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Signs, Signs, everywhere there's signs..blocked out by the scenery, and wasting my time...(sounds kinda like TESLA)..REDUX

I thought about my blog long and hard since last week...I originally published it with the statement listed below, but for some, that wasnt good enough...Sooo...contrary to my thinking, I decided to pull it, or take it down. This was VERY discouraging to me, because in the end all I was trying to do was help. I have/had more faith in the quality of the Realtors on Active Rain than in general because everyone on here seems to WANT to learn more!~ I am even LEAVING some the comments so everyone can read the intial ones left, as I have never been afraid of criticism. I deleted several that were out and out abusive. I also have deleted all of the pictures I personally had taken because examples of what I am talking about, dont seem to be what people want to see!

This was my intial disclaimer

"The following pictures are ones that I have taken on my way to work each day over the past week. I have "whited" out some of the names in order to avoid "issues". My only intention for this blog, is to create awareness, and make suggestions! Nothing is meant personally! Please enjoy the video and music at the end of the blog! Thanks! Bucky

Ask yourself, what is your sign doing for you?

How is your sign portraying your business? How is it portraying your clients home, and what does it represent?"

Over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed MORE AND MORE the For Sale signs in people's yards...some good, some bad, some ugly, and some nice!

My investigation, prior to doing this blog, revealed some interesting persepctives. I would like to share them with you today!

1. Getting a LENDER PARTNER- Some Realtors don't believe in this. None of the signs that I have seen over the past 2-4 weeks have anything to do with a Lender partner. A Lender partner can help you in sooo many ways...just today for example, I stocked a flier box for one of my Realtors. I called another that I am trying to become involved with about their sign having fallen down..at this time, they have not returned my call. NOT having a LENDER PARTNER is a BIG BIG BIG mistake! Rate sheets attached, examples of payments, and working open houses together are just s few QUICK examples!

2. Making sure you have a flier box- I have found during my "investigation", that the general attitude of Realtors who do not have one up is due to them wanting the customer to CALL THEM DIRECTLY off of the sign. BIG MISTAKE!! To me, that is pure arrogance! Or, as I have found thru this blog... in some areas, the flier box is just not allowed! This is sad. Nothing you can really do about this!

3. Most Realtors do not employ a call capture system. This combined with a flier box can be a wonderful way to develop business! Of course, there is a cost. My guess is that quite simply most Realtors do not know about these types of systems! If you have a question about this...email me at Darin@osmwi.com

Think SOLDIER OF FORTUNE!

4. Many of the signs I have seen are tilted, falling down, or in sad shape. Does your company have someone that takes care of this? Or are you personally responsible for doing the work. Either way, going professional all the way is what I am sure everybody wants for their business!

5. It is clear to me, people were offended by my intial post. Well, to that I would say I'm sorry. However, again, if this does nothing but open your eyes to the fact that no matter HOW GOOD a REALTOR you are, sometimes a fresh perspective from "the street" is a good thing! Maybe you should look in the mirror and ask yourself if I offended you, or if it hit home so well that you are really mad at yourself~

6. In no way would I ever want to TACKY UP a For Sale sign! My only suggestion would be to make sure it is in good shape, legible, has all kinds of contact information, and is working FOR YOU, rather than against you! Website information is ALWAYS good on a sign if it fits!

7. Lastly, I am sure that you drive by your listings time & time again. Many of you do not HAVE A PROBLEM with how your equipment looks, but rather than looking at it from YOUR perspective, try looking at the sign from a BUYERS perspective! Do you think that most people have a pen & paper in the car, ready to write down your phone # on their way home from church?? I dont think so..I never did! Do you think from JUST THE OUTSIDE a perspective buyer on a Sunday afternoon can guess how many bedrooms the home has? Many people would say, they can just look it up on the internet...Well, what if they are not online? Dont you think it would be GREAT if they could call an 800#, get information on JUST THIS PROPERTY, in YOUR OWN VOICE, without the hassle of going through the listing line, and putting in a Listing #, etc...and having to navigate the company phone tree? Lastly, wouldnt it be nice to have these perspective buyers phone# and contact information? I think so...because if they are not going to buy THIS HOUSE, they are STILL in the market for one right??...or, why would they have called!

All in all, the SIGN IN THE FRONT yard can do alot for you, or not. What you do with it does reflect on your business to the public, as well as HOW HARD you trying on behalf of the seller to sell their wonderful home!

*************************************************************

Here are some basic and some "not so" basic suggestions regarding signage and it's use!

1. Paint the thing if it is a wooden post!

2. Don't go cheap!

3. Flier box EVERY TIME!- Make sure it is weather proof!

4. Get a Lender Partner- They can help you replenish the fliers and help you defray any costs, as well as supply you with financing deals!

5. GET BETTER FLIERS! Have your Lender partner help you, and if your listing qualifies for financing deals, ADVERTISE IT with additional signage! IE: "THIS HOME QUALIFIES FOR 100% Financing with the USDA"

6. Consider LIGHTING the sign, with a Solar Powered single light! Be the first to do this! You can go with one that is $9.95 aiming UP at the sign like they sell at Lowes or Home Depot, or they make ones that CLIP ON and shine down on the sign! , (about 40 bucks)

7. Make sure your sign is straight, and can easily be seen! Kathleen made a comment on this blog about REFLECTIVE signs...that is an awesome idea too! Thank you!

8. If you attach balloons to the sign for an open house, or any other event, make sure you take them with you and dont let them "die" on the sign!

9. Consider adding a "feature" attachment to the sign...like "waterfront, stables, or other exciting features".

10. Make sure they are easy to add things to..like the texting feature, call capture, or OPEN HOUSE SIGN! In other words, try to go away from Tradional and embrace change! Making sure the sign is versatile it key!

I am a very proud Lender looking to do nothing more than help people sell!

Click on the U TUBE for the video! Enjoy!- Bucky!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

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Posted by Darin Osenberg on 07/13/2009 12:26 PM

Comments (58)

For Sale Signs, the Good the Bad & the Ugly in the Mortgage / Finance Channel

yard signs, for sale by owner, fsbo, realtor, lender, tips, ideas, signage, for sale, selling your home, buyers, mortgages, wisconsin, darin osenberg, pmi

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58 Comments on Signs, Signs, everywhere there's signs..blocked out by the scenery, and wasting my time...(sounds kinda like TESLA)..REDUX

JUL

2009

Cute post! Catchy title! This is a local thing.

In our town we have many restrictions and most of our communities do not even allow signs and most of them that do require them to be the HOA mandated teeny tiny sign that is a special color they make up, like colors no one can see:)

They also allow NO flier boxes, No flyers, No lender riders, no riders, etc etc etc

I can not tell you how many of our signs used to get removed from parts of town that do allow signs. The city picks them up and threw them away. After a while, they win. Katerina

I get your point but in some places, like the Seattle, WA area, many of us agents don't get to choose which yardarm goes in because we rent them from companies like Sign Pros.

WOW, i had no idea! That is amazing to me! I think that should change! Let me know who I need to talk with Katerina, and Ill call them!!! LOL..."Hello, mr & mrs. HOA, this is Bucky..you have your head up your ass! " ...LOL..............I cannot believe this! With all of the other changes, this is one that DOES have to change! NOW, I understand in the CITY....but...geez....at least attach the fliers up by the door then!!! - Thanks for the info!!

Bucky

Reba- That is very important information for me to know...I didn't realize that either! Interesting..I will have to check it out, and later do an update! I LOVE WA btw...my cuz lives in Edmunds! I still think whether you get to PICK or not...you could at least drive by, and make sure it is straight...as well as GO BY AND PAINT THE THING YOURSELF...or, change companies you rent from! - Thank you for sharing ...it is appreciated! -D

Darin, you are blasting people you should be getting business from. You would be surprised who reads these blogs.

Russ- I put a disclaimer at the beginning, and Im sorry, but I disagree, I dont feel I am blasting anyone...now, I KNOW..I know...I debated and debated, but to be honest, many of them...I dont want business from...I have my standards too!! :) seriously, I understand what you are saying..but geez...the people that are complaining the most, are the ones that are trying the least!!! I have chosen a little different path, and while yes, I would love the business from ALL the local Realtors, I can only service so many! I personally, would be taking greater care of my signage, equipment, and/or customer than is happening here! I do hope they are reading this! Not, becuz I want them to dislike me...but because I had the guts to challenge them a bit! As always, I appreciate YOUR comments Russ! - Darin

God information.. My #1 it the saggy sign .. it just says the listing is as tired as I look

Love the post about this topic...

BTW, loved Tesla's version (loved TESLA for that matter) but it was the Five Man Electrical Band that actually wrote the song SIGNS...all the way back in 1971....

I was just a child then! :)

Darin: Your big message should be that whatever anyone does should be done professionally and with pride. Alot of times there isn't necessarily room for all the stuff you'd like to see on there. Plus, some realtors aren't crazy about touting one particular lender partner. Alot would rather have a stable just as we have a stable of realtors who refer business to us. Nice post though.

Oh what a sight to see for tired old eyes.... not. We have some restrictions as well but we are OK with flier boxes (thank goodness) We are attaching and additional sheet printed by a lender for what the rates would be for that priced house etc. other info) Of course we have lender help us out at our open houses too :) - if they can handle it - lol. ~Rita

JUL

2009

Eric- You got that right! Saggy sign, saggy realtor (maybe), or at least saggy attempt right?? LOL Thanks! Hope you got something out of this!

Btw- After Russ's comment, I went to his company website! Their company does things right and very professionally! Even on some lower end properties, their signs were well done! So, my hat's off to them! Truly. However, Russ, you could have your "soldier of fortune" working for you when you are not! :) - Take care! Buckster!

Ron- Dude, I know...You are right! I just wasnt sure about the age brackets is all!!! :) I actually used to DJ quite a bit, and after seeing a few of Jason Sardi's blogs, I thought, ....what the heck...ill add some MTV to this whole game! Glad you enjoyed it! Keep rocking them sales! Darin

Mr. McFadden- I have decided on your Delta Chi Nickname- and no, it isn't FLOUNDER! Your Delta Chi name is: Mr. Other side of the coin. (okay, i know that isnt truly funny), but it was better than Captain Obvious!! LOL... Paul, obviously you are right in some ways. I respectfully and completely DISAGREE with you...Here's why....I have studied under Todd Duncan, as well as I am proud to call Bill Sparkman one of my mentors as well! MOST,not all, including Brian Habib and many others...would NEVER TOUT a STABLE of anything in this business! It does not give you the chance to develop a solid working relationship. Here's an example: EVERY SINGLE SEMINARI have been too, as well as 20 years of experience building my sphere of influence, tells me to work w ith 5-7 Realtors. So, yes, LENDER PARTNER is extremely important!~ Today, more than ever! The only people that do not think so...are lenders that work in a bank that are USED to business walking in the door and across their desk because "it does". You see, you simply cannot dedicate enough quality time to more than 5-7. Otherwise, you are not working the other members of your "sphere". You see, over time, you must have deals coming in from all directions...or you will have monumental ups and downs! Talk with ANY experienced Realtor and they will tell you the same thing! 1 day it is mailers, well, how many a day do YOU send out?...another day it is short sale work, another day is spent on your existing portfolio, another day on social networking, another day on REO work, how about renter lists? Thank you cards?? Technical stuff? ...there is YOUR 5 days! I dont know about anyone else, but I am working 7 days, and I STILL dont accomplish all of my marketing! Paul, my suggestion to you would be if a Realtor isnt totally crazy about touting you, over another lender, either you havent done a good job for them (which I do not imply is the case), you havent shown your importance to them, or maybe they just are not a good fit for working with you! You can fire people in your sphere you know! Consistency, education, relationship building, lead sharing, and trust are VERY important. You cannot do any of those with a "stable" of anything! Sorry...THANK YOU tho for sharing...and I always appreciate the fact that you take the time to comments on my blog! Thank you!- Darin

Rita, I am going to send you an email. I have an idea for you that will take it up ONE more notch! I wish I WAS your Lender Partner! You have ONE HUMUNGOUS thing going for you, and I can hear it in y our words, blogs, voice, everything...EVEN THOUGH....you are doing ALL these other things, you are STILL OPEN to suggestion and not to the point of saying things like..."that doenst work in our area...etc..etc..// Bravo! When my idea that I will give you works...all I ask is that you write a blog about my Marketing genius! :) LOL...Keep selling! You are awesome! - Bucky...err...Darin

I wish you were too - we would rock! lol - thanks Bucky... errr... Darin :) ~Rita

You can't tell a book by its cover, and you can't tell a house by the sign. Bird poop happens. Heck, it's probably on the roof of my car (can't see it). I hope the listing agent has a good excuse for not checking to see if there's bird poop on their sign post. Shame on them! The homes that aren't on the MLS is a pity. They won't get the proper exposure, for sure!

Darin: At first I was expecting this post to be a good one... but yikes, are you picky. I agreed with many of the things that you had to say... the obvious ones... but your criticism of sign picture number 2... I do not agree with. It is very nicely displayed, and sure, it needs a flyer box. But a special financing rider, a complaint about no email address, and then your complaint about no "lender partner." Too much.

I think you are taking a sign... nicely done... and talking about really "junking it up" with all your suggestions.

BUT... and this to me is almost comical... you "almost" approve the sign at the very bottom of your post. Except... once again, you complain about no "lender partner." To me... this sign, and all the "stuff" with it... which you even want to add one more piece of "stuff"... looks incredibly junky. I would classify it as third-rate.

When in doubt... keep it simple. Just my two cents... for a "seasoned" agent.

Carla- More than anything, I was merely going for the effect of people paying ATTENTION to the sign!...That it IS important! Yes, I would be picky if I were a seller! There seems to be quite the difference of opinion regarding flier boxes, as I was told by one local Realtor they were "trained" not to use them, because they would prefer to have the person call them.

Well, that is one opinion. The other I offer is this...If you live in the town you work in, or have listings in..dont you go by them once in a while?? I am sure the rain will take the Poop off yes, but everyone is getting a little bit TOO literal...I was merely going for paying ATTENTION to these things..that's all! - Thank you for taking the time to comment! I appreciate it!

Karen Anne- You know, I do appreciate your comments very much..and yes, I respect your opinion. I probably shud have clarified about the one that I thought was good.

1. HE WAS TRYING!

2. I would never do the text thing! There is a better way!-

3. I would NEVER EVER EVER want to junk something up, many of the signs take care of that all on their own! I merely suggest there is a better way...Let me propose THIS to you....say, you took the sign in #2...that you like, and I AGREE I LIKE...and added a small sign in front that said....."For 24 hour, pre-recorded, free information about this property....dial 1-800-292-1010 ext 10. Would you agree that is a good idea?? THEN, you took the FLIERs one step further, and added a box to your main sign for them, and added that SAME information on the bottom of the flier...then, on the MLS you added "This home qualifies for 100% thru the USDA, call 1800-292-1010 ext 11 for details. WOuld you agree this is a good idea?? CALL CAPTURE!!! This turns your sign into a "soldier of fortune"...If all this blog does is attract attention to the quality of signage put out there for the Realtors on AR, then I have accomplished my goal! I live in a bedroom community of 3000 people, all homes above 175k. Most above 200k. These signs are a travesty. The ONLY ONE in there , that you pointed out, is nice...is the one by the MLS company..and is not a REaltor sign!

I was merely trying to say that there is a better way! Im sorry that you didnt think the POST was a good one! - Thank you very much for sharing tho! I do appreciate it!

JUL

2009

Sometimes it helps to have an "objective" critique.

Agents who have sloppy signage, crappy fliers, etc., are the ones who don't return phone calls, don't present offers timely, etc.

My experience is that agents who pay attention to the details are the ones whose listings sell. . .

IF THE HOUSE IS PRICED RIGHT.

Agents are defensive about their listing practices because, if we are successful, we have strong egos.

Of course, we agents often critique loan officers and that can generate a lot of defensive comments from loan folks who believe that agents are too ignorant to have an opinion on financing.

Further, some of your suggestions are not permitted. In my area, balloons are not permitted because they are considered an "attractive nuisance" and could cause traffic accidents.

However, your message is a good one. Pay attention to the little things.

It is funny you brought this up we were just talking about this at our weekly realtor listing meeting... we have one guy in our town who puts up about 15 signs per listing.. he breaks the city codes and has arrows going to the home from the main streets... the rotary said on cleanup day he was second in litter and trash only to cigarette butts... we thougth that was appropriate .... the law here says signs only on the property... and that would be fine... but some people always cross the line... signage is important and it is like a picture... make it nice... you have one chance to make the first impression.

GREAT POINTS LENN! Truly! I have LEARNED that some of these things ARE NOT PERMITTED! It is surprising, but once again, it is ALL part of knowing your market! Clearly many of the people in "the rain" know their market! Strong egos ARE GOOD sometimes, because we have to be confident in our ability and the job we do! We MUST exude this and pass this feeling on to our customers!

Also though, it is important to be WILLING to accept & embrace change! Thanks Lenn!

D

I think you have a great post here and bring up some very valid points. I like the idea about the lights for the signs, however, we have signs made by Reflective Real Estate Sign Company and they do a great job, cost less than the rest and they can be seen at night just as a street sign can be. Lender partners are a good thing, it's just hard to find the right one as I am sure it is the same with finding a good partner agent.

Sincerely,

Kathleen

Debra- WOW...holy cow! Well, if this character continues on that path, he will be out of money quickly trying to replace these signs! LOL- I appreciate your comments and agree that 1st impressions are important! In addition, I am hoping this spurns a few more Realtors to "trust" in their lender partners again! At the very least, start adding some BETTER information to the fliers, rather than just a copy of the bloody MLS listing! :) Thank you! - Darin

JCKC- Well, you just taught ME something today! REFLECTIVE SIGNS! HUH! THAT IS AN AWESOME IDEA! Actually, I am going to add that to the blog...thank you!- (yes, ill credit you )...LOL
Thank you for the compliment. I think the days or YOR are gone..regarding "moving on" to the next lender or Realtor. I think we ALL need to try harder at Developing the relationship, and BUILDING trust...so when we have situations come up...it isnt the end of the world! ADDING LENDER contact information is NOT forbidden on a flier..(who knew? LOL)....and especially is great information for internet surfers who are 1st time buyers! Adding something like a hanger that says...."great starter home" is a good idea...but backing it up with LENDER INFO...is additional plus! THANK YOU for commenting! It is appreciated! - Darin

I hear great minds think alike. We just retrofitted our signs to feature our website and make our phone number larger and the office number smaller.

TEAM KNOWLES! Yes, great minds think alike! :) Just like small minds think alike too! KW has one of the classiest looking signs I have seen! I am glad you were able to retro fit them! I think SOLAR LIGHTING is one of my better suggestions! I have only ever seen 1, and it looked awesome!

THANK YOU! I appreciate your comments- Bucky

When I started working at a previous real estate office, I expressed several marketing ideas to the manager. Her response to 90% of what I said was "That'll never work." Notwithstanding the advice of my manager, a seasoned veteran, I tried most of my ideas. Some of them worked, some needed refinement, and some did not work. Many of the agents on Active Rain, started in the business before their was an internet, yet here they are interneting away. No matter how proven an agent we are or have been, if we stop listening to new and different ideas, then we will soon be out of the business. I appreciate you comments, suggestions, and thoughts and I welcome your criticism.

This is yardarm territory in Danville/San Ramon and you would think that the signs stay upright. But they don't when the neighbor backs into them. Neighbhorhood children often unhook the riders. I check my signs regularly!

I don't know why any "professional" would object to anything in your post. (Oh, answered my own question) I am lucky to have a Broker, Howard Hanna, who takes pride in everything we do, including signs. They are professionally installed for us and our clients love them. If the "new" post sign is not up in a few days to replace the temporary signs we use, they call me. That's a first for me in this business. Good post, who doesn't like feedback?

Darin,

You are so right. Your sign is your first impression, and you only get one chance to make a first impression! A damaged, falling down broken sign says you don't care about your image and worse maybe you don't care about your clients. You should replace any damaged signs with ones in good condition and always have a flyer box/tube so visitors can take away your contact information. You have to be responsible for refilling the flyers as kids often find it amusing to spread them all over. I try to visit my listings on a weekly basis or more if they are close. Good luck & great post!!

Betina

Ron- You know, honestly, the whole industry needs more "attitudes like yours"...I do not know what kind of Realtor you are, but guessing from your comment...probably A VERY GOOD ONE! I think in OUR industry, the phrase "that'll never work" needs to be deleted from our Vocabulary. Actually, some of the comments on here inspired ME even further...I just called a HOA in Brentwood TN, where a very close friend of mine lives..and they stated even though the RULES say this or that...that you do have the option of petitioning them to allow something different. You see, one of the problems is that people tend to "accept" things because "that is the way there are"...Well, you know, I dont accept that either! You want someone to speak to, or emulate...tt Rita Burke, who's comments are listed above! She has an attitude like noneother! I APPRECIATE the fact that I AM appreciated, and I love helping! You know, today I learned something...why cant other people too?? :)

Thank you! Darin

Vickie, you are so funny! I was just told today, that a backhoe knocked one over at one of the homes I drive by every day! I called the Realtor this am....and the thing is STILL not only back UP, but laying down broken in half! Wow.... I am sure they have something more important going on!! :) Oh, and let me share a FUNNY story with you...AS A JOKE when I was a kid...instead of tee peeing someone house (yes, I am sure I mispelled that), we would take EVERY SINGLE for sale sign, and put it in their yard! Innocent fun yes...pain in the asss...yes...but hey, one more point of contact for the Realtor right??LOL...Thanks as always for sharing Vickie! I appreciate you! - D

David@ Akron Homes- I had considered sharing some of the TRULY negative and hateful comments too, but decided I am wayyy above that! It is AWESOME that you found such a supportive and 1st rate company to work with...notice I didn't say work for! In the end, you only have yourself to be proud of, ashamed of, thankful to/for, or to depend upon! Consumer buy US, not the sign! But hey, that is a great place to start! I have found in my research some companies employ a company to put in their signs!~ In the end, all the REALTOR knows is that it is in! If they live far away, they dont check it...the rely on the company having done a good job! I think the people that have trouble with the FEEDBACK, have trouble with alot of things...including SUGGESTION!! LOL...Thank you for sharing!

Betina- THANK YOU for sharing! I am also amazed at the # of Realtors who dont give the SELLER a stack of FLIERS to help keep the box filled! Really?? WOW...that is amazing dont you think?? EVEN WITH THE LOAN SIDE, I have found keeping the customer INVOLVED helps the relationship and shows value on both sides! Glad you enjoyed the post, and thank you for commenting! - Darin

Hi Darin,

I wish I got to see the photos before you took them down. Good points in your blog. If you have a call capture or a texting feature, I don't believe you need a flyer box. I can easly include the information in a text or in a recording. I can't say I'm a "green" agent but I do try to keep waste to a minimum.

Pam- You know, send me an email to Darin@osmwi.com and I will gladly send you a few of them!

In regards to the CALL CAPTURE, you are right, you dont NEED a flier box...however, having that same INFORMATION on the fliers will help you capture even MORE leads! One of these days, we will be able to attach things to our blogs I hope! THEN, it would be nice to show EVERYONE what I am talking about!! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! - Darin

I have found that since I started buying my own signs I take much better care of them! Perhaps brokers should stop spoiling agents by providing signs and they would take more pride of ownership with them if they were a business tool that agents had to pay for out of their own hard earned money! We pay a sign guy to do most of ours these days.

Darin: Are you stirring up the Realtors again? You are such a bad boy.

Lenn: you said:

Of course, we agents often critique loan officers and that can generate a lot of defensive comments from loan folks who believe that agents are too ignorant to have an opinion on financing.

What you call a critique is often just a rant, not an "opinion", about a loan that went sour. Having a hissy fit and spewing negatives about the mortgage industry just may cause a real estate agent to appear ignorant.

Not because they don't know about mortgages, or because they should not be allowed to have an opinion.

Because they do not know how to handle themselves in a professional manner.

They should think about that before they write a post that is an igno-RANT.

Hi Darin,

Signs being "seen" in my area is a problem, but we have to go with county rules and regs and put them off the right of way on the street. The county regularly picks them up if they are not. So out by the street where it can been seen is a no go, has to be behind the property pins. Sometimes that means 15 feet down the driveway. (behind the shrubs) I buy extra tall ones. If we have an open house we put out temps while we are there and even from time to time the "code enforcement officer" better known as the "sign witch" has picked those up while we are inside the home. We are fortunate to be able to put large signs on the lake side of our listings on the lake. GA power owns the lake and they tend to be helpful to agents unlike the county officials who seemingly coundn't give a rats behind about local businesses.

I would say in the least, thank you for getting me to think more about signage!

Hi Darin,

I am a freak when it comes to how my business looks. I have spent hours upon hours critiquing my sings, fliers, advertising, and pictures. Any agent that doesn't, doesn't seem to do that well.

-Lisa

Darin -

Great blog, and I don't know what some people have complained about. If the shoe fits, wear it. If not, toss it! Same goes with blogs.

Now for me, flyers, nope. Get more sign calls and are able to turn them into buyers for other properties if I actually talk to them. And almost everyone has a cell ohone with a msg pad to write down my phone number. The light will get stolen... just like the magnets on a lot of our cars. Sign posts are done by the professional sign co., etc.

I'm all for the little things, but it's more important for me to get them on the phone rather then hand them a flyer or website! Dang, I must be good on the phone! LOL

Thanks Darin! http://www.reflectiverealestate.com/ is the company we go through to order our signs, they are beautiful! He does a wonderful job, fairly quick and a great price compared to the local Sign A Rama out here. We just ordered 10 new panel signs for about $500....I know in my area I can't get the reflective large panels like that for that cheap. Thanks again for the reference, I wasn't even thinking about it!

You have a great point, putting the numbers on paper and advertising it with your listings sure does help bring home buying into a reality for people. Thanks for the blog!

Sincerely,

Kathleen

Jeani at Exit- You know, very profound comments...and I AM GLAD they came from a REALTOR! :) LOL.....

"I have found that since I started buying my own signs I take much better care of them! "- You know, it is no different than renting really isnt it? Would you take care of the lawn that you are renting better than one YOU OWN?? GREAT POINTS! Thank you for your perspective!- D

Janet G- I think you are "stumping now!" :) LOL....I really had not intended to "stir things up", but prior to the REDUX that is definitely what I did! Truly wasnt my intention, but hey...that happens sometimes! I really liked this blog, and spent some time on it. I had hoped Realtors especially would have been more accepting is all! Thanks! I have the one you and I have talked about coming out next week! I PROMISE!- Darin

Tammy- I would think LIGHTING your signs would be EVER more important now if that is the case! I wonder if you could attach a flier box to their MAILBOX and not get into trouble?? Also, have you ever tried petitioning for a change?? Just curious! THANKS for sharing! - Darin

Josh- You know, that is what I was going for! Im glad you got something out of it! THANK YOU!! - Darin

Lisa U- Nice to see you again! .... You are echoing some of what LENN HARLEY said, and I totally agree! YOU should be a freak because it is YOUR business and your paycheck, or not! ..I think many of the signs I have seen have been VERY REFLECTIVE of the agents that are selling the home! Sadly....THANKS FOR CONTRIBUTING TODAY!!!- Buckster!

Linda M- I hope you come back and read this response. Let me THROW something at ya....How about the buyers that DONT WANT to talk to a REALTOR and get the "hard sell" over the phone, or feel "pushed" to give up their email/phone#, address etc...or the ones that say...can I have your #, and Ill call you?? Linda, Im sorry, but I think you are wrong. I have a personal challenge for you! If you were to TRY things, the way I am suggesting...and it didnt work...I WOULD PAY for the months of the service for you...! There, you have it in writing!! 90 Days! However, if I am right! You pay...THere, it is a no lose situation for you! However, you would have to do a couple of things! Better yet, have your OWN LENDER PARTNER take this challenge with you! If you are that good on the phone, how would a FREE 800#, with unlimited extensions, and recording that YOU CAN MAKE yourself about the house...that you can TRAP the phone#'s, 100% of the time sound?? Email me, I will send you the link, and the super duper CODE i got for all AR members! My email is Darin@osmwi.com Thanks! I appreciate the kind words, perspective, and comments!- Darin

Kathleen- Thanks again for your WONDERFUL information and link! I appreciate it, and I am sure your sphere person will too! ...I think the #'s are HUGE, because they know RIGHT AWAY if they can afford it or not! Experienced Realtors also can help with this, because they ONLY want to show properties and make offers on properties a person can afford!

All in all, Ill say this...Another thing we ALL HAVE TO THINK about, is if the customer is a buyer now, 1 month from now, 1 year from now, or never! The LENDER PARTNER relationship is VERY important in this part of the process, and personally I think is MORE NECESSARY today than it ever has been!

Thanks and YOU are welcome!

I always love the sign that looks like someone hit it with a car and dragged it... then propped it back up...

JUL

2009

Hi Darin -- many of the things you mention have to do with local rules/regs and others are the reality that some folks just don't pay attention to or bother with. But also depending on the community/area iinvolved the seller has some responsibility in alerting the listing agent to sign problems, etc. I know that some times folks like to play tricks and move/relocate For Sale signs, trash them, etc. A listing agent can't be watching all their listing signs constantly unless they have them on web cams (just funning w/that remark!) -- this is assuming they have more than one listing. In "normal" times I would agree that financing info from a lender is important to have available in the property along with a property brochure for potential buyers to remember the property by. With the short sales/foreclosures it is a little different (or maybe that thought should be re-thought.)

Thanks for the post and I saw nothing offensive that any professional would/could object to. In any profession there are the good and the not so goods.

I love the signs that you can't find solid ground to stomp them into!! You know -- the ones where every place you try to place it the builder, or whatever, placed pebbles/stones right under the dirt and you can't even pound into the ground or find the ground. A pet peeve of mine.

Sue of Robin and Sue

Lane- From the car guy, that is a funny retort! :)...have you ever done that?? I have ONE of the pics I had HAD in the old blog that LOOKED like it got hit by a car....funny thing is, it STILL LOOKS LIKE THAT>>>and worse! I even called the REALTOR! Ignored!- Ta daaa Darin

Nice Star homeboy. Didn't know that you had it in you for two in one week! I saw a post on this a bit ago. I think it was from Lenn. Same result....gold star. This is a good topic. You can control your image. Just put the good stuff out there and bury or redo the bad. Congrats D MONEY!

Robin &^ Sue- You had alot to say in your response...THANK YOU! That was great! I think you are right...that the SELLER SHOULD be more responsible for the sign...that is also why I suggested giving THEM fliers to help stock the box!

You know, I am sure that SOME SIGN COMPANY somewhere, figured out HOW to get around the "hard ground" issue. I know in Tucson AZ where my folks live, people get concerned about the sign screwing up their landscaping, as there is no grass! Well, you know, some people just have to get over it! The sign is not JUST advertising for YOU and YOUR business, but it is the Silent Warrior when people from 3rd shift are driving by, or on SUNDAY when people are out visiting open houses in the neighborhood. It is PART of selling a home! If a neighborhood association, or HOA, or whatever, told ME that I couldnt put a sign in my yard to sell MY house...I would challenge them legally. I could care less what association papers say...and btw- who's responsibility is it to explain the ASSOCIATION rules & paperwork?

Lastly, the LENDER PARTNER INFO I disagree with you on. Many of them can include multiple payment and loan size options. Even for short sale people, you dont have to show it as smaller purchase price, just smaller LOAN size!

Great input...thank you! and today, more than ever...A LENDER PARTNER is critical! Thanks! D

Larry, thanks ! I appreciate it! I am sure yours today...will get a star too! I saw it and was shocked! Great job and getting IT back out there too!

You know, Andre Agassi used to say..."Image is everything"...However, in some people's eyes, I guess it is based on WHo you are marketing too!

Congrats on the Ambassadorship too!

D

Sometimes when are not really close to the listing, you aren't aware that the ground heaved the sign crooked...it fell...we seldom have vacant homes or ones we don't see a minimum of weekly but weather...snow plows...etc. can play nasty tricks on what was probably a well placed sign at the inception.

Hey Guys!

You know, that is why you are exceptional Realtors. You see them weekly, or so...That is alot in my opinion...so great job..and great points! HEAVING is a great word...but I have seen the signs here, be like they are...for the past MONTH. That is irresponsible, and they wonder why they are not selling! WOW...I hadnt considered the affect of the snowplows either....I think then, people have to take THAT into condsideration when they are PLACING the sign..and the time of year! I am certainly no expert...just an observer! Thanks you guys! You both ROCK!- Buckster J Buckster

JUL

2009

Darin,

Congratulations on the feature!!

If you attach balloons to the sign for an open house, or any other event, make sure you take them with you and dont let them "die" on the sign!

That's my favorite out of the bunch. I've landed, completed my first day, and have a VA purchase application to the processor. Come on over and check it out on my blog.

Mike in Tucson

Mike, well, that didnt take long@! I kinda figured! My folks were here visiting yesterday and the NIGHT before, and I told them what happened! They werent even concnered! Anyway, yeah, the balloon thing was something I got from a friend! She had an open house, and the REALTOR never took down the balloons. She went out of town during the week, and came back over a week later, and they still were not down! Yuck! Owe, and the house was a 3200 sq ft, 4 bedroom, brick colonial with full basement, in the Atlanta area!

Ill visit you soon! Thanks..and glad you liked the blog!@ Thanks also for the kind words!

D

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Darin Osenberg

Nashville, TN

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Funky Quail Vintage

Address: krovy@aol.com, Nashville, Tn, 37211

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