When you work in real estate, you’re constantly in the public eye. It’s important to keep up a professional image and use proper business etiquette at all times. Former real estate salesperson Anna Wildermuth, who is now an image consultant with Chicago-based Personal Images Inc., helped us create this quiz so you can easily assess your image and etiquette.
1.
You're staring vacantly into your closet wondering what to wear for a day packed with listing appointments. Do you pick:
A jogging suit for optimal comfort during a busy day
Jeans and a fun shirt that will show customers you’re relaxed and down to earth
Anything, as long as you can wear it with your favorite broken-in Docksider shoes
Your favorite pantsuit with pockets
2.
You forget an appointment with a seller. You should:
Call immediately to apologize and reschedule. Follow up with a small gift if the person is your client.
Send an apology note
Call and say, "I thought we scheduled the meeting for a different time."
3.
You're dining with clients and the server asks for your orders. You should:
Order first so the server knows you’re in charge
Let your clients order first
Only order coffee, regardless of what your clients order. You don’t want to seem extravagant, after all
Order on the basis of what your clients have ordered, in terms of courses and price range
The second and fourth options
4.
You've helped buyers purchase a $200,000 house. What's the appropriate amount to spend on a closing gift for them?
Under $20
$25 to $75
$75 to $100
$200 to $250
$500 to $600
5.
It's December and you're feverishly shopping for the perfect holiday cards for your clients, customers, and colleagues. Which theme should you pick?
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Holiday Greetings
Happy Kwanza
6 .
At a convention, you meet fellow practitioners of the opposite sex. You're married and want to make sure they don't get the impression you're single or interested. How do you keep the socializing on a professional level?
Ask them what their favorite movie is
Ask them about their family - spouse and kids
Touch them on the shoulder
7 .
You attend a panel discussion during a convention and have a question for the participants. You should:
Speak as quickly as possible so you don’t waste anyone’s time
State your name, company, and where you're from. Then ask your question
Let your question flow as a stream of consciousness. The speaker will appreciate your openness
8 .
You've just edged out your company's longtime star performer as top producer. Do you:
Perform a victory dance in your office, and then send out an e-mail to all of your colleagues to let them know you are the new top producer. Self-promotion goes a long way in real estate
Graciously accept the congratulations you receive from your colleagues and thank those who helped you succeed
