🎯 look sharp, sell smarter: how your appearance influences your success

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Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 22 seconds.

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PRESENTATION

The Beauty Premium: how style and confidence drive success in real estate

In real estate, are appearances just skin deep? Or can they can significantly affect sales outcomes, thanks to what experts call the "beauty premium."

Robert Tumarkin, a senior lecturer at UNSW Business School, explored this concept and found that an increase in an agent's physical attractiveness led to a 2.3% increase in the final sale price of a property.

This "halo effect," where a person’s looks influence how others perceive their abilities, extends beyond appearances, affecting trust and credibility.

Mark Foy, (pictured), principal of McGrath Surry Hills, agrees with this idea, noting, "You’ve got to look the part, especially when presenting high-end homes." Mr Foy now relies on top-tier tailors to maintain his professional image.

Custom suitmaker Tim Aquino said that 25-30% of his clientele are now real estate agents who spend an average of $2.2k on suits.

Trust and professionalism linked to appearance

Beyond boosting sales prices, an agent’s appearance plays a key role in building trust with clients. Research published in The Conversation highlights that attractive people are often perceived as more trustworthy, which is critical when navigating high-stakes property deals. The Pretty Privilege study reported: “In today’s fiercely competitive job market, the economic advantages of beauty are undeniable. Numerous studies have shown that attractive individuals benefit from a beauty bonus and earn higher salaries on average.”

First impressions

In the digital age, a polished social media presence is just as important as looking good in person. Mr Foy highlights that a lot of work is done before an agent even meets a client. "Clients see you on social media, in letterbox drops, on real estate ads, so you’ve got to look great there too.” With 70% of people making judgments based on what they see, maintaining a sharp image on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn is non-negotiable for agents looking to secure listings. However, as Mr Tumarkin’s research shows, and Mr Foy concurs, while appearances are important, long-term success is built on hard work and relationships.

Look good, feel good

Looking good isn’t just about impressing clients, it’s about feeling confident.” I have countless testimonies especially young agents recounting stories of how many more doors were opened to them because of how they presented themselves,” said Mr Aquino. “The accessibility of a custom tailor made suit now has enabled a generation of young ambitious agents to walk in the image that they desire and aspire to be. How it helps their posture, the stride of their walk, eloquence of speech is rooted in how they look at themselves in the mirror.”

So it does seem to pay to spend a little extra time looking the part.

SMART SNIPPETS

RBA to stick with higher rates
If you're waiting for interest rates to drop in Australia, you might be forced to wait some more. RBA Governor Michele Bullock has warned that rates will stay high to fight persistent inflation. Despite weak economic growth and declining household spending, the central bank isn't ready to ease up. Economists now predict rate cuts won't come before 2025, but it might not make a difference to buyers.

Rental pain continues as rent growth eases
If you're renting in Australia, you're still likely feeling the pinch. New data shows that despite some slowing in rent increases, the rental crisis remains severe. Queensland sees 75% of areas in extreme rental pain, with prices up 10%. South Australia isn't doing much better, with 81% of areas struggling. The shortage of affordable rentals and low vacancy rates are exacerbating the problem.

Marketing for results
Mark McLeod reflects on the effectiveness of real estate marketing, asking the question: Is it an illusion unless it generates tangible results? Drawing inspiration from Olympic rower Drew Ginn’s philosophy of focusing on actions that “make the boat go faster,” Mr McLeod applies this mindset to marketing, saying each campaign should directly impact appraisals.

Iconic buildings getting stylish new lease on life
New York's beloved Flatiron Building, with its famous triangular shape, is set to become swanky apartments, proving you can live inside a piece of history. And it’s not alone in this trend. London’s Battersea Power Station, once a gritty industrial site, is now home to sleek, upscale residences. The Waldorf Astoria is getting in on the action too, transforming into luxury apartments fit for a king. These architectural gems are proving that with a little imagination, even the most famous buildings can become the ultimate address.

SOUND WAVES

Does bottom-up management work?

In this curated listen, we found out why this management style may make you a bad manager in the eyes of the people you lead.

Read the original article from Medium

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

“I ate and left no crumbs.” Agents trying to sell to Gen Z, you need to brush up on your lingo, bruh. 🤷🏻‍♂️🗣️

@kyle_toomey

Homestly, I ate and left no crumbs….. #fyp #realestate #genz #forsale #ceilings

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Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, and Samantha McLean. We aim to uplift the real estate industry by delivering forward-thinking, hype-free news and education that fosters knowledge and fuels ambition.

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