Can you know your real estate agent by the car they drive?


Want to know a little about your agent, check out their car- right? When the market was hot earlier this decade, it seemed as if many real estate agents were driving some sort of Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus. So, at that time it was interesting to see what type of Mercedes or BMW being driven. Many of my colleagues drove the “S” class sedan, while some drove the less expensive “C” class. Of course, most of the cars were black, but I remember a few white and silver ones too. Of course, there were also agents who drove Hummers, land rovers and an assortment of SUVs. And of course, many drove and still drive their Camry’s.

According to Kathleen McCleary (The Car You Drive: USA Weekend Edition; 10/20/2002), a car says a lot about person’s personality (www.usaweekend.com)

The problem with ascribing a personality trait to a real estate agent because of the car they drive is that just like the clothes they wear and smile they put on when they leave their home, many agents want their car to personify a successful personality they may want to express to the public (sometimes making up for what they lack). Whether or not your agent is successful, if they drive a luxury car they want to let you know that they are successful (or at least they want to be). Of course, whether or not they can afford a luxury car, many agents opt to drive more practical cars- probably because they are sensible about money.

What does a car say about your agent? Success? Power? Assertiveness? Maybe and maybe not. Your agent’s car may tell you more about their station in life or personal aspirations than their ability and inter-personal skills. The agent’s car may scream practical, yet they’re a negotiating bull dog; or they may drive the latest Mercedes, yet not be a very effective agent. Judging a book by its cover may not yield you an accurate picture of your agent; you may not get a true picture of your agent until you see them in action!

So, what does your agent drive?

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Copyright © 2009 Dan Krell