with snooty patooties.

How does one determine "crappy" anyway? That's such a subjective term.

Someone could look at my car and call it "crappy" because it's 5 years old, has a small dent in the side...it could be considered "crappy" because it's more than two years old and is an obvious Soccer Mom car....

I'm with you 100% Dean. I'm in a 1999 Nissan that's at 155k, with no signs of slowing down. I hate car payments and will never make one again.

I don't buy the theory an old car hurts your business.

Imagine a client saying "He was well prepared, friendly, knowledgeable, and I think he would do a great job for us. But I don't like that car so lets use the other guy."

That's a problem client you don't want anyway.

OK- I have my own proof on this...

I was a single mom for 13 years and still have that mindset... I believed in driving the wheels off a car... hating getting a new one... believe that putting money into a car is like throwing it out the window...

I grew up a Pontiac girl (1st car was a Ram Air IV Trans Am - Can you say Vroommmmm). I had 4 Pontiac Grand Prix's in a row - all with over 180,000 before I would finally cave and get another one.

Two years ago it was time for a new one... and off I go to get a new Grand Prix... my hubby informed me that we would not being buying another Prix... that I had to pick "the next level up"... I was NOT HAPPY! We proceeded to argue and fight about it for 2+ weeks... everyone in the office was laughing. I was fighting getting a new expensive car and he was fighting for me to have one...Role reversal....

I finally caved in when I figured out with my husband's company discount (this was prior to him coming into Real Estate Full Time) we could buy an Infiniti M35 for only $3500 more than my Prix. It is a nice car, I have to admit and while I lost the battle I ultimately won the war because I get to drive it everyday.

Now to perception.... I go to a listing appointment and sit down with the clients. At one point they are asking me for my experience, etc. and I am telling them. The guy says to me "well if you are doing so well - you should be driving a nice car" I tell him I am driving an Infiniti. I got the listing... This was a retired older gentleman, not very afluent at all, and his listing was only $175,000. I asked him later why it mattered what type of car I drove. He said that he wanted to hire a successful agent and if I had drove up in an older car he would think that I wasn't successful.

I hated telling my husband that story as I got the HUGE I told you so...

I may drive a nicer car these day but I am still a Pontiac driving, single mom at heart and I hate having a ton of money in something that everyone out there can use as a moving target to hit.

PS Yes I know that they have done away with my Pontiac's - I am wearing all black for a year)

I drive a bright yellow 2003 Subaru Baja. It's not luxurious, but it does make a statement. It's obviously not a REal-a-tor car, but it's unique enough that my clients always comment on it, positively. I like the idea that it's fun without being pretentious, just in case my client has some concern that I'm too uptight or stuck-up for their taste.

I wish they still made that model new. I would pick one up in a heartbeat. Have not found one resale that has not had the begeezus drive out of it though.

It all depends on the client. I drove in up in a 1997 toyota tercel 140,000 miles on it. I drive it because it get's excellent gas mileage and insurance is low because it is paid for.

Other commercial broker drove up in a big truck brand new built to the nine's.

I told the seller I focus on getting listings sold not shining my car. My presentation and the info I offered kicked the crap out of the other guy and I got the 3 million dollar land lsiting.

I am in GA where people aren't as shallow say in Cali. Yes in Cali some expect you to look a certain way because it's a fake world of insecurity,botox,and silicone.

At least I will decompose naturally and these other people will trash the earth forever with all the stuff pumped into them! LOL

Seriously if you do run in high end circles it is expected. Most everyday run of the mill folks could care less at least here in Ga.

It still has to be clean and presentable. I have seen brand new cars look 30 years old after how they are treated.

Are you referring to my Baja? I didn't know they stopped making them! It's been a fabulous car - at 80,000 miles, I've had no problems - just new tires & brakes & stereo...

Oh Jennifer playing that music to loud again! What's that I can't hear what you are saying....:)

Ursula,

You sound like me, except I'm a guy. I started in this business with a black 1998 Pontiac Trans Am. I actually still have it. Of course it is paid off. I love that car though, very slick and fast. I can fishtail through an intersection like there's no tomorrow.

I just recently bought a black 2006 Cadillac Escalade. Being that I hate payments, I paid cash for it. It is soooo comfortable! It is also a very professional vehicle to have around clients. So now I have my fast car and my luxury SUV. I couldn't ask for a better combination.

I think what you drive speaks to your clients. I have two vehicles - one is my buyer vehicle and MY FAVORITE and the other is my listing car. The two vehicles are: A Black Hummer-H3 and a White Mercedes Roadster. It's easy to guess which is which. The fact is that a seller wants to work with someone successful and they have a perception of what success looks like and to many of them it is not an economy car. Sad but true!

I love it! I would recognize you everywhere and it can go almost anywhere!

It took me many years to realize the enevitable. I drove a Honda Accord for years and didn't care what anyone thought about it, I guess that's the New York in me, lol.

I finally broke down and now I drive a Mercedes ML 550 which I LOVE. As long as I have a choice in the matter, I probably will be a Benz driver forever. It definetly makes a difference. Clients expect it and use it as a measure of your success. I have had many conversations with people regarding this over the years.

The biggest thing is I love the car and still dont care what the clients think lol. It was a gift to myself right before I turned 40 ....

I think every agent should own two cars,

One average car or truck to meet the average folks with and a luxury car or SUV for meeting the high end clientele.

If you drove over to an average home in a 150k luxury sedan you might end up intimidating those poor folks since they might not be able to identify with you easily especially if they are hurting in the present economy (they might even resent you if your car is worth more than their house), on the other hand if you showed up in a crummy car at an exclusive edition to sell a million dollar home they might not even let you past the gate.



(not meant as professional or legal advice)

my priority in vehicles is what I want or need...because it's MY vehicle. If I need to caravan a group of clients or agents around, I'll rent an appropriate vehicle, limo, etc. car rental companies rent almost every type of vehicle that exists.

I for one refuse to compromise who I am just to impress some snooty rich person. I am proud of who I am, and proud of my Honda Odyssey (but secretly wish it was a 67 Firebird, but oh well can't have everything) and if they don't like it, too bad.

I do know this - my Honda Odyssey has gotten me a lot of business and has me in the top ten for sold transactions in my MLS. A guy I know who has an Escalade and has the "image" is ranked #149.

In my opinion, worrying about image alone is BS. Just do the job, do it well, do it right and you'll be fine. A clean, reliable car in good condition is all you need.

F-150, I'm in truck country.

BMW Z3 because i refuse to drive people around. My car is not a taxi to drive you house to house. Instead of having to say that I just have a 2 seater haha.

Just got my "new" used car after searching for 6 months. I have ben driving a Ford Explorer for 7 years and really love it. It helps that my son is a Ford mechanic. We will actually keep this car. New one is a used Buick Enclave. I will never buy a new car, my husband is loves hunting for the deals.
New car has all the Bells and Whistles, large interior and better gas mileage! I started looking at Volvo and Lexus SUV's but I was unimpresed with the interiors.
Will it make a difference to some people, I think first impressions count for alot in my area!

I used to have a ford explorer when they first came out. It was the hunter green deluxe edition with the fancy leather and power everything.

The downside to Ford is a friend who fix's transmissions would routinely get Ford Explorers in around only 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

He said unlike foreign cars the domestic transmissions are built to big with to much room for the tranny's. So when one part starts getting loose on the inside they fall apart.

Luckily mine made it to 120,000 then I got it fixed for cheap with a patch job (said it might last 1 year or 4 years but couldn't guarantee it) and I sold it.

I have two cars/trucks that both get great gas mileage, NOT:(

Ford F150 Platinum SuperCrew

and my baby Hummer H2 SUT

I have a gas guzzler Yukon Denali as well. It gets the job done

I drive a '08 Hyundai Sonata. Not fancy but gets good gas mileage for the size.
Clay Branyon
North Beach Realty
843-272-1222
www.northbeach.com

My wife and I share two vehiles. We have a 2008 Lexus SUV GX470 and a 2004 Chevy 2500HD truck. I choose to use them based on who I am going to meet. If I'm showing residential homes I use the Lexus. If I'm going to do farm and ranch stuff it will be the Chevy. And of course if my wife has something going I'm designated to the truck. I do wish we had kept my wife's old GEO prism for BPO work though. The Geo was fun to car shop with though. We got a lack of respect when we were shoping for Audis, BMW and Lexus when we were going to the dealers in the Geo. It was enjoyable to me to see the difference how sales people would treat us when they saw us drive up in the GEO or didn't see us drive up at all.

God, I miss my old cars

I drive a 2006 jeep liberty. the ground clearance helps during the rainy season (Feb-Dec). I received my first client complaint this past week. In between griping about how this area is not like New York (I work in Central Louisiana), this dr's wife complained about how rough my suv was.

Wouldn't you know it...After driving them around for two days they decided Central Louisiana was not for them!

I will be looking to buy a used Cadillac, Lincoln, or Older Chrysler very soon. I actually don't drive THAT much being primarily a listing agent; and I want that "Sofa on Wheels" feel.

After years of "feeling the road" with Japanese Imports and a Volvo, it's time to take a step back and ride in cheap luxury again. If it's a two door, so much the better LOL...

I'm looking to buy a Honda...something no more than 10 yrs old. I'll need to last at least a year...

A Honda will probably last 15 years depending on how well you take care of it.

Any car well taken care of could last 15 years. I have a 1993 isuzu rodeo that I use as a backup that still starts every time.

I drive a 2005 Ford Mustang but when my RE career kicks off I plan on getting a bigger car so if needed, I can drive clients to showings without someone being cramped in the back seat.

Take the oil out of it and it will stop. I did this on accident a few times. It shouldnt be too hard.

LOL

I have a 89 and 08 mustang but I am new to real estate and Ive been told by many people that both are not suitable cars to take clients around in. I have quite a bit of car knowledge so I know a lemon from a lime but I dont know which of these next cars would be a respectable "clientle only" car. I'd say the average house that I would show is around 400k. The cars are a 04 Land Rover II discovery, 04 infiniti fx 35, or a 02 ford escape. Please dont message me on mechanical issues of these cars because of all suv's these 3 have the least, like I said before I know quite a bit about cars so all I need is which one of these is the best for my clientle. p.s. if anyone has any questions about cars they can ask me.

A Ford Escape may look a bit cheap, in my opinion. Up until January, I was driving a 98 Trans Am for 4 years of my real estate career. I feel pretty proud of myself that I still succeeded while driving a sports car. I can't even describe how happy I was to purchase the Escalade in January though.

Yea well the good thing about the escape is its the hybrid so it gets quite better gas milage than all the others. They all have leather interior and sat/nav but I just cant make up my mind.

Came into this discussion very late, but I thought it would be a fun topic... I just closed a transaction at $2.55M Cash, representing the buyer. While in the process of looking for the home, my buyer is from China, he dresses extremely comfortable :o) I was driving my F250 4X4 Crewcab everywhere (San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles County) got very expensive, so about halfway through the search I switched over to my wife's 97 Toyota Camry. It was actually fun showing up to $2M dollar properties in a small older car, especially when you show up at the guarded gates to show the homes. The listing agents were dressed confortable also, but the cars they drive were very nice.

Really didn't get any "yeah right" attitudes, I guess when you are at that level you know not to judge the book by the cover.

When we finally submitted our offer at cash, it was just comfortable to know you didn't have to sweat thinking you wouldn't close.

Like I told one person who I was showing homes to when he asked me why I drove such a large truck instead of a smaller luxury car, I said I would rather drive through the other car and not get sued by my client and/or their family for killing or injuring them. I leave my BMW at home because I am not trying to impress anyone :o)

Actually I really leave the BMW at home because it is having personal problems, LOL!!

08 BMW 335i. that should woo some clients :p

car topic, very interesting!!

had impression all agents driving fancy big cars or SUVs (with GPS) which are good to drive clients around.

Here're some links to those other Car threads Perky made reference to up above:

What everyone else is driving

or

Image

Yea a lot of the agents drive fancy cars like BMW or Benz, but I love those agents who drive a truck as well!

I have driven a truck all 9 years of my career. It's not even a very nice truck. I like it and it's clean, but it's an entry level, xl model f150. Floors are plastic, crank windows, manual locks. I just showed houses this weekend driving it. I don't show very often though and it was one buyer, not a family.

I have fun when I show up at houses w/ my hubby's pick up, complete with galvanized tool boxes and ladder racks. I say "I'm your redneck realtor for today!" and it always gets a few laughs. Esp. when I have a slight issue with the manual transmission and starting out on a slope!

Drive something that demonstrates that YOU know how to make an intelligent purchase, after all, YOU are asking that they trust you with their purchase of an item that costs 10x as much. When we sell/lease Real Estate, we encourage clients to find the best balance of location, amenities, aesthetics, cost of ownership, etc. How then could one preach those concepts to a client while stepping out of a vehicle that doesn't reflect the use of similar logic?

There are geographic factors that will diversify the vehicles agents drive, but a key thing to remember is that clients may see your vehicle more than your personal office. Your vehicle, your appearance, your confidence and range of expertise are all reflective of your degree of success. Your vehicle is your mobile office. I see agents pay extra (even 3x the normal rate)for an office with a window or a view, but don't see the value in a loaded Toyota Camry Hybrid or Toyota Sequoia Hybrid, instead of an H2, Corvette, or pick-up truck.

Its also important to place slightly more value on the opinions of people that can afford to purchase any vehicle they want to, and CHOOSE a particular vehicle for XYZ reasons (IMHO)

We just bought a vehicle. Our final three choices were BMW X3, FJ Cruiser and Jeep X Unlimited (4 door). Beemer won.

People buy vehicles for different reasons. Not everyone wants/needs the same thing out of a vehicle. Hybrid vehicles do not appeal to many consumers (agents and their clients) for some very logical and intelligent reasons. SUVs and sports cars appeal to many consumers for very logical and intelligent reasons.

Im thinking about getting a nissan altima? or some 4 door car. any suggestions

I just purchased the 2010 Nissan Altima SL in black, with black leather!

GREAT CAR! It is amazing on gas, nice inside and out and looks like a Lexus from far.

Check it out...

I've had the same car for 10 years now.
A Geo that gets 40+ mpg. The problem is in RE people judge you by the vehicle you drive. It's sad but true. You can't please everyone with every vehicle. The consensus is buy something late model...a mid-priced four door that is clean and confortable should do the trick. You shouldn't have to spend more than a few thousand $$, unless you want a new car and don't mind the payments or throwing all that hard earned cash away.

I drive a Mercedes CLS 55 AMG, 470 HP, 510 FT LBS of torque, supercharged and lots of fun to drive. My fourth Benz to date and by far the best one so far. I know my cars have made me more money. Some sellers have actually looked out the window to see what I drove during the interview process and given me the listing as a result of this.

I know that the quality of car that you drive is indicative of how you are thinking as a business person. Driving a clean, new, current model car makes you feel good and is very motivating if nothing else. It does not have to be as expensive or flashy as mine. I know that to grow your business you have to expand your thinking and think bigger than you currently thinking. The car we drive is reflection of whether we are complacent or growning.

JMHO!

I really think realtors judge other realtors by their cars more than clients do.

I know of realtors (don't we all) who had gorgeous Cadillac Escalades or similar flashy cars...and are not very successful at all. Here I am in my humble Honda van w/ over 100,000 miles on it, dirty half the time....selling circles around them.

It's not the car.

I drive a beat down 2005 White Ford Ranger with almost 200,000 miles but I do not work with buyers. I work for banks and asset companies. I logged 80,000 miles last year. Why would I put that kinda milage on a $65,000 Escalade when I can tear up a $3,000 beater instead and when its trash I can toss it aside and go buy another one. Gee 2 vehicles instead of 1 and $59,000 saved! You got to love the big headed agents.lol
When I do have to take a buyer out, I drive my wife's 2005 Kia that has 22,000 miles on it and is like new. I have never had a compaint on my car from a client.

I bet you get pretty good gas too, around 25 mpg? I used to drive a 97 ranger. Now I am in a 03 f150 with 150000 on it. I bought it used with 33k miles on it, still under factory warranty. Never have made a payemnt. Every month that goes by I am ahead. My truck has been very good to me. I am hoping to make it over 200k, 250 might be a stretch.

You drive 80,0000 in a year and you don't work buyers? What do you do?
I only drive about 15,000 miles a year....mostly personal on my kids and I made half a million last year. I sure am glad my BIG HEAD is working properly. It's obvious you have it wrong. It's a big bank account that allows me to drive a $135,000 car with 470 horsepower and over 500 ft lbss of torque. I wouldn't drive 80,0000 miles for even $1 million income especially when I can earn that on under 20,000 miles You guys need to think bigger and be more honest with youselves. Sorry for telling you like it is. I am not blind. We all live in a glass house. I know all the agents I see and I know their incomess. They are small thinkers with smaller incomes. I do not knock people driving beaters uunless they knock me. Try getting a bigger head. It's called expanding your thinking.es
y.

I can see you are exactly one of the Realtors I was talking about. A total SHOW OFF.. I do not care about your 470 HP and OVER 500 ft lbs of torque and I do not really think that anyone else does either. We are in the middle of a real estate meltdown and your going around flashing this and that and seem to be rather proud of it. I want to see your HALF MILLION tax form from R.E. sales and under 15,000 miles driven. I am just an average hard working guy that is not looking to impress anyone. My clients like me for who I am. Not because I drive around an expensive overkill car. I think it is a total joke that anyone would waste that kinda cash on a car. LMAO:)

Well, Lucky, when your market area covers a huge geographic area like mine (about 1,200 square miles to be exact) it's not unusual to rack up a huge amount of miles...I often drive 200 miles in one day...buyers from out of the area are not sure if they want this area here, or that area there until they see them. Not all markets are alike.

I could see if one is working in a rather tight geographic location with a more concentrated population, like a suburban area of just a couple neighborhoods - but that's not possible around here in a rural location. The school district I live in covers over 300 square miles alone. Other districts cover even larger and more spread out areas.

bsareo's blurb states he works "somewhere in the desert" and that could be a gigantic area...if he limits his market to say 200 square miles that may leave him with 20 people. lol

Let's play nice and no name calling everyone.

Well, I drive a 2001 Grand Prix with more than 170,000 miles. I quite often put on 100-200 miles a day. It ain't a bit flashy, and it has kitty footprints all over it some days.

A year ago, I was meeting with my Escalade driving customer. Unfortunately for him, someone slashed his tires, and there he was with a flat in a not so wonderful neighborhood. Thinking he would change his tire to the spare, he checked...and there wasn't one. Not only that, but as it was about 3 p.m. on a Saturday, there was no place in town that could help him...his tires were a special size...and everyplace was closing within an hour. I felt really bad for him...he drove his vehicle home on the wheel rim.

Of course, you can't say Escalade was junk when Grand Prix was not in a situation like that.

But my GP has driven me very dependably for 150K miles...and it has no payment. I like having no payment. I'm hoping I get 200K before it won't go anymore.

Please excuse lucky....he's from Toronto....he can't help it. :/

LOL MHT. That made me chuckle.

Interesting topic and I thought I'd throw my two cents in. How do you balance showing up in a flagship mercedes and having clients think that you are obviously charging too much vs. showing your clients that you are successful at what you do and can bring them the results they need? Well, the way I would look at it from a client's perspective: would you take financial advice from a stock broker who didnt appear successful? would you take medical advice from a doctor who was morbidly obese? would you take legal advice from an attorney with questionable legal practices? Anyway, this thread has been an interesting read and I look forward to perusing more of this forum. :-)

I have heard both sides of the argument and have taken the stance that in my rural area, having a nice clean car or truck without going over the top is the best option. We have had clients say that they refused to work with another brokerage because they don't want to be helping make their caddy payments (not even mercedes, Cadillacs! lol). Different areas will be different but around here, if I am driving a $60,000+ car people cry about it....if I drive a $60,000 truck, not a peep. I drive a Nissan Rogue. Nothing too expensive but it's new and clean and does what I need. Also there is a difference in coming across as successful and coming across as arrogant.

With all due respect....I don't know you but you should think before you type. This is the problem with many agents. How do you equate a fat slob Doctor. (An obvious HUGE failure). And a real estate agent driving an expensive car (an obvious sign of success.). I am successful and good at what I do and I earn all my commissions. I deserve what I get paid and I provide phenomenal service 2nd to none. I am not like you where I get paid too much for what I do, since this is what you think of our profession. I earn every cent I make and I am not afraid to show I am good at what I do! Why would I want to drive an average person's car when I am above average. Why should I pretend I am something I am not! I am successfull, I am proud of it and I have paid my dues to get where I am. I am not afraid to show it. I would not drive a SLUMMY broken down car any more than I would LIVE in a SLUMMY broken down house. A buyer who viewed one of my listings complimented my car...he commented I am obviosly good at what I do. I know for a fact my car has more than paid for itself and if you think your looking like the average. Joe because you are so humble I am here to tell you you are misinformed. Yes the few clients yiu have will like you and love you but many are talking behind your back too. Success leaves clues and so does mediocrity and small mindedness.

Lucky, you could have made 26 SOI calls in the time it took you to write that post.

Hey, I'm a truck driver, but give me a Mercedes and I'd drive it. I wouldn't pay for one though; Germans, ich bin nien berliner. Wouldn't buy a Japanese car either. My father taught me that. I know, I know, cars are made everywhere with parts from Mars, assembled on Pluto. It's the Spirit that counts. Gotta buy American, non-Obama American. So it's Ford, or used Chevy for me. I have a Jeep too, used of course.

Sounds slummy, but this yank don't mind being a bit Slummy...even as Reelter. Heck, you just get 'r dun. We's just tryin' to make our way. That's the motto down yonder way. Up in Canook country you must see things a little different.

I would buy a Porsche though. Because they are sooooo cool.

OK, well, with all due respect....I think you should learn how to quote before you quote.

And I DO NOT believe that Maui was equating your "obvious success" with an obese doctor.

The question posed was....in other words: How can an agent balance the bias that some buyers may have if the agent shows up in a fancy car, thus giving the impression that the agent makes too much money.

Maui went on to throw a personal perspective in there - it would have been better if it had been clarified with "I counter that idea with this: would you trust a morbidly obese doctor? No. Therefore you should not trust an agent with your biggest investment if the agent drives a piece of junk clunker."

I perceived that in the original post, but I guess you needed some help, you were too busy picking apart Maui's post and suggesting that Maui needs to "think before typing"...these darn agents are so dumb....right.

Well. Hmmm. This reminds me of people criticizing other folks' spelling...when their "critique" has some glaring errors too.

My appologies to Maui. I ripped apart the wrong post. Maui may have actually being agreeing with me. I was simply perturbed by. The Big Head comments from the many SHRUNKRN HEADS!
This is the problem with Black Berries. They r so damn small.

I am not going to document this, because anyone who wants to read it can go back 1 page and do it for themselves.

But Lucky you are behaving poorly. This thread is mostly a bunch of agents, myself included, who are proud of their vehicles and have 'magically' found a way to make a living, even though their conveyance might look better in the junk yard than in the parking lot. Not everyone needs a car with flash and style, that is new and grand to work their job. I might make the case that those of us who can get it done without the 'crutch' of a flashy car have strong fundemental sales techniques to fall back on.

Along you come and state your vehicle as though it were a chariot, granted it is nice, then proceed to boast the quantiny of them you have owned (or leased). You are likely a bigger producer than I and most. Great for you. As one who sniped back at you, I apologize, but you must understand I like my truck and I pay my bills. I take care of my family, put money in the bank and I don't like being talked down to. And the shrunken head thing is just a terrible place to go. Placing intellect in the discussion was not an intelligent move. I think you owe us an apology if you want to be taken seriously anymore, at least by me. No one ever attacked you. We just reacted to your perched prose.

I offer an Olive Branch. I'll even help you move a couch in my truck.

Peace.

If you read thru the thread you'll see my flaming came as a result of bsdeo (sp?) Calling. Agents like me BIG HEADED because we drive high end vehicles etc. Well......if you insult me am I to take it lying down and not reply with a SMALL HEA0? I've got news for you! Believe it or not, when I started my cold calling thread I was ATTACKED by small minded small thinking agents. I have received at least 10 private messages of support WARNING me of the small minded majority low producing agents with lots of time on their hands defending their mediocrity in this business. I simply posted whi feel thinking big, having a nice car like. Having a nice house is motivating and rewarding. So, NO... I am not behaving badly as you say. I am behaving appropriately for the climate here! As ye sow, so shall you reap! There is your Olive Branch!

Your post preceded his. He responded to you.

Yes, my initial post preceded his and I responded my viewpoints on driving a nice car, having pride in ourselves and what we do. I did not use the words "small headed" until after I was referred to as "big headed"

I drive a jeep liberty that has gone through NINE window regs. There is no notice when one breaks, either the window will stick (if you are lucky), or the window will crash down.

I keep a roll of duct tape in the jeep just in case. And yes, I have had to pull over (with clients) and duct tape a broken window in place. Now that impresses clients!

ROFL @ FSBO. That's classic!

It showed your clients how resourceful you are....clever!!

It's funny how the attitudes and opinions of cars has changed since this thread started. Interesting to see everything change so fast.

To Lucky, yes, in large part i concur with your opinion on this subject... perhaps i could have been a bit more clear in my statement, alas i was excited to read more posts on this great forum... thank you for your input as well...

Over the years I've learned customers are more comfortable when an agent is driving an average car. When it's all over we are average americans making a living; some a really good living and some content on the level they are. Myself I like sport cars and drive a 2007 Ford Mustang. But when I have to put out signs or have a large family that's going to ride with me I drive for luxury SUV (which was purchase when I was in corporate america).

We all drive what's comfortable to us and our family. Remember one day you can be up and the next down and out.

I dont know...hmm...I either drive my Red Honda Civic..or my wifes Saturn Vue..the only comment I have heard was that my clients got confused and didnt realize it was me because I was driving a different vehicle:)

I drive a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Do a Google image search if you aren't sure what a FJ Cruiser is. I bought this car before I decided to get into the real estate business and I am too far upside down to get out of it now. I have been very concerned about this not being your typical realtor car. I would love to find out what you guys think about it. Please keep in mind that the back seats are difficult for an adult to get into. The rear doors open backwards. I find that most people love the car, but I dread the day that I have to take an older husband and wife to look at homes and the wife has to crawl in and out of the back seat.

My father has a Mercedes SUV that I could borrow from time to time, but he keeps a mountain of cigarette ashes in the floor, so that isn't good either.

1) Love the FJ!! If I can stash a few closing checks from the wife I will get one.

2) Borrow dad's SUV and get it prof. cleaned the day before. If similar to my market, this will only be an issue 2-3 times per year.

I wouldn't think this would be a realtor car showing properties but I would LOVE to drive it. I love those cars.

Hi agents and brokers,

i'm a new agent that will be prospecting for sellers/buyers in the residential market. Just browsing around and found this topic about the cars we drive. I'm thinking about purchasing a Scion xb. It has low emmissions, compact, and economical. Best of all, it has great surface area to wrap for advertising. I'm very open minded to accept any opinions on the pros and cons about promoting myself on my car . Wondering if it would make me look cheesy or cheap driving around a mobile billboard. I've seen people driving all around my area advertising their company, products, and services, but not yet a real estate agent. I'm confident that it's an aggressive way to get my name out there and start acquiring leads. Any comments or advice would be helpful.

People have done it with success. I don't know if I would do it myself, though. I'm personally too low key for something so in your face.

I did the car magnets for a month when I started. My insurance company told me I'd save a lot of money if I took them off. So I did. Never looked back.

People are not going to call you since your number is on your car. Have 5000 cards made and hand them out at a pace of 20 a day with a warm smile and hearty hello.

Why would not using car magnets save you a lot of money? Scratching the paint job?

I had my first showing in a old beat-up Honda Civic. Stick shift. Noisy. Hard to close driver-side door. Needed a push once in a while. No AC, no radio... nada. This thing looked like it made it through world war two.

So the buyer gets in. He's an easy-going guy, just got divorced, looking for a condo.

We get going. I'm trying to keep speed below 40, otherwise the entire front shakes like a pony ride in front of a super market.

The guy just laughs.

A week later I was on a listing appointment. I listed the place, shook hands with the clients, walked out (all happy and glowing), and my old Civic just wouldn't start. Dead.

So I had to go back and ask for a little push. Talk about embarrassing! LOL
Finally, the poor thing just died on me one day. Of an old age, I guess.

Yeah, it's possible to sell real estate in a crappy car. It's just a bit more challenging

My husband and I bought an '03 Avalanche. I use his truck when he isn't. We have 2 four-wheel drive vehicles now. Living in northwest Indiana, we need them.

I traded in my Hyundai Elantra for a larger Sonata because it's more comfortable for clients. In my area you do have to drive clients around and my Elantra didn't have much leg room in the rear seat. The Sonata is not a showy car at all, in fact it's almost boring, but very reliable and I love the 100,000 mile warranty. I intend to drive it till it drops.

Its extremely interesting to me how the specific cars many people drive say so much about them. Therefore I feel it is important as real estate agents to keep your car looking nice and in good condition. It says a lot about your professional appearance and work ethic.

http://www.bryanandbill.com

I am going to throw this out there. Maybe someone will grasp it and benefit from it.

A good frend of mine who got his R/E liscence at the same time as me drove the same car (a Lexus GS 300) kept that car for 11 years. Gave him no troubles, very reliable car. His R/E production also stagnated for 11 years between $150,000-$200,000. Finally I got thru to him that he should get himself a car that would put a little spring in his step, that would create a little emotion/excitement as he walked towards it going to an appointment. A car that he really liked and wanted and was reasonably within his grasp and yet a little bit of a stretch.

So last year he bought himself a turbo charged BMW hardtop convertible 3 series. Yes it's only a 2 door, yes the back seat is almost non existent but guess what? His production is over $100k already in the 1st quarter. He comes to the office a little earlier and leaves a little later. He's working the odd Saturdays. He's much more focused and driven and excited.

So YES, I do believe that the car we drive is an extension/indication of who we are and what is going on between our ears

Lucky,
So what vehicle did the friend buy and I am going to guess that his production made a huge jump with the new ride.

100k in the first quarter? That would be a good year for me! Perhaps I will head to the BMW dealership...

Time for you to set some serious goals. $100k gross in a year is good if it were part time.

Lucky again with cruddy attitude. What gives? You could have taken FSBO's comments as a compliment. He said in as many words, hey good for you, you make (or report to make) 4 times more than me. Instead you went low. You could have made 6 expired calls in that time. I recommend you check your priorities. Afterall, we all can't be lucky.

Unfortunately a decent car in this business is a must. I use different cars for different price levels. If I am showing an expensive home, I drive my LS430. An average to lower priced home, I usually take my Explorer. Pulling up to a $70,000 dollar house in a $70,000 Car usaully is not a good idea. Your clients may feel that they are wasting your time and that could be further from the truth.

I suggest you re:read my post. My post was not about myself it was referring to a friend.
As for FSBO.....I was trying to help. I suggested he set some serious goals to boosthis income beyond $100k,since this is pretty easy to do. No low blows intended!
If FSBO misunderstood my post, then I appologise to him.

Telling someone they are doing good if they were a part timer (when they are a full timer) is supposed to boost there spirit and motivate them?

That would be like me telling you to set goals in giving constructive criticism. Your current level of skill is good for a 14 year old.

I see you were talking about a friend's income not yours, but I don't think it impacts my post. I apologize for the inaccuracy.

I think also it is incorrect to assume all of us place income/produciton as our main goal in life. If I had to assume, I would bet most of us strive for a balance of income and family/friends and leisure--certainly not everyone, but I'd bet the majority fall into that category. Meaning we settle for less income to gain the joy of spending time with family, friends while doing things they enjoy.

The car discussion just plays into that. We all make do with what we have. Some of us are like lucky and work to be the Mercedes of agents in the office. I do quite well with my truck, but I know I have a different business model. It takes all sorts.

Lucky--my remark was meant as a compliment. My hats off to anyone who earns 400k a year in real estate! With an avg. transaction price around 135k, 400k in my market would be tough to say the least. In fact, the big wigs in my market MAYBE pull in 200-250 during a good year.

Doin-- Thanks for watching my back!

I did put a 35k duplex under contract today. And like any big wig agent, I had both sides!!!

I never assumed you or anyone makes money/production your main goal in life. Again, I suggest you spend some time reading and reflecting before posting. They only reason I talk about selling Real Estate, setting goals to make more money in less time etc, is because THIS IS A REAL ESTATE IDEA FORUM!

Earning $100,000 a year in real estate definitely does not take that much time. Let me illustrate what I mean with my 14 year old level of communication.

Full time in Real Estate sales as with any other profession would equate to approximately 40 hours a week. In most other professions...less than that would be what I referred to as part time. The typical full time profession entails approximately 2000 hours a year and realistically...if you want to keep your job even MORE. Assuming a conservative commission of $5000 (yes I know it could be less or more) that equates to 20 deals in a year. This means FSBO can invest 100 hours to secure 1 deal/transaction. This is very easy to do with some goal setting, training and planning. Definitely does not eat into your time spent with family, friends, hobbies etc. Not even close!

This is what I meant when I replied to FSBO that he needs some serious goal setting and could earn $100,000 part time if he set some goals to do so. I apologize if it seemed my post to FSBO was cruddy. I said what I meant and I meant what I said.

Lucky to the rescue again with another wisecrack.

In who's market? Doesn't the average sales price of homes in a given area determine how much money a skilled full time agent would make?

What if someone sells 37 80,000 homes in Florida vs someone who sells 3 one-million dollar homes in Washington D.C. ...both agents probably grossed the same amount, assuming all the sales had the same commission (another factor to take into consideration)...but guess which one worked harder and probably knows more about real estate than the guy who sold only 3 homes?

Good advice lucky. I will give it some thought. I appreciate the constructive criticism.

I must add I intend no offense to 14 year old kiddos. Mine younglings are not that old, but seem to behave as though they are.

A car can say a lot about its driver in my mind. That is why I always try to keep my car looking clean and in good shape. Especially in the world of real estate where so many things are judged upon their initial appearance. It is important to keep up a professional image for yourself and your clients.

This is true Perky. That's is whyi used the anology of a $5,000 average commission. I have agent friends from Fort Myers and Tampa Florida where many properties are under $100,000 as you stated. They choose to steer their prospecting to the higher end, into the $200's-$300's. As I illustrated above, $100,000 gross sales is not that difficult if one does a business plan breakdown, has some discipline, sets some goals. I had a new agent as an accountabilty partner a few years agowho was willing to learn an work and I guided him to a $240,000 income his second year. Of course, he used active marketing and went after it daily like I do.

How does one "steer" a client preapproved for 100k to 200-300k homes?

You cannot steer that specific buyer but you can prospect the higher end in the areas, price range that you want and that is desirable and moving well.

Regarding cars- I was driving the most horrid car- a Lincoln Town Car that was older, the air shocks in the rear were out ( whatever is back there at a cost of 1400 ) and so the rear end was a low rider and the wire wheel covers on one side were gone. I had joined an office that had a great presence in the high end, which was the market I wanted to get into at that time and was commuting to it. I didn't know my way around the community ( this was during the dot com craze ) and when those sweet little dot commer clients would come into town I would rent a car or I hired a driver/ town car that would pick us up and chaufer us around. There are probanly as many flaws to that as things that worked but it helped me tremendously in overcoming my shame about the car I drove in the market I was breaking into. I really couldn't afford it but I was working like a crazy girl going for broke and if it helped me overcome something that might have held me back, even if just mentally, it was worth it at the time.

Last year in my MLS, over 1,100 homes sold that were under 300,000. Homes that were over 300,000? About 1% of that number...142.

Just sayin'.

I drive an 04 Honda Civic with 170k miles...it's a little beat up too cause I have 2 kids and a dog and I'm not the world's greatest driver. BUT I LOVE THAT CAR! Never fails me and it is cheap and reliable. I was stressing a little because sometimes I'll pull up to a half mil house along side the owners nice new flashy cars. I really thought...man I need to have alittle flash...after a lot of thinking I've decided against it. I can afford a nice new flashy car...but it means nothing to me. I have yet to lose a listing for my little beater. In fact a few months ago I accidentally mowed down the mailbox with my little beater on my way out of a listing appointment. Got the listing anyway.
I wont let go of my baby until my son finally gets his license..and then I'll likely buy another 2-3 yr old Honda. A CRV this time though likely. I dont care how much money I have. Fancy cars mean nothing to me, and if my clients make their decisions about me, based on what I drive...well I don't want those clients anyway.

Hi everyone,

I am a new agent and here is my situation, your input is appreciated.

As a family with 2 children (1 year old and 7 year old), we have 2 cars:

Car #1: Audi A3 2010. Has the carseat in it. Purchase.
Car #2: VW Golf 2010. No carseat. Leased.

So, because of the carseat situation, last night at my first showings I drove the VW. My clients sat in the back. They are a young couple, so I didn't give the car thing too much thought.

On my way back home, I started to think about it...should I make the A3 my official real estate car...? My superficial side says ''take the A3 you dumba$$'', but my rational, down to earth side tells me ''don't change your family habits! the VW is fine!''.

Thoughts?

I say concentrate on the client and what their interests are. Give them awesome solutions to help them get where they want to be. If you can do that, they won't care if you pull them to the houses in a wagon.

The last thing they are talking about when you leave is...Did you notice MCP's car? It had a car seat. Or it was an Audi.

If you load them with solid data to review and links to explore and resources to review and ideas to consider, the car is irrelavent, so long as there is a place for them to sit safely.

May I add........Good luck to you in your new career and with your young family.

Do agents really drive their clients around much anymore anyway? I dont work with buyers except on very rare occasion but even then they meet me there...Even before I got licensed and I had buyers agents we never drove together.
Curious as to how many actually drive their clients around.

Don't be mistaken, the car you drive matters. The first image is what is important. If your are meeting people at the office, dress the part and have a clean work space. If your meeting them make sure your car is the same. It takes 27 positives to change a poor first impression. If you are selling a $150,000 house and you show up in a $100,000 car....bad move, same goes for the million dollar buyer/seller, show up in a brand new Kia and you'll have problems. I started 14 years ago with a Camaro as my Realtor car I now have a Land Rover and an Jeep Sahara. Depending on the client, I will decide the car for the day. That said buy used, the LR3 is a 60K car that looks the part that I bought a few years old for 20K. All you people that drive older cars, ever wonder why you nailed a listing presentation then didn't get the listing?

On a related note, where is a good place to park when dropping in on a seller (either for the first time or on a follow up listing appointment)? Would it be considered overconfident and presumptuous to park right in front of their house (not in the drive way, of course) or should we pick a less imposing location across the street, a 1/2 block away, etc??

Don't discount use of the driveway. Blocking it is always helpful in keeping them there until you get their signatures.

I hate it when they try to leave during my Listing Presentation . . . . NO, we won't have any of that!

Of course, if you are the one who wants to make an early exit, having the car right there makes for a quick get-away.

I had one last Fall at a remote LakeFront Cottage, when the estranged Husband and Wife couldn't agree on an Asking Price and started getting physical in their argument, when suddenly, the Husband said maybe "I should go back to my Office while they 'think' about this."

I think the Wife was just using my presence there as a excuse for retrieving some of "her" possessions anyway, and not really to think about establishing an Asking Price. Besides she has a Cousin who's in Real Estate in New Jersey, and she'll know better.

Under those MadHouse circumstances, you won't have to ask me twice . . . . I was outta there in a flash, and really quite pleased that my car was conveniently parked right in the DoorYard. I guess they're still thinking.

I have only lost listings to agents who:

a) got there BEFORE me and ended up getting the seller to sign before he even met me or heard my plan...(that one ticked me off because I was minding my own business, didn't even KNOW the guy or that he wanted to sell his house and he called ME and asked me to come by Friday afternoon...he made the appointment with me, out of the blue. Then he has the nerve to cancel 2 hours before our appt. to say "Never mind, I went with the first agent instead. You could still come out and meet my wife and I though." Nice, thanks but no thanks. The sweet thing was I ended up selling that one...lol)

or

b) agents who promised more than the home was worth.

or

c) agents who cut their commission.

I have had more sellers call me out of the blue and tell me they wanted me to list their house because of my marketing. Not one, not even ONE... asked me a darn thing about my car. Maybe I should start screening them, asking them if they mind if I drive a Honda, or if I should lease a BMW for their benefit.

I've said it before, but It's a Balancing Act . . . . if you look too successful or complacent, you may not appear to be the Go-Getter, or hungry enough to get the business. But if you're starting out and looking poor, dejected, and forlorn . . . . then you must be a failure.

Somewhere in between, there is just the right place (like the Porridge in Goldilocks and the Three Bears), and that point varies from Seller to Seller and Buyer to Buyer. If you can't fill your garage so as to provide for a full service repertoire, then go with the vehicle that matches the expectations of the greatest number of prospects . . . . it's a crap shoot!

And remember, some people need the fulfillment that comes with Participating in your Success. They want to feel that they haelped you climb that ladder.

I really think though it depends on your market, your area.
You need to look like your client so he can identify to you and feel you are equal so you can understand him in this so big decision.

Yes exactly...though I deal with short sellers...I guess watching the aftermath of overconsumption and keeping up with the joneses has left its impression on me...to spend wisely. And for the person who said did you ever wonder why you lost a listing..(maybe it was the car)..I have yet to lose a listing to another agent. I have lost listings where they decided not to sell...so I can't say my 04 Civic is responsible.
Actually I did recently take a 600k listing - I pulled up and he parked behind me in his brand new beamer...I got a few extra questions ( was it the car...maybe...or maybe he was just an educated consumer) - still got that one too. But if I was dealing with the luxury market- I guess I would have to "look" luxury also.

I don't drive a car, I drive a truck and it has been a great help to me and my clients. Everyone one of my clients knows that I am available to help them move and I have personally shown up to help them haul items away.

I'm one to think you can take any vehicle you drive and somehow make it work (well, except maybe an 18 wheeler). We've hauled off personal belongings, brush when they're cleaning the yard, etc. It just works and it further commits them to me as their Realtor.

I would say the best all purpose "Realtor car" is the Honda Element. 4 doors, no carpets, easy to maintain, great on gas, has a distinctive attention grabbing looks (some call that ugly), easy to get in and out of (for those older clients), it has all-time 4x4 and after all it's a Honda.

They look professional and a 2005 with 70-90K can be purchase for around $8,000.00. Being a Honda, one should expect an additional 50-100K reliable miles. A payment on $8000.00 for 48 months is around $185.00 per month and that is if you finance 100%.

Maybe I should go buy one!

It is ugly and I put that in the category with the Smart and Prius. If you live in yuppyville maybe but around here, you're likely to get ridden off the road or ridiculed.

I hate Elements.

I'm driving an Audi A4 02' but am looking to get something newer and nice. Probably a VW CC 2010.