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Peter Testa, PETER TESTA (Nationwide Homes)

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Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

clients DO notice....and they DO judge.... I had one seller say he looked out the window when I drove up to see what I was driving.... it was a better vehicle than he had, so he didn't say a word about it....

I drive one vehicle for work and play....and the playing is just fine in my 2017 BMW 430xi hardtop convertible....

Aug 15, 2017 06:23 AM
Ambassador
5,256,941
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

As Barbara Todaro said, they do judge and yes, they notice. I believe that cleanliness is just as important though.

I drive a BMW Gran Turismo and being tall, I try on cars based on leg room - and this one has it!

Aug 15, 2017 07:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,115,252
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I'm not a born New Yorker, but a bred New Yorker... never gave much of a hoot about cars... we walked, we took subways and buses. For me a car is pretty much a commodity to get me from place a to place b. When we lived in Paris and my husband and I each had a car and driver, I refused to use the Rolls because for me it was just too prententious.

 

I've driven a Honda Accord Sedan for years and years... it handles well, has the power I want, and comfortably seats 4 adults, including in the back seat, and is reliable. That's all I want. I don't believe any client has ever judged me positively of negatively because of the car I drive. In fact, most clients compliment me on the car and the ride and I think they don't care much as long as it's clean and comfortable.

Aug 15, 2017 06:39 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

I think it depends on the clients.  Some will look at me from top to bottom and judge how successful I am from what I wear and drive, some couldn't care less as long as I helped them.

This is a perfect example, I admit even when I first saw Susan Boyles I thought this is going to be a terrible audition.  We are all guilty of judging a book by its cover.

Aug 15, 2017 01:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,506,613
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Absolutely!  Our rule of thumb here is you NEVER park in front of the client's house, always park a few houses down.  I've heard sellers make decisions based on the car "Oh you drive a rolls royce, you must charge too much" or "Ewww you drive a prius!  Hippie!!"  (it was a friend of ours who got the prius remark back when they were new and not accepted socially).

Aug 15, 2017 09:36 AM
Ambassador
2,189,397
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

The car you drive, like the way you dress, is important in that you are sending a message to prospects and clients. There is no right or wrong, good, better or best.    It all depends on your market and the message you want to convey. It depends on YOU and the prospects you're trying to attract.    Regardless of your market, though, the vehicle should always be neat, clean and well maintained.  

Aug 15, 2017 08:14 AM
Ambassador
6,422,434
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I am all about function, I drive a prius and a sienna.

Aug 15, 2017 06:58 AM
Rainer
55,673
Joe D'Agostino
NMLS# 729950 - Manahawkin, NJ
Mortgage Officer 46 years!

I only know that a "High End" car,like MB,BMW,LEXUS can make or break you. In my time  I have driven MB,Jaguar and now a BMW. My clients re-act in most positive ways. Some will say "You must be doing real good." I say, well would you want someone to do your mortgage who is real bad? I always joke with them and tell them I drive this car,because my loans get approved, not rejected. It usually presents no real problem. I guess the sad part is people comment at all. Of course, the old saying "You have to look successful, to be successful" applies to our industry. One thing I would say. No matter what you drive is to keep you car clean,polished and looking new. That is also a reflection on you.

 

Aug 15, 2017 10:06 AM
Rainer
35,794
Gary 'Banana' Houghtaling
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Real Estate Agent

I drive what I like and that is a Ford Truck.  If anybody wants to 'judge' me have at it.  

Aug 15, 2017 08:13 AM
Rainmaker
599,734
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I'm sure some people judge everything and may even refuse to work with me because of what I drive or how I dress. That's their business, not mine.

Aug 15, 2017 07:21 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,593
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Everyone is a judge Peter.  

Aug 15, 2017 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
2,221,950
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. 2016 Mercedes Benz

Aug 15, 2017 06:53 AM
Ambassador
2,684,769
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  They would judge you if your car is banged up, or  dirty inside or dirty outside.

 I have a Mercedes 380SEC, a Lexus SUV, and a 2-door Honda Civic.

Aug 15, 2017 06:43 AM
Rainmaker
2,785,156
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Mazda Miata and a Honda crv does it for us....yes, clients judge everything

Aug 15, 2017 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,242,104
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

That depends. I have not driven cars taking clients for sometime.  People prefer to drive and meet in front of the house. In Silicon Valley people do not dress and drive for success. Zukerburg drives a VW GOLF. Many CEO drives Hybrid cars.  

Like homes cleaniness is the key. 

Aug 15, 2017 10:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,847,471
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

My car is starting to be a clunker & it just showed signs of rust coming out of this winter. I am getting paranoid that people might think I drive a junker but I HATE buying cars. I'd rather drive till the tires fall off than go to a dealer!

Aug 15, 2017 10:26 AM
Rainmaker
913,818
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

buick 69Many people judge by appearances. Sometimes they're right, and sometimes they're wrong. Car should be clean and dependable whether it's a 69 Buick or 2017 SUV

Aug 15, 2017 10:16 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Yes they do judge your car...

What is most important is how you look, dress and talk.

Eve

Aug 15, 2017 08:21 AM
Ambassador
3,350,309
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

People will always judge.  

People do notice if it matters to them. 

Aug 15, 2017 08:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,876
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I don't like things that depreciate so I buy once every ten years.

Aug 15, 2017 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
5,244,145
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

I have an Acura TLX and love it. Reliable and great gas mileage! If people do not like it, next!

Aug 15, 2017 06:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,554,237
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I buy for my taste and need. I happen to enjoy Lexus, so it works out that it's an impressive enough car; but if I decide to buy a 4 seater pickup truck, I would. Times are different in CA now vs. the 1990's. I put way more people in my cars earlier in my career; I'm much more a listing agent these days and I tend to show less homes per tour, so I tend to meet people rather than pick them up. However, my relo-biz sees me picking up some of my wealthy clients from the airport in the AM and dropping them that same evening-many fly in for the day and tour homes then leave...not bad!

Aug 15, 2017 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
7,869,279
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have driven many different luxury cars during my real estate career.

A Honda Accord is ideal for real estate agents. 

Aug 15, 2017 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I drive a Lexus SUV.  I think the uninformed public may think we make a lot of money and perhaps even get company cars.

Aug 15, 2017 06:32 AM
Rainer
357,707
Ben DeHaven
Haven Realty & Investments - Lakeland, FL
Proudly serving Winter Haven & Lakeland, Florida

I have 189,000 miles on my 2007 Mercedes C230. I like it because it's nice but not shouty nice. I'll probably start looking at something new when I get to 200,000 miles.

Aug 15, 2017 11:58 AM
Ambassador
3,590,091
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

I'll answer the judging thing first! No the folks I know do not. But I do know many circles where all this 'stuff' is very important and they all one up each other quite often. I drive a lincoln.

Aug 15, 2017 11:16 AM
Rainmaker
716,452
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I believe clients do notice.  If you are driving a junker, they don't consider you a success and may judge you (rightly or wrongly) unable to represent them well in their real estate transaction.  I drive a Mercedes GLE.

Aug 15, 2017 10:19 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,308
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I do not and I drive a 10 year old caravan and it does me jsut fine.

Aug 15, 2017 10:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,728,556
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Me; an Acura TL and Sandy BMW 550i

As long as the car is clean in and out it seems to work with all our clients. Any client who would judge us by the make of car we drive is too shallow and judgmental for us to want to work with.

Aug 15, 2017 08:16 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,742
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Clients rarely ride with me anymore . Some sellers do take notice when you pull up tho .......

Aug 15, 2017 07:23 AM
Rainmaker
4,964,651
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I drive a Lincoln MKS,  I think some people judge how good we are by the car that we drive.

 

Aug 18, 2017 07:36 AM
Rainmaker
5,878,935
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I drove a luxury vehicle before going into real estate, and still drive a Lexus.   Many clients do judge us by what we drive, especially our luxury buyers.

Aug 17, 2017 06:51 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,132
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't think it makes a difference as long as it's clean and in good shape.  I drive a Tesla that has gotten many interesting reactions.

Aug 16, 2017 05:52 AM
Rainmaker
853,602
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I drive a Volvo XC60, my husband has a Yukon.  Had a client start down the

'car judgement route' recently with "Wow! What does your husband do?" when I showed up in his car one day (client had seen mine 1000x already). 

I find the whole judging of what car choices we make, how we spend our money etc very offensive.  

My response to his question?  "We both work VERY hard".  

Aug 16, 2017 04:52 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

We've never been ones for luxury vehicles.  Currently a Chevrolet Equinox...

Aug 16, 2017 03:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,625,053
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I drive red Prius and red scooter. My clients seems to be ok with that. And I do not drive clients in my car anymore. 

Aug 15, 2017 11:39 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,773
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Peter Testa - I like PRIUS PRIME EV! The best mileage perhaps for the price!

Aug 15, 2017 10:21 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,013
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I do think clients notice though they may not judge unless the agent is driving a heap of junk or a banged up, dirty car.

Aug 15, 2017 08:21 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

People judge.  Of course they judge.  The question is do you care and/or are you attracting clients that you would want to work with.  We don't choose our cars based on our profession and wanting to impress.  We choose on practicality, reliability and cost.  We currently have a Jeep Cherokee, a Ford Expedition and a Honda Pilot.  The Jeep is the most used for business, the Expedition the second most and the Honda only occasionally for business purposes - mostly it's filthy with kid car seats and kid junk.  My mom has a Mercedes and on a few occasions when I have had to borrow it for showings, I felt extremely uncomfortable driving it and meeting clients in it.  Not for me. -Kasey

Aug 15, 2017 07:16 PM
Rainmaker
991,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I do not - I'm not into appearances or showing off. If my clients don't like what I drive, no problem they can go else where and not get as good of service as they would have with me.

Aug 15, 2017 04:04 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Most clients judge Realtors on what they say, not on what they drive.

Aug 15, 2017 03:48 PM
Rainmaker
4,180,291
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Peter Testa It depends on the client. A few years ago, I got a new car, and it did not have any impact on my business.

Aug 15, 2017 03:06 PM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

yes   lexus 4 door.  Love it.

Aug 15, 2017 08:03 AM