Whether you live in a metropolitan area or a rural area, a suburb or a resort, your image must reflect the styles and needs of your community. This does not mean your image must be a sham. Even the most naive person can spot a phony image. It does mean that you may need to adjust how you present yourself, to best be received by the public.

Appropriate dress in a metropolitan area may be a business suit, but if you are selling ranch lands, you can probably wear jeans and boots. In a resort, you can be more casual but cautiously so. If you are just a bit less casual than your customers, you will be regarded as the professional.

A good, clean, working car is essential. In order to allow your clients comfortable access to the back seat, a four-door automobile is optimal. Keep your car free of junk. You should not be moving papers or yesterday's jacket before someone can get into your vehicle. If your car is older and unpredictable, but you cannot afford to replace it at this time, take it to a reputable mechanic and pay for a complete service. Be sure the tires, brakes, transmission, and engine are in perfect running order. Take your car in for regular service to minimize the risk of breaking down.

You don't need to be an experienced salesperson to succeed in real estate. You do need to be a person who is committed to working with your clients and customers — from the first hellos to sitting with them at the closing table.