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From One Nerd To You All...

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Charlotte Dixon

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2002
Professional Status
Certified Residential Appraiser
State
Delaware
Tim....I'm sure you are VERY cool looking in those boots! This is a continuation of the thread Nancy started about Harriet's unfortunate accident. It somehow took a turn in to describing our professional attire

I've determined that we need a group photo of the bunch of us in our working uniforms! We all brag about our "Our Look"....But, in all reality, we look like a bunch of nerds. For those of you who are not nerds, don't worry, we older nerds will help you achieve the LOOK. And, for those of you who question if you are a nerd or not........You Are!

I wear kacki pants (either tan or navy) and a company shirt with logo. My shoes are heavy duty shoestring tied and have rubber soles. The only thing that could improve my efficiency and nerdy look (which appears we are all trying to achieve) is a TOOL BELT. I'm seriously considering this! I could hang my 100' tape measure on the right side, and the camera on my left side. The flashlight could be tucked in the back of the belt along with the pepper spray, lock box key, extra pen/pencil and calculator. (Some of you animal lovers could also have your little bag of dog treats tucked in the belt somewhere. :roll: ) Now for some of you more experienced appraisers out there, you could tuck those little plastic bowl covers in your tool belt. You know, the ones you put over your feet when the weather is wet. That's not my look, but do your own thing. I would advise, though, that the color of the bowl covers at least aren't hot pink or lime green, but a neutral shade would be acceptable. You don't want to look silly! :wink: The tool belt would free up my hands for the clipboard and a quick grab for a business card, if the darn people insist. (Why in the world would they question my identity or professionalism is beyond me). I always make sure I have a tissue in my pocket to wipe my face of dripping sweat, which results in my glasses sliding to the end of my nose. With this steamy weather here in Delaware lately, I step out of my air conditioned car, cool as a cucumber, and instantly my glasses fog over from the shock of the humidity. So there I am....can't see a thing, but smiling and polite as all get out as the homeowner opens the door. They look at me kind of funny, but let me in anyway. They just want the number, ya' know. I've considered the "TOWEL AROUND THE NECK" look, so I could wipe my glasses, brow, hands and arms as I perform the inspection. That LOOK has been in vogue for awhile, in case you all didn't know. I may be an old nerd, but I know what's IN. The towel, when whipped from the neck, could also be helpful in swatting dogs yipping around the feet. Of course, this towel can't be just ANY towel. It would help to have the company logo on it and the color should blend with the color of your chosen outfit that day. Some of you smart alecs might suggest I get with the program and rid myself of the old fashioned eye glasses. But, I'm not fond of sticking objects in my eyes. I'm not totally stupid, ya' know!....... So, a group photo we need. Who's the nerdiest nerd? Don't even try! I'm the Winner!
 
I've used the tool belt thing since week 1. Have no coordination at all and my hubby just couldn't stop laughing at my fumbling attempts to carry all I needed and read the darn tape! Used to carry a black tote but the 'ol back got tired of bending over to try to fish out the next thing I needed and homeowners dog and kids made sport of who could wrestle it away from me first. (a towel swat would have come in handy then!) Khaki painter's slacks- with the little pockets to carry the phone and flashlight, tool belt - in matching khaki, pullover shirt - got to break down and pay for some logo shirts, and sturdy shoes. Yea I'm nerdy lookin but I don't get paid for my looks just my observations! 8)
 
That towel might also be handy to throw over the aggressive dog's head to make for a quick getaway!
 
Charlotte,

That was great! :lol: :lol: :lol:

I remember one of my first jobs in high school was at a discount department store, kind of a K-Mart wanna be called Alco. One of my departments was the Men's wear. I would stock or 'face' the area with the coveralls thinking "Oh my! How dorky! They're even a dorky brand name - Dickie's". I know they're great for hunting or working on cars, but I'd really get a kick out of the older men wearing them out to run around town. :roll: Well, guess who is now considering a dorky pair of Dickie's? Yup, FHA appraiser newbie with the heebie jeebies about crawl spaces. Eeeeewwww! But I spose they would go well with the waders. Around here they're called irrigation boots. Now to complete the look all I'll need is a miner's hat complete with the halogen head light to illuminate the dark, dank underbellies of these 'are you sure this is gonna go FHA' abodes.
 
Boy am I glad most of our houses are built on slabs. I only have to worry about getting up ladders to look in the attics.

My dress of choice in the summer is what we in Florida call a "skort" - full skirt type shorts that end just above the knee. Then I wear a loose blouse or jacket on top. It is much cooler than slacks. My shoes are flats with rubber soles (perfect for running when the automatic sprinkler system cuts on while you are measuring the house). If it is really muddy then I have some old sneakers in the car. I usually take my pictures first then put my camera back in the car. I like outfits with several pockets for my screw driver (to hold the tape when I can't hang it on the house) and any other various and assundry items. I don't carry too much around with me. I keep dropping it all.

I have lost some weight this summer, so I will have to get a new fall/winter outfit going. The logo polo shirts sound good. I usually wear khaki slacks, as well. I don't really have an objection to jeans either (the "dress" kind).
 
Judy...if I were you, I'd watch it! It's remarks such as you made below which could lead to shunning by the nerds :lol:

By Judy: "I have lost some weight this summer, so I will have to get a new fall/winter outfit going"
 
I would never trust an appraiser who shows up in a suit and tie.
Clean jeans, Eastland shoes, and a conservative looking sports shirt.
 
Charlotte,
I'm with you......but I'll draw the line at a plastic pocket protector :lol:
 
"I wear kacki pants (either tan or navy) and a company shirt with logo. My shoes are heavy duty shoestring tied and have rubber soles."

That is pretty much me too. But my shirts MUST have a pocket to stick my pen and note pad. :lol:
 
Jeans to protect the legs from holly and rose bushes, various shirts. Always glad the jeans get scratched or torn instead of me and got tired of replacing the better slacks. I started using a fanny pack with 3 sections right away. It holds the camera, pencils, business cards, keys, electric tester, large spike nail for holding tape when necessary. The tape measure and flashlight can be hung on the belt part. Knee high rubber boots and rain gear are always in the trunk along with my expandable ladder to get into attics. The hair is down to my waist now so it gets tied up on top of my head most of the time and other times a coordinating ball-cap style hat works well and doesn't look too bad.

I just really hate it when the HO opens the door and looks around me asking "Where is the appraiser." (I believe it's gender related.... couldn't be my attire!) :twisted:
 
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