Special offer

Sign or no sign ? Rider or no Rider ?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Sun & Sea

In the high end market many sellers are cautious and specifically ask that no "For Sale" sign be placed on the property. Their concerns primarily include:

- security: some people see a for sale sign as an open invitation to trespass and walk around the property, especially if the property appears unoccupied

- privacy: they don't want the neighbors and passers-by to know and fuel speculations as to the motivations for selling

Beyond the sign itself, a rider may be inappropriate. Such as:

- "Price Reduced": sends the message that the seller and the agent overpriced the property and the price may still be unrealistic and may come down more if the buyer waits. This may also signal desperation and invite lowball offers

- "Must Sell": screams of desperation and will surely attract sharks.

- "Priced to Sell" or "Will not Last": looks silly when the property is sitting for months on the market...

I always discuss with the sellers the appropriateness of a sign and how much information may be disclosed on my custom signs. In most cases, a simple and elegant sign with agent info is all that is needed.

Some communities prohibit signs or restrict them in size and appearance.

Ben Giordano, MBA, MILHM, CDPE, REOS, Realtor

Waterfront Specialist

www.EliteWaterfront.com

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Posted by

Ben Giordano, MBA, MILHM, CDPE, REOS, Realtor

Waterfront Specialist. Visit our website for our unique coastal waterfront market statistics, listings, and sales information.

www.EliteWaterfront.com

Selling the Best Waterfront Homes and Condos from Palm Beach to South Beach

Ocean, Intracoastal, and Canal Homes and Condos in the Following Coastal Cities: Palm Beach, Manalapan, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Surfside, Miami Beach, and South Beach.

Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
410-935-5844 Office - Cockeysville, MD

Ben,

Those are very good points.  I suppose that most buyers, especially for high end properties, are not finding them by driving around.  Certainly there are other ways to notify the local neighbors, should the seller find it acceptable, rather than by using a sign.

Nov 26, 2009 06:47 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I wonder what would happen if high end retail stores also decided not to post their name or sign. When I look at it that way, it makes it easier to try to have Seller's agree to the sign to market the property.

Nov 26, 2009 07:45 AM
Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS
iTexas Realty Co. - San Antonio, TX

Hi Ben-  I think that you raise a good point regarding signage being appropriate to an area and also to the type of home.  We have listings that don't use signage (nor the MLS).  It's such an individual choice between the Seller and their agent.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!  --Sara in San Antonio

Nov 26, 2009 08:32 AM