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William Feela, Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No. (WHISPERING PINES REALTY)

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, absolutely not!

I would have totally guessed wrong on both ends if I made a judgement call before talking to numerous clients and seeing their pre-approvals.

Oct 07, 2018 06:02 PM
Rainmaker
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Loan pre-approval,  proof of funds--good starting points.

Oct 07, 2018 06:23 PM
Ambassador
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Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

the way someone looks, or dresses, don't have any bearing on whether they can afford a home or not.

Oct 07, 2018 06:17 PM
Rainmaker
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Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I don't judge. In fact, in my 1st year in business I was working floor time & a dishevelled man came in the door inquiring about purchasing a Mobile Home. He was a mess- dirty pants, long unwashed hair & I'll admit I did think to myself "Oh great" but I took him out looking at a few MH's & after that he told me he had a property he needed to sell. It turned out he was having health problems & was divorcing late in life. He had a pretty expensive property to sell. I sold his home for more than 10 X the price of the property he asked to see. 

Oct 07, 2018 08:13 PM
Rainer
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Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Everyone alike.  There's a saying do not judge a book by its cover.

Oct 07, 2018 05:46 PM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I make no presumptions and always treat everyone the same way. The only way to know what someone can afford is via their pre-approval letter or POF.

Oct 07, 2018 08:51 PM
Rainmaker
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Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

You never know. 

The way they dress does not mean anything. 

Oct 08, 2018 06:05 AM
Rainmaker
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Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Only a preapproval and / or a proof of funds will limit their scope. I have no concern with appearance.  I have learned through the years that it measures nothing.

Oct 07, 2018 05:52 PM
Rainmaker
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Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

:) Treat everyone with respect. No matter how they are dressed

Oct 08, 2018 05:19 AM
Rainmaker
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James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I treat everyone alike.  This reminds me of Sam Walton, if you didn't know him, the way he dressed did not disclose what he could afford, which was anything he wanted.  

Oct 08, 2018 03:19 AM
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    I know a guy who dresses "classic redneck".  He can write a check for any piece of property he wants.   I know another guy who wears tailored suits and looks like a million bucks.  He once asked me to loan him rent money.

Oct 07, 2018 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
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Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

My market in Phoenix Scottsdale is very relaxed because of the nature of Arizona. So making such a judgement would be a big mistake 

Oct 07, 2018 10:16 PM
Rainmaker
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Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Absolutely NOT, I had a scruffy young kid come into my office years ago and turned out he was a Hedge Fund Manager and paid cash for a $1.3 million home....  my first lease ever in Boston, the guy walked into the office patched Jacket scuffed shoes and there was a Fund that had his name on it.... so NOT at all... as my father said every Dollar is a Dollar, Endre

Oct 07, 2018 09:34 PM
Rainmaker
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Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I treat every client like they are my most important client because they are!

Oct 07, 2018 09:01 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Best to let a few lenders decide this.

Oct 07, 2018 07:15 PM
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Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

It does not matter how they dress.  If an agent is bringing a buyer, I would hope they have prequalified the person.  As well, I won't take people out until I know they have a lender who has confirmed they have credit worthiness.

Oct 07, 2018 06:40 PM
Rainmaker
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Nope. As a Christian I can tell you it's one of those biblical lessons most of us learn early. There are several examples in there of judging by appearance.

Oct 08, 2018 06:13 AM
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Jon K. Judd
Keller Williams Realty - Central Delaware - Dover, DE
GRI, e-PRO, SFR, Delaware Homes

Everyone gets treated the same...

Oct 07, 2018 07:59 PM
Rainmaker
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Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

What Alan May and Kevin J. May and Debe Maxwell, CRS said. -Kasey

Oct 07, 2018 06:50 PM
Rainmaker
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Treat everybody the same. Have them talk with a trusted local mortgage loan officer.

Oct 07, 2018 06:15 PM
Rainmaker
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Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Everyone gets the same treatment. 

Oct 08, 2018 05:53 AM
Rainmaker
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Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

If you don't treat people equally how can you be in complaince with fair housing laws.  We don't provide different level of service.

Oct 08, 2018 05:24 AM
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Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Are you certain you want to ask this question.  Treat everyone alike.  Certainly. 

Oct 07, 2018 07:18 PM
Rainmaker
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Absolutely NOT. Here in L.A. everyone is wearing jeans with holes, tshorts and sneakers or flip-flops. If they are dressed up, it is clear they are likely not locals. 

Oct 07, 2018 09:57 PM
Rainmaker
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Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

I biggest client almost looks homeless. He just doesn't care and will never put on a suit again. On Maui you just never know who your dealing with so dress is out the window. Then again there are the high rollers not hard to guess.

Oct 08, 2018 12:36 PM
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Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

The only way to know if someone can afford a home is by seeing a pre-approval or proof of funds. There is no way to know if someone can afford something by looking at them.

Oct 08, 2018 06:25 AM
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

They either qualify or they don't.

Oct 08, 2018 04:44 AM
Rainmaker
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Erika Rae Albert, Austin Real Estate Expert
E-Rae Realty - Austin, TX
Exceeding Expectations in Every Transaction

I do not judge based on appearances.  I also do not treat everyone alike.  I mirror and match my clients speaking style and I do treat everyone how I would want to be treated.  

Oct 08, 2018 08:16 AM
Rainmaker
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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

All alike in our book, since when we shop for anything, we always dress down

Oct 08, 2018 08:03 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

William,

Never. Yes!. 

Oct 08, 2018 07:45 AM
Rainmaker
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I have a true life story I should blog about which notes how important it is to treat everyone the same.

Oct 08, 2018 07:36 AM
Rainmaker
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

treat everyone alike.... no matter how they dress.... I've had borderline "deadbeats" who dress beautifully.... and millionaires who wear old jeans and workboots.... 

Oct 08, 2018 07:31 AM
Rainmaker
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Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Treat everyone alike but sometimes it's hard. I have found that some people that look a little problematic actually have the most money.

Oct 08, 2018 06:18 AM
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Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I try to treat everyone the same.  But, I may have more questions for some that make me suspicious of their resources.

Oct 08, 2018 05:56 AM
Rainer
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Dan Capra
LAER Realty Partners - Lowell, MA
Listing/Buyer Agent

preapprovals and proof of funds tell it all..dont judge a book by its cover

Oct 08, 2018 05:11 AM
Rainmaker
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I only care what the lender says.

Oct 08, 2018 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
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Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

I treat everyone equal and base the home price on the Pre-Approval letter and discussion we have regarding their plans.  I appreciate it when others prejudge someone based on superficial details, it means more for me.  

Funny story, I saw a guy wearing baggy sweats, an oversized messy teeshirt get into a Bently with the license plate, Im Rich.  

Oct 08, 2018 10:29 AM
Rainmaker
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Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

I've found that folks with "real" money sometimes don't dress, drive or act like they do.  I do my best to treat everyone with the respect they deserve. 

Oct 08, 2018 09:24 AM
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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

Big mistake if you do that!

Oct 08, 2018 08:13 AM
Rainmaker
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Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Thanks for the Q, William Feela The A's are priceless.

Oct 08, 2018 06:59 AM
Rainmaker
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

How much can you afford and feel comfortable with? Proof of funds! Let's get started. A guy in old shorts, a torn T-shirt and flip flops bought a 7 figure house from me. He paid cash and closed in 2 weeks. A casual fellow!

Oct 08, 2018 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
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Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No, they and their lender decide. It's just math. Lots of Jed Clampett types out there!

Oct 08, 2018 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

My very first sale in the auto industry: old Buick belching black smoke and rusty, he was wearing Holy blue jeans and a tattered t-shirt and bought a Park Avenue for his wife and a limited edition Riviera for himself!

Never judge a book by its cover.

Oct 08, 2018 04:18 AM
Rainmaker
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Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

Thank you Alan May 

Oct 07, 2018 07:27 PM
Rainmaker
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Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

No judging just closing

Oct 08, 2018 04:15 PM
Rainmaker
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Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Don't ever judge a book by it's cover.

Oct 08, 2018 02:55 PM
Rainmaker
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Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

I treat everyone the same.

Oct 08, 2018 02:17 PM
Rainer
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Harjeet Bhatti
FITH THIRD BANK - Chicago, IL
Home Mortgage Consultant 25 States

Treat all the borrowers same. 

Oct 08, 2018 12:50 PM
Rainer
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Libby Cousins
Extraordinary Processing - Spokane, WA
Contract Mortgage Processor, licensed in WA

Legally, we are supposed to treat everyone the same. Since we are human, our brains sometimes get in the way and lead us to make judgments that are incorrect. 

I am thankful that I read "The Millionaire Next Door" just after college. It gave me insight into people at a younger age and debunked "traditional" thoughts/judgments. 

Oct 08, 2018 08:47 AM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Really?

Oct 08, 2018 08:16 AM
Rainer
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Josh Stevenson
Keller Williams Columbia, SC - West Columbia, SC
On a mission to change the world through service

I have done this once or twice and been surely thrown off by it. Often the people with all cash are looking comfortable in blue jeans and a t-shirt and one of the most difficult and financially strapped clients I had were well dressed and made me feel too informal in my polo and khakis. So, once you start meeting people who break the mold of looks=money it's easier to see the world a differently

Oct 08, 2018 08:03 AM
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Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

I did that once and lost a really good sale.

Never again!

Oct 08, 2018 07:54 AM
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

When I first got started, it was a rush judgment call. It cost me a sale too thus I learned that lesson. Today, I am more professional

Oct 08, 2018 07:16 AM
Rainmaker
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Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Only with a pre-approved mortgage from a bank or morgtage broker

Oct 08, 2018 05:44 AM
Rainmaker
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I look at the pre qual letter and if they do not have one, i get them pre qualifed for free, then determine if they can or can not buy

Oct 08, 2018 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
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Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Invalid question.

The valid question is "Do you treat everyone alike?" Drop the misdirection.

No, we don't treat everyone alike. Eventually we treat them as they indicate they NEED to be treated. The drama queen, the insecure and the one who knows no boundaries need to be treated differently.

Your question suggests agents have forgotten the FIRST RULE in working with buyers.

Oct 08, 2018 04:48 AM
Rainmaker
934,152
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

I have worked with some extremely wealthy people whose dress and vehicle choice would not demonstrate wealth. Look and dress are not always an indicator.

Oct 08, 2018 04:41 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,177
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

No.

Oct 08, 2018 04:10 PM
Ambassador
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Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Proof of funds:) most of our listings get all cash offers. So we want proof of funds. Since we work a lot with horse people, here in our area, the horses look and are treated better than people. You can eat off the floor of the immaculate stalls and barns, which look like mansions, but then the house where the humans live is messy, priorities are the horses. :) So NO< we never judge a person by what they wear! 

Oct 08, 2018 01:23 PM
Rainmaker
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Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Wow, what a question...

Oct 08, 2018 09:37 AM
Rainer
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Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

No, I rely on their pre approval letter for that.

Oct 08, 2018 09:33 AM
Rainer
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Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

Hopefully this is not a real question..

Of course people of all incomes dress at all ranges of the spectrum.

Who would think the mark zucherberg was as wealthy as he is based on the sweatshirts, etc. 

I based everything on their financials- what they are prequalified for, or was their proof of funds tells me about their purcahse power. 

 

Oct 08, 2018 07:35 AM
Rainmaker
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Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Everyone has to get Pre Approved

Oct 08, 2018 06:08 AM
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

no way.  I do recall once when I was about to buy a new car and I went after an afternoon of sweaty softball coaching to look at a new car and they treated me like I couldn't affotd it. I left and drove an hour to a different town and bought a new car that day. I then drove back to that first dealer and explained how they screwed up.

Oct 08, 2018 08:38 PM
Rainmaker
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Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

I don't decide if they can afford it I let their finances and their personal comfort level with the cost dictate and let the lender say if they are qualified. William Feela 

Oct 13, 2018 03:31 PM
Rainmaker
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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I know some rich people that dress in bad closing and never shave.

 

Oct 13, 2018 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

No, by their pre-approval or proof of funds.

Oct 12, 2018 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
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Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I NEVER judge a book by it's cover - no one should - very dangerous slope that!

Oct 09, 2018 03:18 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

No I do not, because that would be so unfair in life, and not at all what I was taught in real estate school either William Feela - and - I would not want to be judged that way myself.  So to answer your second question, all clients and potential clients are on an equal playing field until the Prequal and then their price range becomes obvious to all (still has nothing to do with looks or attire).

Oct 09, 2018 01:54 PM
Rainer
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Romylio "Romeo" Cordoba - NSB Realtor
Adams Cameron and Co. Realtors - New Smyrna Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate Agent

Never. I treat all my clients the same.

Oct 08, 2018 11:25 PM
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