June 2011
8
Dress for Success
Buy photo: RL_060911_Z.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buy photo: RL_060811_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Wait, where are we? Denny’s? Not exactly. Paula Bacon of Reliant Title and Rod Morgan of Landmark Properties get a taste of the free appetizers at the Second Real Estate Happy Hour hosted by Roundup Events.
Buy photo: RL_052111_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Create Your Market Identity Register today for Sente’s
July Power Lunch
Thursday, July 14th 12 Noon – 1PM
Create Your Market Identity You have a market identity – something that makes you stand out. The question is, who is creating it: You or the people who are talking about you? In this session, define who you are and how to use this identity to your market advantage.
For more information on any of our Power Sessions and to register visit:
www.SenteMortgage.com
BUSINESS JOU RN AL
A
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
An upbeat mental attitude is contagious and, unless taken to an extreme, creates a very positive first impression. Another good way to build trust and rapport is to match a prospect’s energy level by “subtly” matching their rate of speech and tone of voice.
Whew, in this hot weather, life needs to be a beach. Texas American Title hosts a joint “Life’s a Beach” Open House for industry professionals with hot dogs, sausage wraps, spiked watermelon, ice cream, drinks and a margarita machine.
TIN
austin
Front Page: Continued
A big congratulations goes to Buffington Homes for taking home the Grand MAX Award at the HBA’s awards gala. James Dorney, Chris Dodd, Dow Wright and Jeff Gilpatrick show off their many other awards including Best Product Design $125,001 to $150,000 and Best Interior Merchandising $125,001 to $150,000.
US
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
Click on Real Estate Power Lunches at the bottom of our homepage or call 512-637-9900
Especially now that it is getting warmer, it may be tempting to dress down, but going too casual can send the wrong message. Tex Meazell of Keller Williams Austin says his idea of Austin casual is “nice jeans and a nice shirt but not always tucked in. It is understated and still professional. I think a coat and tie here is impractical.” Professionals should always dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, is the meeting taking place during the day at the client’s home or at an upscale restaurant for an evening dinner and cocktails? “Business casual” is generally a safe bet for a typical first encounter with a new client if meeting during the day. According to an employment counseling office of an American university, as stated in Wikipedia, business casual dress is a middle ground between business formal wear and casual wear. For women, acceptable business casual attire is defined by Wikipedia as a reasonable length skirt (not mini-skirt) or full-length pants of a non-jeans material combined with a top (such as a dress shirt or polo). An informal dress with appropriate skirt length is also acceptable. For men, a combination of collared shirt, cotton pants (such as khakis or blue, green, brown, or black pants) with a belt, and modest shoes (such as loafers) with socks is acceptable. If meeting a client for the first time at an evening event, a more formal type of dress is generally appropriate. Of course being in Austin does dictate some choices. Men can opt for a casual suit, or well-pressed pants and a crisp button-down shirt and tie, while women should choose a knee-length dress or trousers with a silky, free-flowing blouse. Combine the outfit with seasonably appropriate high heels, dressy sandals or flats, but keep the flashiness to a minimum.
Drive for Success A REALTOR’s car has to be comfortable, clean and reliable for them and their clients. But do REALTORS who drive a luxury car get more respect than if they drove a “nontrophy” car? The simple answer is it depends. If working with a client looking to buy or sell a million dollar home, they are more than likely to relate more with someone whom they feel can understand their needs. Driving a luxury car is more likely to convey this image. But, all-in-all, don’t worry too much if your car is not up to that price range. Seller Diana Stolle says a “fairly nice” vehicle is acceptable – as long as it has good air conditioning of course. “It does not have to be the latest and greatest, but it should be nice and well kept.”
Exude Self-Confidence What if a REALTOR does everything else right, but displays a low level of confidence? Research indicates that confidence level has is a powerful symbol that affects job success. Even the first impression of a handshake can change the course of a relationship. Communication experts say they can tell when someone is
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
conceited, afraid, nervous, weak or strong just based on their handshake. So don’t come across as wimpy or aggressive. Michigan broker Bob Deal put it best when he said, “We constantly are reminded we are dealing with the biggest asset most people have, so we need to ask ourselves – do we display the image level of confidence and trust that we want and our clients expect?” But there are always those who break the norm. Some drive expensive cars but aren’t on the top producers list, while a $56 million producer never wears anything but shorts, T-shirts and sandals. So just like any advice, sift through it and embrace what works for you and head into the summer heat with confidence… and sandals if you dare. RL
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb Contributing Writers: Stacy Stroud, Linda McNabb, Naomi Bludworth Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Linda McNabb Columnists: Judith Bundschuh, Hank Smith, Sherri Teepen, Victoria Reviel, Bill Bradshaw, Vaike O’Grady Submission Guidelines: Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@myrealtyline.com. All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name and company affiliation. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Non-advertisers submitting calendar items will be charged $25 per submission. All submissions must be received at least seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www. myrealtyline.com/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows. Realty Line Austin is published monthly by Caxton Publications, Inc.© as a non-subscription publication for the more than 8,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS®(ABoR), the more than 1,100 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. Realty Line Austin is a proud member of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® and is a honorary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. Realty Line Austin is not responsible for opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any by-products in advertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark. The word REALTOR® sometimes appears in this publication without the registered trademark symbol (®) for the purpose of saving space. Wherever the word REALTOR® appears in this publication, the registered trademark should be assumed.