The Worst Business Cards in Real Estate: Why Looks Aren't Everything

When it comes to business cards, some designs stand out for all the wrong reasons. Take, for example, the glossy real estate business cards that feature fake-posed studio photographs with big, fake-toothy grins and hands tucked up under the chin. These cards can be quite blaming, especially when they also appear in newspaper classified ads. As someone who's interested in selling or purchasing a home, do you really care about what your real estate agent looks like? Or are you more interested in their track record and expertise?

Another irksome example is the "Lil Miss Boobalicious" type. Are you really hiring a real estate agent based on their appearance? Is pole-dancing their profession or are they trying to sell real estate? The idea of a potential agent flashing a fake smile in a studio portrait is more than a little off-putting. The question remains: do you really care if your auto mechanic or electrician looks pretty in their professional portrait?

The Evisceration of the 50-something Real Estate Agent

The worst business card I've ever seen depicted a 50-something, round-faced grandma with teased 80s-style hair and her dog tucked up under her chin. The accompanying text was about her seemingly earnest enthusiasm and professionalism. It's time to stop baking cookies and start focusing on real qualifications.

Do you really hire your real estate agent based on a 15-second smile in a fake studio portrait? Use Google to search for "worst realtor headshots" and see what you come across. It's a sobering reminder that in the real estate industry, looks should not be the deciding factor.

The Humble and Effective Real Estate Agent

Not all real estate business cards are filled with fluff and inauthentic smiles. Consider the case of a realtor who brokered my first home purchase. This realtor wasn't exactly a looker - he had buck teeth, acne scars, a big Adam's apple, nerd black-framed glasses, stringy black hair, and a scruffy mustache. In fact, he was 130 pounds sopping wet - making him the complete opposite of what most would consider visually appealing. His business card featured a studio portrait of him in obvious pancake makeup and a bad-fitting suit, which didn't do him any favors.

Despite the ridiculous photo, this realtor was as sweet as honey and knew his stuff. He walked a nervous first-time buyer through the home-buying process step by step. I hired him not because of the photo, but because of his expertise and the kindness that shone through in his demeanor. His ability to connect with clients and guide them through a potentially stressful process was genuine and invaluable.

Ultimately, when seeking a real estate agent, prioritize their professional qualifications, experience, and track record over their appearance. A good real estate agent should be more than a pretty face - they should be knowledgeable, trustworthy, and capable of guiding you through the complexities of the real estate market.