When I first started appraising, my wardrobe was what you might call “functional.” Shorts and a polo shirt were my daily uniform. I was in and out of houses, peeking in attics, and sweating through inspections, so comfort came first (I’m in South Florida).

 

But as I started shifting into private and non-lender work, I realized something important: how you present yourself shapes the kind of clients you attract. If you want to work with attorneys, agents, and private clients, you need to look like the professional they expect to hire.

 

Now, my go-to look is simple. Khakis, boots, and a collared shirt with my company logo. It’s comfortable for the field but still looks sharp. Sure, my khakis pick up a stain or two from time to time, but that’s part of the job. The key is showing up looking like you take your work seriously.

 

Early in my career, I didn’t think much about how my appearance mattered. But once I made a conscious effort to look a little more polished, I started to notice a difference. Homeowners and attorneys treated me with more trust and respect, and that professional image carried over to how they talked about me afterward. Appearance really does play a role in the kind of business you attract.

Courtroom Clothing: When First Impressions Count

Earlier this week, I had an in-person trial at the courthouse. Another appraiser was there too, testifying on the same case. He did an earlier appraisal, and mine was more recent, one for the husband and one for the wife.

 

That morning, I had an appraisal scheduled before court, so I showed up in my usual khakis and polo. I packed a suit for later. When I got to the courthouse, I realized my khakis actually matched the jacket pretty well, so I swapped the polo for a dress shirt and tie, added the jacket, and went in.

 

Standing next to the other appraiser, who was dressed in a collared shirt and khakis without a tie or jacket, I started wondering if it really mattered. Does what we wear in court make a difference? Personally, I think it does.

 

A week before that, I had a Zoom court appearance, and even though I was testifying from my office, I wore a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie. I could have easily just thrown on a collared shirt and called it a day, but I wanted to look professional, even through the screen. The judge and attorneys were all dressed appropriately, and I wanted to reflect that same level of respect for the process.

 

In both cases, I felt more confident and prepared because I looked the part. And if wearing a tie and jacket adds even a small amount of credibility to my testimony, that’s a trade I’ll take every time.

Why It Matters

Looking professional isn’t about vanity. It’s about reinforcing credibility. People make quick judgments, whether they realize it or not. The way you present yourself tells clients, judges, and attorneys that you take your work seriously and that your opinions carry weight.

 

Just like a clean and well-organized report builds trust in your analysis, a professional appearance builds trust in you as the expert. And in a business that runs on reputation and referrals, those small details matter more than most people think.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need designer suits or expensive shoes to look professional. You just need to look like you care. Whether you’re at a site inspection, a client meeting, or testifying in court, your appearance sets the tone before you ever speak a word.

 

So what do you think? What do you wear on your appraisal appointments? And how do you approach court appearances, whether in person or on Zoom? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

If you’re serious about growing your appraisal business and connecting with other professionals who take their careers seriously too, join the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. It’s a community of appraisers who share referrals, support each other, and help build stronger private appraisal businesses.

 

Because professionalism isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about how you show up.

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