Gene Mundt - Let's Talk Mortgages & Real Estate! : Real Estate Sign Riders: Yes or No?

Maureen, "I"m gorgeous inside" is my all time favorite.  Can't tell you how many times I have seen agents use this sign rider, but on the flip side to your comment isn't beauty in the eyes of the beholder?

Hi Maureen -

I don't see many riders around our area.  Pools are not common in Albuquerque so Pool riders are seen but that's about it.  Too much clutter is never a good thing. 

Hope you're enjoying a great weekend.

I think riders are fine for home features (view, pool) or a custom phone # or website, but the Price Reduced or Seller Motivated style send the wrong message.  I suppose they might be useful in a time crunch scenario where price is less critical.

Maureen, I think the only ones that you need are a phone numbere for the agent and a QR Code with a mobile virtual tour on it.  But price reduced and motivated seller?  Don't think so.

 

Maureen-Sign Riders just help entice the buyer to take a look. I would think in rural area's where folks aren't as high tech they work.  For metropolitan area's the use of sign riders seems to  be OLD SCHOOL. They simply aren't needed. With today's technology, (  IDX for consumers and map based web searches from your smart divice ( iPad or smart phone) the whole idea of sign riders seems silly.  Buyers can see what the home looks like before they even leave their house or car for that matter.The only Sign Rider that counts is SOLD!

Stephen ~ So true!  But the reason I found the "I'm Gorgeous Inside" rider funny is that it implies that the outside is not gorgeous LOL!

John ~ mentioning a pool seems like a positive selling feature :-)

Peter ~ I agree with you about the ones mentioning pricing!

Pat ~ They seem like a lot of clutter -- thanks for your feedback.

Peggy ~ You make a good point that riders work better in rural areas where people don't use technology as much.

It is just an effort to set the sign apart from the others in the area.

As in any promotional activities, some are better than others. 

Most riders, I believe, are more about pleasing sellers than they are about attracting buyers.

Thomas ~ Setting a listing apart can be a good thing, if it truly helps the property sell faster.  These particular ones seem questionable from my perspective as a potential buyer.

My pet peeve is seeing a sign that is falling over or the clips are missing and it is falling off the post-what kind of image does that give?? Curb appeal really starts at the curb with the For Sale Sign!

Maureen, when I see "I'm gorgeous inside" the kids joke comes in to my mind when the crocodile comes to the frog and asks her why she is so slimy and ugly, the frog says : "that's just because I'm sick, when I'm healthy I'm white and fluffy" LOL

 

Cathy ~ So true!  The For Sale sign needs to convey a successful image ... otherwise it reflects poorly on the property.

Anna ~ I would never allow that sign on my home if it was on the market!  Let the buyers see online and in person how gorgeous it is!

Maureen - I don't see many sign riders in our area.  Heck, forget the sign rider - just stage the darn house and get great MLS photos loaded!  That would be a more proactive approach. 

Sign riders are a must for me, most sellers really appreciate the extra Headline outside about their house and others who want to sell in the neighborhood have called me because I do riders!!!

Riders can be a bit silly it seems unless they are actually telling something like maybe "pool" , or "fireplace" or "view" -- those "stop the car" ones are rather silly. Our 2 cents.

Hi Maureen, I'm with Patricia and like to use just my name and now QR code. I have used the "Comes with an AHS Home Warranty" rider. I did give in once when a seller was really wanting to see the "priced reduced" one. Only used it that one time though. Sold IS my fave!

I don't mind the riders that tell me something pertinent like "lake-shore" that you are not aware of if the house is tucked back off the road, etc. I am not crazy about the price reduction one.

Sally ~ No kidding!  I'm in full agreement with you!!

Mary ~ Glad to hear they're working for you.  Do you have a favorite one?

Bob & Carolin ~ If the rider tells the "special feature" of the home as in your examples, I think they're a good idea too -- thanks for your two cents!

Cindy ~ Those home warranty riders seem helpful ... not the Price Reduced ones though.  Thanks for chiming in!

Shar ~ I'm with you on both counts.

Maureen - I think sign riders should be only used when there is a "one of a kind" type of feature that you want to point out to potential buyers. Otherwise, it just junks up the sign.

Bill ~ Thanks for your feedback -- I wholeheartedly agree with you!

Hi Maureen--My two favorites are "House of the Month", of which there is truly only one each month; and, "ocean view", which is visible from the far back corner of the lot standing on a step ladder.  So one is really positive and the other can be a bit misleading. 

Mine have a web address and a QR code for the property.  For that reason I think they are a must.

Janet ~ That "ocean view" claim is hysterical when you have to stand on a ladder in precisely the right spot in order to see it LOL!!

Gene ~ A sign rider like yours makes a lot of sense because it's important information a buyer would want .... but some of the others signs out there seem cheesy.

I see the "MUST SEE INSIDE, GORGEOUS" signs quite often. And... I often think, wow, is that because the outside isn't nice? 

Perhaps the funniest sign, although, it wasn't a rider was "FREE HOUSE WITH PURCHASE OF LAWN." That one had me laughing.

Kathy

Sign riders are like bumper stickers.  Both support the manufacturer that made them and the marketing company that sold them.  If an agent uses generic broker supplied yard signs, I guess the agent identification rider is useful.

I agree with #14 and #18...use for important added features.  Great post Maureen.  I'm late to the party, but I suggested!

'Morning, Maureen!  Once again, I thought this was about a different topic...There's a local REA who is also a Stager.  Her signs clearly say this - implying that the property has been professionally Staged.  However, when you look at the photos on MLS, it's clear that no professional Staging has taken place!  Either the clients wanted nothing to do with Staging or she's just not very good.  The bottom line is the public is being misled about the true nature of Staging.

Hi Maureen-I work with a Croton on Hudson Realtor who is also an artist and she has a special rider of her artwork on the top of the sign just to suggest a calm and peaceful environment and that the buyer is buying the neighborhood, not the house.

Maureen there are no sign riders in our area.  Would be interesting to see this..I would certainly stop by. Great comments.

Maureen - I don't know how this post slipped by me, but I'm so glad I caught it. You make a very important point - these riders do say "desperate" in a lot of cases. Price it right, stage it before the home goes on the market and buyers will come! Stale homes get low-ball offers if they get any offers at all!

Interesting comments Maureen. Thanks for bringing up the subject.  The only rider that, IMO, makes sense in my area is VIEW because that's what everyone wants and sometimes you just can't see it from the street.  And oh yeah, Honey stop the car, will certainly work for me....not!!!   I once did a consult with a house that had that sign and the house had NO redeeming features....what???

Maureen - too funny!  The "I'm Gorgeous Inside" gets me the most.  Not far from our house, there's a rider that says that and  I thought it was a pretty nice looking house, but when I saw the rider, I thought, well....maybe it is kind of ugly on the outside.

Great post!  (And looking forward to working with you this week!)

Maureen ~ Great topic for discussion.  Several good points have been made and it's prompted us to think through the whole topic.  Thanks for the post! I'd like to re-post this.

Kathy ~ I've never seen that sign, but it's very clever -- I love it!

Mike ~ The generic signs with broker details are fine, I agree.  The other "cutesy" ones are, as you said, making money for those who sell them!

Sharon ~ Thanks .... the special feature sign riders do make sense.  Too bad someone got the idea to make the silly ones!

Julie ~ That is misleading to both her clients and to the public, who would be expecting to see a home that is clean, in good condition, showing usuable space in all rooms, and is inviting and warm to buyers.  It seems like that type of deception will eventually be found out by the public.

Joanna ~ How does her sign rider portray that, I'm curious?  Is it in words or in some type of artistic design?

Wendy ~ It seems that sign riders aren't used in Canada, from several of the comments.  Don't worry, they can really "junk up" the look of a house for sale, IMO.

Kristine ~ So true ... do the right things before the house is listed, and you won't need any silly sign riders  :-)

Ginger ~ "View" is a great sign rider, and will give potential buyers a push to go see it ... same with "pool" or "Guest house" or things like that.

Susan ~ When I see the "I'm Gorgeous Inside" I always think it's a slam on the exterior of the house, yes!  (Looking forward to our video on Wednesday!)

Maureen.....GREAT post and discussion.  I see lots of these....and most are a bit silly or look desperate.  And I LOVE your closing with the SOLD sign!!! 

Kathy ~ The very BEST sign is the one that says SOLD -- you're so right!!  Thanks for stopping by to comment.

Hi Maureen real estate is local and I imagine sign riders are local too. Here, the I'm gorgeous inside is a little overdone not because of the outside! But because the inside's beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have an eight foot banner that I have used outside a STAGED HOME and both times I have used the banner the houses got an offer quickly. I only use The BANNER when it tells the truth! "I'M GORGEOUS INSIDE!"

Beverly ~ Glad to hear that your banners have worked for you.  The sign riders about pricing and being "gorgeous" likely aren't helping to spur sales, though, for the most part.

I have been contemplating getting sign riders that advertise my website. I am not sure that I will but I am seriousely thinking on it!

Rosalie ~ Website sign riders make perfect sense -- more details for the consumer.  Thanks for chiming in.

Instead of "pending" I use one that says "too late". You can see it on my blog header here.

I find if you have alot of competition in the neighborhood - sometimes a sign rider (used as a 'bullet point') can be a very helpful thing.  I use QR codes on riders leading to the home's website with more info and virtual tour .. also having a brochure box (not those ineffective tubes) with a very slick publication full of photos ..  for those not yet in-the-know about QR codes - and to eliminate tire-kickers.  It's working for me - it's drawing more showings.

As far as the 'schmaltsy' riders ... personally, i don't use them - but there are agents in my office that get offers from them.  I think sometimes - depending on the area - schmaltsy sells .. have you seen the Chick-fil-A billboards? 

Rob ~ 'Too Late' is a great one!   Congrats on being Realtor of the Year at the Coast, too!

Patty ~ It sounds like the QR codes are gaining in popularity, and I agree that a slick brochure is another good marketing tool.  It's also likely that some of the "corny" riders are OK in some areas ... after all, real estate IS local for sure!  Thanks for joining the discussion.

I probably wouldn't want to broadcast - "PRICE REDUCED!"  "I'm gorgeous inside!"  That might be kind of cute, but I would prefer a QR code and domain name as well as phone number.

SOLD is the only one which counts. I hate REDUCED personally. 

Ruthmarie ~ QR codes and domains are good info for buyers .... thanks for your feedback.

Erica ~ SOLD is the best sign there is!

I typically use "Just Listed", "Under Contract"  and "SOLD"

If there is something unique about the property (a swimming pool, for example), I may add that rider to the sign.

Kerry ~ those sign riders all sound helpful -- anything but frivolous.  Thanks for letting us know!

I agree with some of those already posted in regards to sign riders. I personally use POOL HOME to help bring attention to those looking for a pool. SOLD is a good one to show the neighbors you worked hard for your client. Riders with QR Codes, Text Codes, and individual property websites are all helpful in marketing your listing and I've had success with those that have brought me good leads.

Price reduced, new price...those say to me desperate.  Just like when our listing info says "motivated seller"  or "bring all offers"

Maureen, We don't use much sign riders in our ares except to hang our name and cell phone # on the main sigh.  I do like I'M GORGEOUS INSIDE! but really gong to look into what Kathy said in comment#23 "FREE HOUSE WITH PURCHASE OF LAWN."

Leonard ~ "Pool" is indeed helpful info for buyers .... and of course SOLD is the best. It sounds like the riders you use are good marketing tools.

Nancy ~ I see so many "price reduced" and "new price" or "bring all offers" -- it really does sound like desperate sellers, agreed.

Steve ~ I like that sign too and think it's hysterical!!  Bet it gets a lot of laughs.

SOLD

Philip ~ That is the only one that really counts!

I like them. Some homes are plain on the outside and gorgeous in the inside...others are waterfront but you can't tell from the road... and on a busy street, sometimes Honey may need to be told to stop the car! The good news is you get to choose (or your seller.) We do not use riders on EVERY listing, other than the ones with the listing agent's name and their cell number.

Joni ~ I think it depends on the practice in your area, too.  If they work for you, that's what counts!  Thanks for stopping by to comment.

I read alot of QR codes but have yet to see a phone that can scan a QR from the car. Use something meaningful. Text ##### for pics and price is one i like and use. Attract attention and grab leads are key so. HONEY STOP THE CAR! or similar would get attention. Mike

Mike ~ I often wondered how your phone can capture a QR code from a distance too!

Hi Maureen...our office use a couple of these riders - I especially like the 'silly' one: "Honey! Stop the car".  Depending on the neighborhood, the right rider could be the key to your next sale. Thanks for sharing these suggestions.

nice catch Maureen.

I have to admit to hating riders with a vengeance... my 800# is printed on the sign, as is everything else important.

The signs with riders to me look like all that was an afterthought, which implies the agent has a bad marketing plan our one they didn't think much about.

Just my 2 cents.

Yes sign riders should be used wisely and not for silly. I like to use a scan QR code for a tour inside.

"Gorgeous Inside"... if it looks that bad outside, call a Contractor or a Landscaper.

"Price Reduced", "Motivated Seller" - forget the Rider, cut the Price to shreds.

Appointment Only or Open this Sunday from Noon to 5, are acceptable Riders.

 

Hi Maureen--just stopping back to say Congratulations on the Feature!!!

Ruby ~ The right rider can indeed make a difference -- thanks for your comment.

Terkel ~ Amen.  Lack of marketing is no excuse for a badly-placed sign rider.

Sherry ~ That makes sense.  I'm curious, do buyers tell you they use the QR codes?

Fred ~ I couldn't have said it better myself.

Janet ~ Thanks for your return visit -- it's always nice to hear from you!

Price Reduced?

That is not a good sign. . . you are a good sales person and I was the homeowner I'll fire my agent. .

The best sign rider these days. .. . 

QR code 

I came here to read the comments.  Interesting.  I'm inclined to use only those riders that are factual.  The other descriptive ones do tend to be a bit desperate.

Maureen sign riders are great when used correctly. they should be in good condition, not bent, not rusted, attached properly and 1 per sign. I see signs with 3 or 4 riders hanging under the sign and it looks bad.

This would be a better option and is what I use on some of my listings, not all.

With the use of technology, I would say a QC would be the best!

MobileRealEstateID.com has the sold sign rider where you can text for listings on the home or scan the QR code, too. I also like my ad theme as a rider.

We are currently using a QR code sign rider on top and a home warraty sign rider on bottom. Must see inside means the house has no curb appeal and the others are a sign of defeat.

Under contract and SOLD signs used as well.

When the sign riders are about the property, they're fine.  But when I see a sign that is adorned with two or three (or more) riders that are all about the listing agent or the listing company, it seems to me that self-promotion is not what sign riders should be used for.

I've seen sign riders above and below the main sign, sometimes linked together in clusters, with "Top Selling Agent" or "Visit MY Website" (where they will see competing listings, of course), or a lot of other company/agent cheerleading.  These are lawn signs, on the seller's property, not agent billboards. They are supposed to be about the property.

A phone number or web URL is fine, but people who turn their lawn signs into bus benches annoy me.

 

 

The only riders I place are my name/phone number and an "Open Sunday" or similar sign for an open house.  The other signs such as "price reduced", etc. send the wrong message and don't appear professional.

 

Fernando ~ thanks for weighing in on this topic!  (I'd be upset if the listing agent used "price reduced" on my property)

Gabe ~ Facts are always good for buyers to see

Scott ~ Right! Signs have to be in good shape or they reflect badly on the house and the listing agent.

Corinne ~ your sign looks like a good option and gives helpful info about the property.  Thanks for sharing it.

Kathy ~ The code seems like a popular option today!

Cheryl ~ Could you share with us what your ad theme is?  Does it depend on the property?

Michael ~ sign riders that indicate no appeal or defeat are the ones that really should be banned ... IMO as a seller or potential buyer.

Eric ~ Bus benches indeed LOL!  You hit the nail on the head when the sign is about the agent or brokerage.

Bryan ~ Your riders are helpful to buyers. As a seller I'd want everything about my listing to be professional.  Bad sign riders would make me think hard about my agent.

Congrats on the feature Maureen! I tend to agree with you on those riders, the best one though you're right is the SOLD sign!

Karen ~ Thanks!  "SOLD" is the sign rider that really counts, isn't it?

Perfect topic to showcase the intelligence for using staging services, Maureen.  I agree that you get mixed messages with many of the "riders".  I've often wondered why the more peripheral services in real estate (such as your business and mine) are not using signs.  I think actually THAT could be more informative as to the condition inside and the possibility of owning the home??  As usual, you provide great food for thought ...

Gene

The only additional sign riders I use are "Under Contract" or "Sold".

Gene ~ I think buyers would be interested in financing information, because after all that's one of the most important factors when purchasing a home.  Stagers don't usually want to advertise outside the property that it's staged, though.  Thanks for joining the discussion, and have a great week!

Rebecca ~ Those are definitely good ones!!

Hi Maureen,

Around here we see a lot of Price Reduced and Motivated Seller. It makes me think, Ok, what's wrong with this place.

Linda ~ I think exactly the same thing you do!  Condition or price must be "off"

Clever post Maureen! Agreed...SOLD is the best sign to see. Why cheapen the impression of a property with cheezy hook phrases that don't work??

Maureen:  What a terrific post and so well received.  Congrats on the feature. I see some of these add-ons and don't think they add value to the sale of a home.  My favourite is - Motivated Sellers.  What were they before?  Sitting there hoping no one would come in to see their home but now they are serious?  Yikes!