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D - For Sale Signs and Info Boxes: Lost in a high tech world?

The for-sale sign:

The National Association of Realtors found that over 70 % of buyers reported that yard signs are a key information source in their home search. It’s estimated that over 50% of homes are sold because of yard signs.

It will be noticed:  

Lots of buyers drive around hoping to spot their dream home. Even those working with an agent continue this cruise-around routine. A sign could be all that it takes to alert the right buyer.

This makes sense. Buyers see your sign because they like your neighborhood. A "sign call" means that they like your home and want to investigate further.  

It adds to that first impression:

Look sharp by having a sign that is in good condition and easy to read from a distance. If your sign faces (is parallel to) the street, it can’t be seen from a distance as drivers are approaching. A cheap black on white sign looks temporary–like you’re not really serious. It’s also hard to spot in the snow.

Use stick-on numbers from a hardware store for the phone number. Hand drawn numbers with a magic marker? A home-made sign? Don’t even think about these.

Directional signs are highly recommended:

You might say that these point people in the right direction. They should be placed no further away than an adjoining neighborhood (that’s similar to yours). This helps solicit buyers that are in the same price range.

Check your sign every day:

After a rain or windstorm, if it’s leaning over, it will present a forlorn look, conveying an appearance of being on the market too long. 

Refrain from the “By Appointment Only”:

Do you really want this "welcome to the neighborhood" impression to come from your sign? Display your phone number to invite calls and appointments. The “shown by appointment” stipulation can be easily inserted on fliers in an info box mounted on the sign. If buyers come to your door anyway, advise them that you’re unable to show just now. Get their phone number and set up an appointment.

Local ordinances:

Local restrictions may apply to quantity and placement of signs on both public and private property. Ask homeowners of corner lots if you could place a directional sign on their property during the weekends. If you live on a corner you usually have the blessing of local sign restriction laws that permit a sign on each street front.

Several states do not allow you to post a by-owner sign if your home is listed on the MLS . At one time these included Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and South Carolina. With the recent investigations by the Justice Department, these states may have moved into the 21st Century and changed their laws. Check with local agents or your attorney.   

Sign sources:

They can be purchased at local hardware stores or the better ones can be ordered on the web by going to such companies as victorystore.com, SanzoSpecialties.com and smsproducts.com.

Info boxes:  

Buyers want immediate answers:

If they like the looks of a home, they want more information now. Attach an info box to your sign, Satisfy buyers immediately, without the need for a phone inquiry. This gives the prospect something to take home and effectively serves as a reminder of your appealing home. 

Box fliers are easy to make:

Here’s an example of a simple flier. They consist of a single page that has pricing info, a list of major features, your phone number and a good picture. If your home is on an internet site, be sure to include the web site address. List your email address for the timid buyer. 

With fliers, as with newspaper advertising, don’t go into detail with room sizes, which rooms have carpeting, the new dining room chandelier, etc. Concentrate on major features. Sell the drive-by prospects into calling for an appointment.

But real estate offices rarely use them:

That's because they cut down on buyer calls. Agencies look to attract callers so they can sell them any home. An info box helps to sell just one home. You’re selling one home. Get one from most hardware stores. 

If you're listed, have your agent use one.

Most agents, who use them, just insert copies of the MLS listing sheet into the box.

These sheets are loaded with confusing abbreviations and agent information. Plus, they provide too much information, often resulting in the opposite of their intent. They tell everything, leaving little to the buyer's imagination and can squelch the desire for the buyers to see inside.

As an example, some buyers may feel they have to have a fireplace and if the MLS sheet says you don’t have one, well, you’ll probably never see those buyers. Those same prospects may fall in love with your home if they just viewed the inside. Seeing all your other features could easily convince them to dismiss the fireplace as a “must have” item.

Temporarily put your sign away at the end of October. It gets really spooky then. Many disappear and have never been heard from again.