The topic of what kind of car a real estate agent should drive has been debated for quite some time. Traditionally, when agents dress, they dress professionally to create an image of professionalism. This also falls true for the type of vehicle a realtor drives. When a realtor drives a luxury car, potential clients will automatically feel the realtor is quite successful and serious about their career. If a realtor pulls up in an old beaten up car, they will generally feel the realtor is not professional and not very successful. Real Estate is a very image-driven industry. 

Luxury Cars

luxury car

For the most part, many realtors choose to drive luxury cars especially when they are meeting with clients and potential clients. This can be very important when dealing with wealthy clients. They like their realtor to reflect their status of being wealthy. Depending on your clientele, the car you choose to buy should meet their standards. For example, if the bulk of your clients are extremely wealthy, they may expect to see you driving a Lamborghini or equivalent vehicle. If your clients are middle to upper class, a fully loaded Lexus may fit the image you are trying to portray. When clients see a realtor driving a luxury vehicle they feel the realtor is very good at what they do and will tend to put more trust in them. A list of luxury cars realtors may consider purchasing are:

  • BMW 3 Series
  • BMW X5
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Lexus NX
  • BMW X3
  • Lexus RX
  • Acura RDX
  • Audi Q5
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
  • Tesla Model 3

Mid-Sized Vehicles

Mid-sized passenger vehicles are probably the most practical choice in vehicles for a realtor to drive. A mid-sized vehicle provides more passenger space and comfort. This is important when driving clients to viewings. A mid-sized vehicle also projects your success to clients and potential clients without intimidating them. Clients can feel comfortable sitting in your vehicle without the intimidation an expensive luxury vehicle may present. There are many mid-sized vehicles real estate agents can choose to drive such as:

  • Honda Accord
  • Mazda 6
  • Hyundai Sonata Sedan
  • Kia K5
  • Honda Passport

Budget Cars

budget car

For many agents, budget cars may be a better option. As long as the car is relatively new, very clean, and comfortable for clients, some agents feel this is enough. Regardless if an agent drives a high-end luxury car or a budget comfortable car, they are still the same agent with the same qualities and skills they bring to the table. Many times clients will feel a little more at ease with an agent who drives a budget car over an agent who drives an expensive luxury car. When clients see an agent driving a vehicle that many other everyday people drive they feel less intimidated by the agent. There are many different makes and models of budget cars on the market that would be great choices for real estate agents to drive. These would be considered “Middle Class” vehicles. These include:

  • Nissan Altima
  • Ford Fusion
  • Nissan Versa
  • Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Kia Sedona
  • Hyundai Elantra
  • Toyota Yaris Sedan

Best Cars For Fuel Efficiency For Realtors

If you are just starting out in the real estate industry, you may be on a tight budget at first. You may be trying to save money in any way you can, including driving a budget-friendly vehicle. There are many great vehicles on the market today that provide fuel efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint. Many people today are very environmentally conscious and would look up to someone driving a “green” vehicle. This will show clients and potential clients that you are environmentally concerned and do your best to reduce emissions into the environment. The top best fuel-efficient vehicles in Canada are: 

  • Toyota Corolla Hybrid – Compact Vehicle
  • Toyota Prius – Midsize Vehicle
  • Nissan Murano – Mid-Size
  • Hyundai Ioniq – Full-Size Vehicle
  • Kia Niro FE – Station Wagon
  • Ford Escape Hybrid – SUV
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD – SUV
  • Chrysler Pacifica – Minivan
  • Honda Odyssey – Minivan

Best Electric Vehicles For Realtors In 2020 In Canada

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular resulting in many facilities installing charging stations for these environmentally-friendly vehicles. Some of the best electric vehicles for realtors to drive are:

  • Volkswagen e-Golf – Compact Vehicle
  • Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus – Mid-Size Vehicle
  • Tesla Model S Long Range Plus – Full-Size Vehicle
  • Chevrolet Bolt EV – Small Station Wagon
  • Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD –  Small SUV
  • Tesla Model X Long Range Plus – Standard SUV
  • Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – Minivan

Realtor Car Do’s and Don’ts

do and dont

Do’s

A realtor should choose a vehicle that suits their image and provides all-round comfort for themselves and their clients. 

A realtor should keep their vehicle clean at all times, this includes the interior and exterior of their vehicle. 

A realtor should choose a vehicle that is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly when possible. 

A realtor should always properly maintain their vehicle as it would be extremely embarrassing and inconvenient if your vehicle breaks down while driving clients to appointments. 

Keep your vehicle free from pet hair, there is nothing worse than a client dressed in black getting out of your vehicle covered in pet hair. 

Don’ts

A realtor should never use powerful air fresheners in their vehicle as many people have sensitivities and allergies to many fragrances. 

A realtor should never have family members or children in the vehicle when driving clients to showings. 

Never try to cram clients into a very small vehicle, always choose at least a mid-sized vehicle for your real estate business. 

Don’t buy a pickup truck to use for your real estate business as some clients may have difficulty getting in and out of the vehicle. 

Summary

A realtor should choose a vehicle that is roomy enough for clients, comfortable to drive, is good on fuel, and produces low emissions. The realtor’s vehicle should meet the standards of the clients and community they are serving. Leasing a vehicle would provide the option of driving a brand new vehicle every couple of years. Your vehicle should portray the image you would like clients to see. 

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