Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home offers homebuyers fashion home runs and strikeouts when shopping for a home. It might not be obvious that what you wear when house hunting can impact what you pay for a home. Years of showing homes and introducing prospective buyers to home sellers, the way buyers project themselves fashion-wise makes a big impression. First impressions by real estate agents and home sellers are all they have when assessing potential buyers. If you appear well-groomed, under-stated and wear home price-range-appropriate clothes you could pay less than the tattooed, big-hair, over-jeweled and torn-blue jean buyer your in competition with in multiple-offers for the same home. Buying a home is a business transaction, think business wear when shopping for a home. Women -Pants are fine, but make sure theyre not low riders. -Ditch the tee shirts, tank and tube tops. House hunting is not a vacation. -Skirts are great. Minis send the wrong message. -Wear comfortable but presentable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, climbing up stairs and in and out of transportation. -Forget high-heels. Spiked heels on shoes can easily dent bamboo and other softer wood floors. Plus if you got into the yard to take a look at the roof you might end up aerating the lawn. -Leave the animal prints for when youre out to a nightclub. Busy or fussy fashion looks can be distracting and not on everyones top ten fashion list. -Simple jewelry and limited amounts accent your business perspective. Omit the bling otherwise you might end up paying more for a home, because the sellers think you can afford it. -Simplify make-up, hair and manicure styles to appeal to the majority of people. Youre not going to get a better deal because the sellers love your fabulous acrylic nails. -No fur coats, ever. Its a political and extravagant statement that could cost you a home or an additional $10,000. -No low cut or revealing looks. Very rarely do homebuyers get a discount for sex. Men -Verify shoe soles arent caked with mud before you enter any open house. Many a homebuyer never made it to the kitchen after walking across freshly cleaned carpet with dirty shoes. -No jogging, gym-wear, bike shorts or swimsuits. Unless, youre testing the workout facilities in a condominium building on your second visit. -Business-casual pants are best, but if you must wear jeans, make sure theyre clean and not ripped. -Open collar shirts work fine, but realty agents and home sellers dont need to see your buffed or not so buffed chest or four gold chains. -Think twice about sporting more than one earring. If we were all the same life would be boring. -Omit muscle and tee shirts and no underwear elastic waistbands displayed please. You might turn Ms. home seller on, but Mr. home seller might not appreciate it. -Limit tattoo exposure, theyre the rage, but not for everyone. Ditto the ladies on this one. -Wear simple patterned shirts with matching plain pants. Remember that red denotes power. -Dont over-dress to impress. Leave the cuff links and French cuffed shirts at home. Both -Coffee go-cups arent a fashion accessory. Coffee is easily spilled on carpets when walking up stairs or opening closets and cabinets when touring properties. -Baseball caps are for bad hair days. Plus they send the wrong negotiating message when purchasing the largest asset youll own. -Wet umbrellas should be parked outside the front door, not on hardwood floors or entry tables and chairs. -Wear slip on shoes when touring open houses. You might be asked to remove your shoes out of cultural respect to the owner, inclement weather or newly installed floor coverings. -If you dont want to take off your shoes buy and carry blue disposable surgical booties-or ask your agent for a pair. -You must wear socks or stockings. No sandals, period. If you are asked to remove your shoes, owners dont necessarily want your bare feet on their floors. -Cell phones. If you need to make or receive a call go to a place where you wont disturb others at the open house. Never negotiate a home purchase contract on a different property contract while your viewing a home. -Carry bicycle and motorcycle helmets with you. Ask before your park them on any surface. -Shorts are okay if they are close to knee length. No torn or overly tight styles. -Dress for the season. Dont wear shorts in snow or black wool in August, even if it is your best house-hunting outfit. -Remove your sunglasses when inside buildings. People expect some eye contact. -Go easy on the perfume. Many people have allergies to it today and they could be the owners of the house you fell in love with. -Put cigarettes, cigars and pipes out of view. Theyre not exactly a popular fashion or political statement in 2006. Children -Tops, pants, shoes and socks required. -Diapers are not fashion. |
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