Signage is one of the realtor’s key marketing tools that has been tried and true over the years. Even though technology has advanced and online searches are now the means most people use to find homes, “for sale” signs are still very important and can be successful in selling homes.

Key Factors In A Successful “For Sale” Sign

It is important for realtors to remember that the “for sale” sign is all about the house and not all about the selling agent. A great “for sale” sign should include information that potential buyers need to know about viewing the home. All “for sale” signs need to include the following information:

• The listing agent’s name.
• The agency or agency logo.
• The listing agent’s phone number.
• A web address to find out more about the home.

When a realtor includes the agency brand name on their signs, it creates the image of trust and professionalism. Design your signs to meet the interests of your audience and always ensure the text on the sign is large enough and legible enough to read from a distance.

Design Of A “For Sale” Sign

Many realtors have adopted adding their own pictures to their signage. However, this can be a distraction to potential buyers. You don’t want to include anything on “for sale” signs that will take away from the important information you are trying to send to potential buyers. The signs need to be professional and eye-catching. When a realtor spends money on the production of “for sale” signs they want to make sure they are going to be successful marketing tools that are designed to attract a high volume of potential buyers. The goal with “for sale” signs is to attract enough potential buyers that you actually sell the property.

The logo

The agency logo should be exactly reproduced to maximize branding. Utilizing a single font and matching colours on the signage is also an important key design. Use modern design elements and bold colours to create an eye-catching sign. Bright and bold colours draw the eye faster than dark and dingy colours. The key is to have your signs noticed instantly. “For sale” signs should cause a call-to-action. A superior designed “for sale” sign should prompt potential buyers to take some sort of action such as calling the realtor for more information, visiting the website to learn more about the home, or even attend an open house. 

Placement of Signage

Selecting the right placement for signage is just as important as creating a successful sign. The whole idea of placing signs on a property is to advertise it is available for purchase. Signs need to be highly visible from all directions. This is so those who drive-by can become aware the property is for sale and can inquire about the home. Signs should be placed at all entrances to the neighbourhood as long as you are in compliance with city rules and regulations. In rural areas, signs may have to be placed at the entrance of roadways. These types of signs may require arrows to show the direction of the property that is for sale. It is a wise idea to keep the number of signs on the property to a minimum as it can take away the curb appeal from the home. Good indications of successfully produced signs and placement of the signs are:

• Large rise in website visits to view the home.
• Large rise in phone calls to the listing agent enquiring about the home. 
• Large turn out for open houses. 

Signage Costs

Realtors’ signage costs will vary depending on the quality of the sign. Ordering in quantity can help to reduce some of the costs.

Some factors that may increase the cost of signs are:

• Sturdy solid signs
• Multiple Colours
• Signs with strong metal posts
• Signs with sturdy wooden posts
• Signs with frames

Some factors that may reduce the cost of signage are:

• Order signs in bulk
• Stick to a couple of colours
• Sturdy but not the top of the line metal or wooden posts
• Order all signs at the same time, for example, open house signs and “for sale” signs

Tips For Realtor Signage

• If you can afford better quality material for your signs do so. The higher the quality of the material, the longer the sign will last. If you skimp on the material, it may end up costing you more in the long run when you have to keep replacing the signs on a regular basis. 
• Always ask the company that is making your signs for a proof copy so you can view it before the final print. 
• Make sure you stay within your agency’s regulations pertaining to signage. It is a wise idea to see what the regulations are prior to having your signs made so you don’t waste money by having to have them re-done. 
• Research city and town by-laws regarding placement of signage on government property.
• Consider placing signs indoors of the listing property to make potential buyers feel welcome to view the home.
• Sometimes less is more when creating realtor signage, don’t make the signs too busy and ensure all pertinent information stands out. 

The Benefits of Realtor Signage

Realtor signage has been in existence for years and has come a long way over the years. There are several benefits to utilizing realtor signage. Some benefits include:

• Increase in exposure 
• Increase in drive-by traffic
• Increase in phone calls and emails
• A larger number of attendees at open houses
• Promoting Your Brand
• Promoting Your Name
• Can lead to other listings and sales

Other Forms of Realtor Signage

Many realtors opt to go the extra mile and place their custom signs on benches by public transit stops as well as on public transit vehicles. Realtor signs may be placed anywhere as long as it is within the regional by-laws and rules and regulations of the brokerage. Some realtors even invest in open house flags to grab potential buyers’ attention. These flags can be placed on the listed property or at entranceways to the neighbourhood.