Dress

[PropertyEconomics]

We schedule inspection days here. One might be a farm, then a "normal" house and then an upscale home.

For the farm putting on a tie with dress pants is overkill and the farmer would rather see an appraiser who looks like him somewhat and can relate to him. Jeans and a shirt with boots that can be used for an inspection.

For the typical single-family home buyer and the upscale home we still wear nice jeans and a nice shirt. We are working and most likely will have to battle bushes (snow this time of year), and other property aspects.

The last time I dressed "total professional" was when on an inspection of a hospital. Ended up on the roof ankle deep in melted snow. My fancy shoes and pants were soaked and dirty. I could not feel my feet.

Dressing too well is on my "do not do" list. I buy a new pair of Levis every month to keep my work attire looking fresh.

The best part of my attire is the paper I give to every property owner showing my list of various properties I have appraised. That alone shows my experience and credentials. I will never again wear $500 worth of clothes to any inspection.

 

[jlabauve]

This is Florida, and it is HOT and HUMID. It is simply not practical to wear dress clothes for most assignments.
quote]

Oh yeah, I second that. You guys who don't live in 90% humidity have no idea ...

One of my favorite movie lines (from Boloxi Blues) ... when Eugene steps off the bus in Boloxi (he's from NY): "Man it's hot. It's like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn't take this kind of hot."

In the summer heat, I wear a skirt and sandals. Never had a complaint. Guys, would you complain if a blonde in a skirt showed up at your door? LOL

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

In the summer heat, I wear a skirt and sandals. Never had a complaint. Guys, would you complain if a blonde in a skirt showed up at your door? LOL
_________Not if thats all she had on!

 

[Stone]

Guys, would you complain if a blonde in a skirt showed up at your door?

I call that "Thursday"

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Guys, would you complain if a blonde in a skirt showed up at your door? LOL

without cold beer?...

 

[Terry Caldwell]

You only have one chance to make a first impression, use it wisely.


The other "TC"

 

[TC]

You only have one chance to make a first impression, use it wisely.


The other "TC"

Back off, jagoff. :new_smile-l:

Funny, but your quote is one I use all the time. First heard it my senior year in college at a Hiring Seminar, never forgot it.

 

[tim midgards]

I like to wear suits, but I can't wear them at inspections (only did it once, for a multi-million dollar property as the owners were home); one of the replies nailed it re: dry cleaning/ruining clothes.

Typically I just wear jeans, polo, and loafers. Wearing jeans helps while measuring houses, etc...

During summer I sometimes wear linen bermudas.

As for taking shoes off...no way. Shoe cover all the way, there are some filthy houses out there. I wear gloves to inspections!

 

[Pat57]

I like to wear suits, but I can't wear them at inspections (only did it once, for a multi-million dollar property as the owners were home); one of the replies nailed it re: dry cleaning/ruining clothes.

Typically I just wear jeans, polo, and loafers. Wearing jeans helps while measuring houses, etc...

During summer I sometimes wear linen bermudas.

As for taking shoes off...no way. Shoe cover all the way, there are some filthy houses out there. I wear gloves to inspections!

Good idea with the gloves I keep sani wipes in the car and clean my hands right away, have to get the shoe covers tho.

 

[Pat57]

Ofcourse business casual is the proper way to dress for field work. However, appraisers often have to work outside in both winter and summer environments so you have to take that into consideration. We have 2-3 feet of snow here in CT. and to walk around the exterior of a home taking measurements, notes, and photos can be messy and hazardous. I came home the other day and my pants, socks, and shoes were soaking wet. In the summer the heat, mud, tall grass, etc. can be the devil to a nice pair of shoes and slacks.

So while I agree some form of business casual should be maintained dressing too well should be avoided as well IMO.

You have to use common sense, high end home I dress better winter always calls for boots, long black winter coat covers up multitude of sins.