Ugly Yellow Signs are just that: Big yellow signs, usually written in magic marker. In a world with thousands of highly polished ad messages, these signs get noticed because they aren't polished. They are ugly, yellow, and hard to ignore. See my lovely example:

 


The Ugly Yellow Sign gets people interested with a simple headline such as "Buy This Home - NO MONEY DOWN. (888) 555-8888 ext. 500" or "Must Sell - Call for Recorded Info: (888) 555-9999".

Once the potential buyer calls the toll-free #, their information is captured either by caller-id or through asking for their info to be left as a voice mail message.

Some of those that use the caller-id method have a small message on the yellow sign with a disclaimer stating that those who call give permission for follow up calls. An easy way to make sure you're in the clear for the do-not-call list.
The Ugly Yellow Signs attract people who were interested enough in your headline to call. If they called, odds are they are interested in purchasing a new home soon. One of the tricks of these leads is to call them back quickly. When calling these leads, you'll definately see a difference between calling same day vs. even one or two days later.

Your Ugly Yellow Sign, paired with a good call capture system or text messaging service like Bouncepad, could drastically increase your book of business.

This signage is what you might call "unconventional", but it really makes the phone ring!
Click here for a quick testimonial video from someone at the By Referral Only main event seminar.

 

8 Comments on Realtors: Have you heard of the Ugly Yellow Sign method of generating leads?

MAY
25
2007
120,826 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog
That is definetly an ugly sign!  I might call it if I were interested in buying something like that and I would also not think that a "professional" put the sign there.  I'd think it was a "cheap" FSBO.  I guess I would not want prospects to think like I think about that sign and then associate that to me.
5:49pm • #1
1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor
While my signs are not that ugly they are yellow. They do grab attention. I have taken listings that other folks have had for 6 months and the day I put the sign out I get calls saying they didn;t even know it was for sale.
5:51pm • #2
167,509 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jeff---I've got an entire box of UGLY YELLOW SIGNS!!  Are you a membere of BRO?  Attended a MAIN EVENT?  What an AWESOME SYSTEM!!  I joined last October and have put this system into place.  IT WORKS...it REALLY works!!
5:56pm • #3

Susie,

I have several clients that are BRO's.  In fact, I just talked my brother-in-law into joining.  Their systems and ideas work.  Plain and simple.

Cynthia,

I can understand about not wanting to look "unprofessional".  It's a risk you just have to be willing to take.  If you're confident in your ability to show value to your clients in other ways besides a big fancy yard sign, I say it's a risk worth taking. 

6:01pm • #4
138,927 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Looking unprofessional is an aside- if it gets people to notice a property, you're doing your job.  HOWEVER...what do the neighbors think?  I'd be curious to know (although if it's rapidly followed with a "sold" rider, I don't need the answer)!
6:09pm • #5
1 Featured Post
They get your attention.  But do they get deals.
11:20pm • #6
MAY
26
2007
864,198 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

According the NAR they are against the code of ethics! It says you have to present yourself as a Realtor and not trick people into calling.

I use pro-quest (1-800) call capture and I was going to do this until I talked to a representative from NAR about my idea. They have some great ideas on how to advertise, but this isn't one of them. I was told by NAR that you can actually get in big trouble with NAR if you try this approach.

Todd

1:45am • #7

I think you'd just need to put something in the disclaimer at the bottom of the sign to avoid the mighty wrath of NAR!  Personally I don't think there's anything tricky about the signs.  I guess it's all in the interpretation...

 

10:38pm • #8

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Jeff Rainmaker_large

Jeff Bernheisel

Portland, OR

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Homequest/ M Realty

Address: 2211 NW Front Ave, Suite 101, Portland, OR, 97209

Office Phone: (503) 459-4474

Cell Phone: (503) 780-4596

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