DO YOU THINK THAT HAVING A NICE CAR IS IMPORTANT?

I hope not....or I may have to trade in my 92 corolla

In my market it would. Lots of millionaires down here.

To a point, if you pull up in a bently to show homes in the $100,000 dollar range, it might be a huge turn off.

Just have a nice, clean car. I don't believe it has to be worth more then the house your trying to sell.

What's classified as nice? I think practical might be a better word for a vehicle. I mean I'm not going to drive buyers around in my Big Beast of a Dodge Ram, nor when I'm rich enough to get one will I drive them around in my Jag. My Sable is just fine for what I do. And I won't mind if their kids get car sick in the back, cuz it's easy to clean up. =]

It's not so much that having a nice car helps you, but rather having a not-so-nice car can hurt you, especially in the luxury market. Buyers have commented about other agents "gee, he drove up on a Honda Accord, I just don't see how he's going to share our tastes and appreciate the finer things."

I happen to already like nice cars so I drive them anyways, in fact just got a new one a couple weeks ago. But since I work the high end market, if I didn't already have a nice car I'd definitely have one on the shopping list. And by "nice" I don't mean a new Honda or Ford, I mean something that could be considered a luxury car and I think we all know what that means.

By the way luxury cars don't have to be expensive. You can get a great used Lexus, Mercedes, Jaguar, etc for under twenty grand including a comprehensive extended warranty.

Is this fair? Is it how things should be? Would Budda approve? I don't know, but I can guarantee you that if you're selling penthouses and your client sees you pull up in a Toyota Avalon you've just shot yourself in the foot.

Here's a list of some nice cars from the $20Ks and lower:
http://tinyurl.com/drw3d

Check this one out, almost a hundred grand when new:
http://tinyurl.com/cmmam

Those things are built like tanks. Run 100mph like it's nothing. Doors when closed sound like bank vault doors. Run forever. This one's just a hair over twenty grand.

I'll take the 2002 Aston Martin DB7!

I'll take a free luxury car also.

Please and Thank YOU!

I'd even "settle" for the blue jag XK8 convertible-LOL!

There was a huge thread about this a couple months ago maybe it can be found in the search. I believe I started that old thread myself!

Why would *new* Avalon shoot you in the foot?

It rides like a dream, and being 6'2 I can personally vouche that it by far has more leg and head room in the backseat and front seat than any lexus, Saab, or beamer that's priced 10 to 15k higher.

The Avalon is for drivers that care about having a nice car because *they* like it and *they* genuinely appreciate it, not because they want to impress someone else with false bravado by craming their buyers/sellers into the back seat of an M5 for 20, 30k or god knows who cares how much more.


A Taurus, Camry, or Accord may be interpretted by some as another story in the so called "penthouse" market, but noone that really knows would make that statement about an Avalon.

I like the new, re-designed Avalon very much. Have you seen what the new body style looks like?:

http://toyota.com/avalon/index.html

lol! Funny you mention that. Currently, My daily driver is a Dodge Ram regular cab. Not exactly a buyer agent friendly vehicle. I think when I start making some decent money, I'll look into getting either a Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, or Chrysler 300C.

The new Avalon is gorgeous! I was beginning to wonder if Toyota was ever going to change the body style. I traded in a Toyota for my current car.

I drive a Nissan Maxima and I love it. It's sporty, hauls butt and looks great. Plus, it's nice to know that I can deposit my commission checks without knowing that a huge chunk was going to be going toward its monthly payment.

The day I buy a car to impress anyone, is the day that I realize that I'm in the wrong career if I have to change anything for them.

At the end of the day, nobody remembers what you drove. They remember your character.

jflynn..you have said some stuff in here that makes me wonder...but saying the car you drive affects your sales has to take the cake...some of the richest people in the world drive a normal car and would rather do business with people that don't need to flaunt it. I know plenty of very rich people that drive trucks, fords, etc and don't act like the people you do business with. I would never want to do business with people that look down at others. There are plenty of rich people to do business with that care about humans. The people with the nice cars usually are the poorest people out there.

I and others in my office have seen luxury buyers comment negatively on agent's cars. Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. It's simple psychology at work here: buyers want an agent who they deem to be like them to a certain extent, and at the luxury end they want an agent who shares their tastes for the "finer things" in life.

A nice car also demonstrates a certain level of success. Is it shallow for peopel to think that way? Perhaps, but it's just the way it is.

There's nothing wrong with an Avalon, it's a fantastic car. But if you're selling penthouses it's the wrong car. Maybe it will only cost you 1 sale out of 50. But I want that 50th sale, not to mention I happen to enjoy driving luxury cars in the first place so it's not like I'm going out to buy something I wouldn't already have.

Appearances count. If you don't want to maintain appropriate appearances or you cannot afford it that's your choice and you can still succeed, but having the wrong car most definitely can handicap you to an extent.

In the very beginning I had a little Dodge Neon. Still have it, but don't use it for work anymore. I now drive a Ford F 150 Lariat Supercrew. Plenty of room for everyone to ride in. Moon roof, the whole nine yards. And I've had plenty of comments about how nice it is, and roomy. Wouldn't change a thing, except maybe the monthly payment each month.

i just spent 2 hours in the back of an M5 and its quite spacious.

I just pickep up a 2002 Lexus ES300. It was about 27K with 24K miles. It rides like a dream and although I can't say it has helped my business, it does give me a good conversation piece that buyers and sellers can relate to. I just had an offer accepted on a $530K condo (I broght the buyer) and most of the time we talked about cars. So did I make the sasle because i drive my Lexus now instead of the '99 Coroall I traded in? I can't say, but I definitely think it projects an air of success.

And the one thing i will say about not understanding a clients needs is this: Most buyers are not THAT judgemental. Yes, there are absolutely people who will only deal with someone who drives what they drive themselves. So be it. If I lose a couple of those people, well it's just the way the cookie crumbles. I think a salesperson just needs to be in the ballpark. If your buyers drive American cars then you should. If your buyers generally drive a luxury car, then you should (and that's a big range of cars as JFlynn points out above). But driving a Lexus is fine if your buyer brives a Bentley. And driving an X3 is probably fine if your buyer drives a Jeep Cherokee Laredo. I think you'd only see issues if your choice of vehicle somehow offends your client or if it says "I'm not successful in my business."

But to take JFlynn's point to the real world: I don't know if my Lexus helped, but I do think the Corolla would in fact have hurt the situation. But I'm in Miami where everything is image. It sucks, but it's reality.

Hey! Would a Nissan Titan classify as a decent vehicle?

BTW. I drive a beat upped 93 Thunderbird.

But we won't buy a car in a few months. So after reading this post, I'm thinking of renting a car in the meantime.

All you need is a clean, working auto. You are not selling cars. At the end of the day buyers and sellers only care about what you can do for them.

You have to be a confident, listen, know your business.

The only reason I went from my Neon to my Ford supercrew is for room. Granted, it's a much nicer vehicle, but in a little compact car, there is absolutely no room for anyone to sit comfortably. And you really need is a clean, working vehicle, like ILBrokerX6170 said.

well, here's an update we bought a lexus rx330 i hope it helps, lol. better than my dodge mini van with the bumber falling off. lol

I really hope that I will be able to have a nice by the time I start in business. I think it would help having a nice car in some cases, but driving a nice car isn't everything.

You won't be disappointed with a Lexus. I just recently got an LS430 and it's amazing. The car is errily smooth and quiet at speed, more so than any other car in the world, and believe me I've driven just about everything.

It might not be a big deal in your market, but my niche is oftentimes very image-driven and having an appropriate car is a factor. It's not so much a factor of how much the car cost, but rather if it demonstrates to yoru prospective clients that you share their tastes and sensibilities.

I think this car will do nicely for me.

http://www.chrysler.com/sebring_convertible/features/exterior_photos/index.html

Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab. I would like an Expedition though.

Just curious, how about an F350 supercab power stroke diesel? Would I be looked down if I drove up in at the clients house driving this?

I personally love that truck. I don't know how anyone else would feel about it though.

Regardless of the car make and model make sure it is clean inside and out (fee of clutter) if you intend to take buyers out in it.

A fresh coat of paint, clean interior and exterior and being fully operable does wonders for any car.

Selling penthouses, probably. Selling rural homes, probably no.

Think about your best clients. Ideally you'd have a vehicle that would let them know "this agnet is a lot like me and successful enough to do the job right."

What you drive has very little to do with the caliber of clients you work with. As long as your car is clean and runs well that is the only thing you should be worrying about. Obviously some of the people Jason deals with are snobs and are the exception and not the rule.

Oh my, you do have a lot to learn. I have never had a complaint about the truck. About thirty percent of my sales are high End Condo's in the Buckhead/North Atlanta area (1 mil plus). Never had a complaint about my truck. Matter of fact, an Exec VP of Coca Cola is one of my repeat clients. He has ridden in it about three times. I am sure if this was an issue to him, he would not have made it past once in it. As long as what you have is kept in goo runnng order, I do not see it has being an issue at all.

As an agent, you are asking a client to put their trust in you to help them sell or buy their biggest investment.

Your appearance is everything, as they are wanting to deal with someone who is successful. Your car, your dress attire, and everything else about you will be judged by your clients.

The "appropriate" image is necessary. Too old of a car, or a newer car that is not in good running order will give a negative perception of you.

There is nothing wrong with an older car, as long as it is looking great (by older I say 5-7 yrs). There is nothing wrong with an expensive car as well, expecially if you are working with higher end homes, it becomes a necessity.

Would you rather not do business with the few people who judge you by the car you drive and the clothes you wear?

I wouldn't call any of my clients snobs but they have commented that I am more professional and also they feel I am better equipped to handle the "caliber" of properties they are working with. Is it my manners, my education, my handshake, my clothes, my car, the people I know, the restaurants and shops I recommend? Is it just my knowledge of the market? I suspect it is all of those things, a gestalt if you will.

I'm getitng tired of repeating myself, but like I said before the car thing will probably only apply to maybe 1 out of 50 deals. But damnit, I don't want to lose 1 out of 50 deals - I want them all. I like money, and I especially like winning. And I hate losinig, and I'm not going to let something stupid like a car cause me to lose even if it's only 1 out of 50 deals. I come to the game equipped to compete, and I'll have you know I'm doing very well here in my first year.

Anyhow I'm in Dallas and it's often seen by outsiders as a fairly superficial town, similar to LA. In fact here in Dallas we do more plastic surgery than anywhere in the country on a per-capita basis, or so I am told by some doctor clients. Clearly appearances are important. If I happened to want to drive a truck instead of my car (I do not) then I would have to decide if it was worth alienating a few clients. Luckily I happen to like nice cars and clothes anyway so it's not an issue.

Look, we're not living in a utopia. Some clients will care about your religion, race, sexual orientation, clothes, car, etc. Candycoat humanity all you want, but I'm not afraid to call a spade a spade.

Not to your face at least. Who would be that rude?

I've heard clients say things like "we were looking at luxury properties and the (previous) agent drove up in an Accord, we're not sure he shares our tastes."

Maybe the truck only costs you 1 out of 50 or 100 or even 500 deals. I'm sure you don't need the extra money.

I have a lot to learn? I've been trained and working in psychometrics (psychological profiling and testing) for years. I doubt you know more than me about cognition and perception, but it's certianly possible.

I believe that a clean, well maintained full size car does project a good image which is really the bottom line. Contrary to some other comments, I work in the REO market which is usually the low end market. I drive a LEXUS 430LS because it is comfortable for my 6' 4" frame. I believe it also leaves clients with the correct preception that I'm a busy and successful REALTOR. That doesn't hurt!

No, they do not say it to my face; however, I really would not mind if they did, as I am a very direct person and respect that characteristics in others. I say what is on my mind at any given time. I like to think that is all of my clients return to me time after time(more so than the car I drive). If I go into a two million dollar home I have no problem telling someone that, although they may like certain colors, there is no way in hell this house will sell for what it's potential is. Even with my Ford Pick in their driveway.

You see, I show up looking professional, sounding professional and confident, presenting a complete package there has never been a time when I have been turned down becuase of the car I drove (and for the last five years has been one of several F350's I have owned). There has been many instances where I have shown up with varying degrees of dirt on the truck. You see, aside from being a sucessful Realtor, I am also a builder of luxury homes (5,000 sqft plus) in the area. Even if I owned a Mercedes (which my wife does), would it be practical to drive it? I think my clients more than understands me showing up in a truck. Truth be told, proably one that cost more than many of your luxury cars that some other realtors drive.

I just do not see where, logically speaking, the car will reflect on the agents ability. If the car is well kept, clean, the agent's appearance and demeanor is professional, that should serve the agent fine. I am not saying one should not drive fine cars, or wear Armani suits, but none of this is a requirement to succeed.

But having said all of this, people will do what they are comfortable with. But at the end of the day, the realtor with the ability will, and the realtor without the ability won't. Car or no car.

Hello,
a nice car and a styled appearance might help in first contacts.
But no more.
On the long run being honest to both sellers and buyers is worth far more. A solid reputation cannot be earned by a nice car.
Am dealing with international investment properties only and never felt less welcome when parking my 10 year old Chevy APV beside the customer's Mercedes

Sincerely
Helmut P. Fleischhauer

Exactly

I somewhat agree that it could make a difference with certain clients but they are a very small minority. Well at least I know that if I ever do business with JFlynn, I will be picking him up in my Spider!!

[QUOTE] "I've heard clients say things like "we were looking at luxury properties and the (previous) agent drove up in an Accord, we're not sure he shares our tastes."

First of all, I don't have to share their tastes to sell them property.
I am so glad that I don't have the perception of a rich buyer as JFlynn does.
There are "rich people", and then there are the very rich. The very rich know they don't have to impress anybody. They are just as likely to show up in a pair of sweatpants and drive an old car. (Think of Howard Hughes and Sam Walton), and most likely can be very eccentric.
I have learned from many years in this business not to judge a book by its cover. I treat each and every potential buyer alike, because you just never know. I have met many people with loads of money that never show it.
I also have known a few agents that drive big cars that have gone bankrupt.
AND I have worked with more than a few customers that drove fancy cars and wore designer clothes, looked at high-end property--and can't borrow a nickel.
I drive a five-year old, clean, good running Accord.
Nobody cares.

You're fooling yourself if you think nobody cares. And missing out on a sale or two here and there.

No, I never fool myself, jflynn. If I have missed out on a sale or two because of the type of car I drive, so be it. But after fifteen years in this business, I know that good years come and go. I have seen the bottom fall out of real estate almost overnight. I am having a terrific year--but if the bad times come again, my cars are paid for. I won't have to worry about making the payments. I paid cash for them and will pay cash for the next one. If you are having a good year, I congratulate you on a job well done, but don't rest on your laurels. This work seems to be feast or famine, and new agents need to be aware of this and prepare for leaner times when they hit, which they usually do at some point. When that happens, I try to have enough ahead to ride it out. I don't want the new agents on this forum to think it is necessary to have a big fancy car to sell real estate, it is not.

I was wondering, what about commercial realtors? I have noticed that one guy up here likes to lease volvos. Ofcourse suits are mandatory, but would commercial clients have the same (mostly-rare) taste as the residential luxury niche.

For example I know many stockbrokers who drive hondas and fords, although they are not "in the field" as much.

Ky, that was an excellent point... When I was considering real estate, my only drawback was the "car" issue. Although my car was fairly new, it was a nissan sentra GXE. It was clean, nice looking, but dull compared to the mercedes and bmws, etc I imagined all realtors drove. I hesitated thinking the car was the make you break you image you needed.... so your point about new agents knowing that going into extreme debt when they're first starting out is a point far too overlooked. Thank you, I wish I would have been advised the same...

I sell commercial real estate also. Most of the time I meet those buyers at the site. They very rarely see what kind of car i am in, and frankly they are too busy to care.
There may be a reason why stockbrokers drive fords. They know about investments. A car is not an investment.

I never said or implied a fancy car is necessary, in fact there are probably a million ways to increase your business that are better and cheaper. The $25K difference between a Honda and a Lexus would be a lot better spent on marketing than on upgrading to the Lexus.

All I said was that the car does matter, if only a little.

I deffinetly agree ky, I was just going to add my father (also a realtor) use too travel down to Texas where his family is, and buy newer used-mercedes,bmw,jaquar etc.. cheap and re-sell them up here for twice his cost.

So.. I beleive a person should buy used when they must, especially with expensive models and in the right market.

But also,.. one day I would like to have enough in reserve to drive a jag off of the lot.

Your father is a smart man; in that case, a car is a good investment.
And you will have that jag--but get a used one!

A majority of commercial agents I know drive trucks. It just makes life easier especially if you ever have to put up your own sign for a commercial property they are usually 4x8. You rarely cart around clients.

Most commercial clients don't care if you drive a pinto, as long as you find them the deal or move their propety. It is more of a business mentality, getting the job done is the deciding factor. Decisions are not based on liking the finer things.

It's pretty common sense that this will be one of those "It Depends" items.

I don't think anyone just starting out would transition to Luxury homes too quickly.

One aspect where I feel it's important to invest is clothes. I spent $2300 (got everything on sale for $700 off) this past Friday for some businsess clothes.

My new Honda will be fine for typical residential sales in central Florida until I gain enough sales experience to get involved in Luxury homes.

At that point I would feel my Honda would be a negative and I'd lease a luxury car.

The luxury car would probably get you that 1 out of 50 deals that you otherwise would not have received. What about the rich people that look down on people driving luxury cars? I personally know a few that are like that. You would probably lose 1 out of 50 deals because of that also. In the end, you're probably better off driving a clean average car.

hi, i am new here and have been debating this car issue for quite some time.

i guess we can all agree that maybe an old beater that is rusted and old should be replaced by an 'average' car. i was thinking about a used 2002 nissan altima. hows that sound? i currently drive a 1989 rust bucket dodge. lol

mainly because i wanted to drive a car for once without a car payment. =)

Hmm- I cannot really see a well off person or couple spending say 1 million+ on property looking down on driving a luxury vehicle.

I suppose it happens though. I happened to see an interesting topic for the Oprah show and watched it.

It was about regular women and how they became wealthy.

The interesting part was that across the board all the women lived within a moderate budget.

Some even still clipped coupons out.

Most drove very old, but functioning cars.

Regardles, unless one spends a lot of time in the upper end of the market, a luxury car is just that- a luxury.

A further question would be whether having an older luxury car could hinder you as much as having a new non luxury brand.

Also, one no longer needs to be well off in order to drive a luxury car with leasing.

Really, we are talking about an aspect of the package one delivers to customers.

If a person is not articulate, does not dress well and doesn't run in the same social circle getting a BMW won't help you overcome those issues.

I think if the 2002 Altima is very clean (and of course mechanically sound) then go for it.

The original question in the thread is "Will a new car help get you more sales?"

It may if it makes you feel more confident about yourself and you project that confidence whether well founded or not. IMO.

Tiger Woods thinks my 2005 Buick LaCrosse is pretty nice.

HEY,
I was just looking for a reason to buy a new car.
thank you for posting.

BROKERLOUIE, everyone is giving the "employee discount" right now. It's a good time to buy!