...but meeting with the RE agent who sold me my house 11 years ago to go over what it takes to be in RE.

I am not necessarily looking to impress this guy but nonetheless not wanting to deter a future job prospect so what should I wear?

It will be 32* C ( 81* F ), so would it be totally inappropriate to show up in shorts and sandles?

Or is it tacky to get all done up?

Maybe something casual and in between is best I'm thinking. Casual dress pants and a nice shirt but no tie?

Any suggestions?

If you're a Guy, I wouldn't wear a dress on the first meeting. Limit the Make-up and skip the Heels.

Wear the same get-up that you wore to the Closing when you bought the place he sold you . . . . that way you're sure to be recognized.

I've noticed that people can change a lot in eleven years. Some too much.

Good luck !

I don't know what is more disturbing, the possibilty that you might wear a dress on a second meeting with someone, or that there is no way I'd fit into the same clothes 11 years ago : )

Canadians are typically laid back, so wear what makes YOU comfortable . . . . the clothing that allows you "to be you" and do your best thinking without having to be conscious of your attire. Clothes can be a distraction . . . . and after all, you're only there to absorb the subject matter, and get an understanding of the current workings of the Real Estate Marketplace in your area.

Nice, shorts and sandals it is!

To be honest, I wore a dress once while on my wedding moon infront of all my family and friends. My wife and I got called up onstage during an "ideal couples" contest and one of the tasks was to switch clothes behind a curtain in under 1 min.

10 years later and everyone that was there still holds those photos they have, and it still comes up in conversation : )

My first reaction to this tidbit was not a weather update, but rather ...well, never mind.

I'm sorry...this post seems girly.

I guess re-reading my OP I can see how if you wanted it would look girly.

My apologies.

What I meant was, and I think I clearly stated ( ? ), is it inappropriate to wear shorts and sandals when meeting a RE broker when my only goal is to gather information related to the field?

To me 32* is HOT and if I don't need to wear something uncomforatble I don't want to.

I don't mind a friendly jab, but it would be nice if it was coupled with something of value.

I thought in a non sexual manner real estate agents all always trying to be representable and impressive.

I read a post on what car to drive for crying out loud : )

Don't mind us . . . . we just don't have enough to occupy our little Real Estate brains, so we thoroughly read every new poster's stuff word for word; trying to see what the person is really made out of, and how thin is their skin.

But we try to use discretion . . . . like I was reading your weather report, I was going to say that 32°C actually equates to 89.6°F . . . . but I didn't. See, that's discretion.

Women are lucky because when it's hot, more of them elect to wear dresses because they are so much cooler . . . . sometimes even on a 1st encounter.

Anyway, I hope the Guy you're off to converse with tells you he has had fun in this business. If he doesn't, then I'd talk to some additional participants. Some will discourage new entrants. Others won't reveal that there's fun to be had. Still others had fun; but failed to recognize it as it went by. Their loss.

I think you should dress in a way you would dress should you be meeting with clients who are going to purchase or list a home. Dress to project the image you would like to be known for. I think shorts and flip-flops would not be a good idea for a first impression.

Am I missing something? Why are you trying to dress to impress a real estate agent? Because you're thinking he might "hire" you someday? That's not really how it works, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just dress comfortably, the way you would if you were having lunch with a friend.

[quote=Vermont]Don't mind us . . . . we just don't have enough to occupy our little Real Estate brains, so we thoroughly read every new poster's stuff word for word; trying to see what the person is really made out of, and how thin is their skin.

But we try to use discretion . . . . like I was reading your weather report, I was going to say that 32°C actually equates to 89.6°F . . . . but I didn't. See, that's discretion.

Women are lucky because when it's hot, more of them elect to wear dresses because they are so much cooler . . . . sometimes even on a 1st encounter.

Anyway, I hope the Guy you're off to converse with tells you he has had fun in this business. If he doesn't, then I'd talk to some additional participants. Some will discourage new entrants. Others won't reveal that there's fun to be had. Still others had fun; but failed to recognize it as it went by. Their loss. [/quote]

Oh?

So how am I doing so far? : )

Well, I dunno. You got kinda persnickety there. ;0)

[quote=Perky_REALTOR]Well, I dunno. You got kinda persnickety there. ;0) [/quote]

What do you mean?

I put a smiley face at the end of my sentence ;-)

You're doing just fine . . . . and you use the Queen's English pretty good too (I only saw one error; but that may be because you're too close to the US Border).

That Shirt and No Tie idea is okay. Doing the reverse, and wearing a Tie; but No Shirt would not seem appropriate . . . . but you could try it (and it would be cooler). I think it goes in the same category as the dress . . . . not so good for a first encounter.

Please recognize that I am not a professional Fashion Consultant; but I do formulate subjective opinions regarding the appearance people present to others . . . . but usually keep them to myself.

Nothing more comfortable and fashionable in a 32°C day than a kilt. Be a leader in fashion not a follower.

[quote=Vermont][quote=295yards]Oh? So how am I doing so far? : )[/quote]
You're doing just fine . . . . and you use the Queen's English pretty good too (I only saw one error; but that may be because you're too close to the US Border).

That [b]Shirt and No Tie [/b]idea is okay. Doing the reverse, and wearing a [b]Tie; but No Shirt [/b]would not seem appropriate . . . . but you could try it (and it would be cooler). I think it goes in the same category as the dress . . . . not so good for a first encounter.

Please recognize that I am not a professional Fashion Consultant; but I do formulate subjective opinions regarding the appearance people present to others . . . . but usually keep them to myself. [/quote]

I appreciate your rsponses.

My intentions were never to over analize my outfit, but rather go in prepared to meet this broker. I am not from a business background and thought it to be wise to inquire form thiose who spend their days in the business.

I personally believe some people may not think it would be a good idea.

Believe it or not, I have a friend who works in a factory making close to 100k.

He put his wife through real estate and now her head is so far up her own [censored] she will not associate with his friends and is actually embarrased by his profession now.

Some RE agents around this area are that snooty. Kinda like perky ;-) LOL!

Anyway the interview was yesterday and I decided to go in sandals, shorts and a tee.

It went over well and they want me working for them.

I'm skeptical and looking to interview other agencies.

I've opened another thread and maybe you can offer your opinions as I excited merge into this crazy business.

[quote=REODayton]Nothing more comfortable and fashionable in a 32°C day than a kilt. Be a leader in fashion not a follower. [/quote]

Kilts are controversial.

Everyone is trying to see if you are wearing anything under them.

Talk about uncomfortable. :o

Just wear nude colored seamless underwear - folks will think you're a eunich. This can save you from lots of stress - women won't be hitting on you but they will still admire your sexy legs, and the men won't worry about you making moves on their women.

She may not have time to associate with anyone; while trying to round up business.

You could experiment and let it slip that you're thinking about selling and moving up a few notches. I bet she'll be associating with you real good once she gets wind of that !

I started in RE in a very similar way as the OP is considering. I had my former buyer's agent and his family over for dinner, fed him several of his favorite beers and some tortilla chips and told him my plan. Later we ate whatever I burned on the grill.

Not sure what I wore, but pretty certain I was comfortable.

I got the job that was not even there in the first place.

Dang straight. I'll bet a lot of folks think I'm stuck up too. Fact is, I'm either a) showing properties, b) getting & maintaining listings, c) growing my internet presence...otherwise, I'm just too dog tired to do anything but come home at the end of the day and crash.

Most people want to "do things" on weekends...well shoot. Saturday and Sunday are the two main days for showing properties here, and in the summer time it's not uncommon to be showing property till dusk.

If people think I'm stuck up or have my head up my butt because I'm working hard trying to make a living that's their problem and they can bite me.

Just an FYI when I meet with a customer it is a white shirt and tie event and I live in FL. IMHO a customer will be more apt to look at you as a professional if you dress that way.

Others here do the shorts and polo shirt thing and do quite well. We have one agent who gets lots of overpriced listings that won't sell while playing golf.

As far as Perky I can only suggest that you never bring a knife to a gunfight. She is one of the best resources on this forum but from what I have read she "don't take no guff off no one".

Best of luck and remember that RE is a hard way to make an easy living. I have worked 7 days a week for the past 24 months. No vacations, no breaks (except here). Oh, and be ready to live on NO income for the first 2 years.