Realtor.com® recently published an article titled, “Sorry, Sellers: Your ‘For Sale’ Sign May Be ‘Ugly and Desperate’—Here’s Why.” The article features the Board of REALTORS® in New Canaan, Conn., and their recent vote to ban real estate yard signs. That decision has since been reversed due to possible legal concerns; however, the town council continues to review the matter. The ban would have been in effect for a six-month trial period before possibly becoming permanent. The board’s reasons were explained with words like “clutter,” “obsolete” and “archaic.”
I’m going to jump on this train with a counter argument. Real estate signs are alive and well. Yes, real estate yard signs are a very traditional form of marketing; however, they are as impactful today as they were 50 years ago. To be fair, the author of the realtor.com® article did interview a few real estate sign advocates that disagree with banning signs. These advocates cited sales that would not have been made without the listing staple and their obligation to their clients to move their property quickly.
Consider these four essential reasons to use real estate yard signs:
- Agent Recognition – Real estate agents are paid on commission. Posting real estate signs increases an agent’s brand recognition, and, as such, are an invaluable marketing tool. Having signs around town gets their name out there and provides contact information for potential buyers and sellers.
- Provides Direction – Yard signs and open house directional signs are as valuable as street name signs at helping direct traffic to listings. A listing that can’t be found can’t be sold.
- Agent Responsibility – It is a real estate agent’s responsibility to put forth as much effort, and to use as many tools as possible, to connect sellers with buyers. Having a listing sign in the front yard provides more exposure for the seller and broadcasts to anyone interested that the home is available.
- Attracts Unexpected Prospects – Some of the best prospects for real estate agents aren’t necessarily actively looking for a home. They may see a home for sale (marked by a real estate sign) in a neighborhood that they love and decide to act on impulse. These types of spontaneous buyers won’t be found with online listings.
Bottom line, real estate yard signs work. To eliminate them would be a huge disservice to agents, potential buyers and sellers. Their role in the real estate game is as important as modern technology. For answers to real estate sign questions, please visit www.lowensign.com or call 800-545-5505.
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