Brokers might hope so, as they try to snag clients and deals through promotional photographs.
Broker photos are a ubiquitous part of real estate marketing in New York City — whether sexy, staid, or just plain strange, the photos are slapped on everything from brokerage Web sites to slick marketing materials to business cards.
The photos give prospective clients a sense of personality and put a face to the broker handling their investment. That lets brokers market their approachability, professionalism and — of course — sex appeal.
Alexei Krapivka, a broker at Barak Realty, uses his modeling photos in marketing materials. The Latvian native began modeling two years ago with Boss Models and recently had small roles in the movies “The Devil Wears Prada” and “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.”
Krapivka modestly says people can relate to his attractiveness and intelligence.
“They love the appeal, they eat it up. It gives a little spice to the whole thing,” Krapivka said. “They can show off in front of their friends that a nice gentleman is helping them with their needs. It makes the whole thing more pleasant.”
At brokerage New York Residences, Alexis Gandelman posed with her pet parrot Suki for her marketing photo, a move that has resulted in many clients seeking her out, she said.
“I feel that a photo should reflect who you are as a person, and this photo shows that I’m down-to-earth, approachable and enjoy what I do,” Gandelman said. “I like to have fun with my clients. I find that most of my clients are like me… serious with a sense of humor, accomplished yet down-to-earth and, most of all, open-minded.”
Since so many prospective clients begin their broker search online, firms like Bellmarc Realty and Citi Habitats have hired photographers to snap broker photos, but allow brokers to submit their own as long as it fits with the style of the firm.