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The Signs Say -WE BUY HOMES!

I know there's a lot of these "We buy houses" signs all over the nation...but right here on Oahu?

We went out yesterday and within 10 minutes of each other there were signs for "WE BUY HOUSES".

One was right in our residential area and the other one right on the highway.

Now, we are always instructed to not place our Open House signs on the highways (and this is just for a couple of hours) so why do these guys get to have theirs up 24/7?

These advertising bits are all over the internet and on streets. .....Boasting "We Buy Houses For Cash! Avoid Foreclosure! Buy a Foreclosure Home! Sell Your House Today!"

Is it that easy?

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate on 08/24/2008 10:51 PM

Comments (108)

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Originally posted at: Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations : The Signs Say -WE BUY HOMES!

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108 Comments on The Signs Say -WE BUY HOMES!

AUG

2008

First of all they are probably not real estate companies or licensed agents. Most are people working the Carlton Sheets type systems. They are independent investors and they could care less about the real estate laws. The real problem is that your local insectors don't enforce the law, so what's new about that, it happens everywhere. So good luck in your efforts but I would spend my time worring about them, it's not productive. If you have time to worry about those things I would use it going to the beach.

best to you

I've seen my fair share of these signs too! What are they up to exactly? I have a funny feeling what they are up to is not good. Predatory advertising. I'm SURE it is illegal to post these signs on the public right of way.

Most times these are people that are looking for the deal of deals. And those deals only exsist if they are taking advantage of someone. IE 80 year old laddy that owns a home owes 100k and it is woth 400k she is back on her taxes and nervous they may come in and buy that home for 115. But otherwise they will not be a much help to people. It is a low cost way for them to find bargins but must sift though a ton of other stuff first

Hey Sally,

The term for them is bandit signs, I have employed them for a side marketing campaign I set up for Homehelpers911.com, with a little over 200 signs I picked up 5 clients. It seemed to have worked better for marketing a service and I have never employed them to market a specific product. Google bandit signs and you will get more info.

With returns like that you know why you always see them.

Take care!

RJH

We've always had them around here. Maryland permits Land Contracts and there is a thriving business for these scavengers.

This is nothing new around here. I think we are just noticing them lately.

Hey Hollis! No worrying here...just wondering why our city and county doesn't enforce the laws...:) And going to the beach is not on the agenda today...Costco IS! Have a good day!

Mott: And you're correct. I know it's predatory as the one of those guys runs around in a van with the stuff plastered all over it :)

Ed: It's weird because this island is so small that it's not like they aren't going to ask someone...in any case...these must be the same guys that fax a thousand one page "offers" at 100k below asking.

Lenn: They started popping up the last few months...and I notice them now because they're in MY neighborhood!

Woo-Hoo: We have rules about where NOT to place our fFOR SALE signs (or We BUY Homes, signs)....and the rules are getting tighter. I would suggest calling the county and get the "Sign COP" to take care of it. He'll probably ask for addresses/streets, and you can even supply pic's. I've seen dozens and dozens of those WE BUY HOMES signs down the hill. But up here in my area, there are NO FOR SALE signs (in Lake Arrowhead), except for the occasional FSBO. Since this is a resort area and signs tell burglars, "Oh, no one is home here," it is just a gentleman's agreement not to have them all over the place.

These signs are on every other corner in our area. It does seem quite unfair that those signs seem to stay up and ours have to come down. If it is an ordinance it needs to be uniform for everyone.Thanks, Keith

Sally, It drives me nuts too! Really. I see them all over the place but if I put a sign out the city will confescate it. Could we put up signs that simply say "we sell houses?" with a phone number? Tit for a tat! Hummm. We could all claim to buy houses for the right amount...100.00...sold!

LOL. Later in the rain~Deb

Sally, it is so tacky. I cannot believe someone would actually go for it.....I like the saying, "if it seems too good to be true, it is." We have them here as well - sigh! ;-)

Sally, Our city does not allow signs for advertising, but these guys get away with their little signs all the time. I wonder if they pay the city a substantial fee to keep their signs up for a while!

I am in agreement with you. Whether it is real estate or otherwise I find those signs annoying and surprising they are left up.

Sally, I think they are the people that sat up late watched infomercials and took one of the real estate get rich quick schemes. If is too good to be true, it is.

They buy them by the 100s. The County crews take them down and they put up more. I have spoken with out elected officials about introducing a law to better protect the public from some of the scams that many of these folks are pulling on desperate sellers.

Maybe I should buy 500 signs that say "I Sell Homes" and place them right next to each of them.

Sally, They are (very sadly) all over the place here. I hate seeing them and remember a few years ago when I'd never seen one. I don't believe they should be allowed myself.....(although I'm sure many would disagree with me).

Those stupid signs are all over our area...they drive me nuts!

Sally we have them all over the place also. They just put them up without permission, and leave them up until someone takes them down. I guess they feel that losing a sign is a cheap price for the exposure they get while it is up.

If it were that easy for them to buy houses maybe sellers won't have to be in forclosure. Good thing they have more money than banks.

Kat: We do too but I guess everyone starts putting their signs all over when it suits them. Garage sales, church meetings, soccer and stuff. What's one more about buying home? Geez.

Keith: I agree....

Deb: Not only are these signs not right......I wonder of the sincerity or ulterior motive behind it.

Teri: Yup...tacky. I'm glad we do what we do and do it right. We are the true thing. I hope not many are falling prey to these types of advertising.

Mana: I know it's not legal to do so....but we need more enforcement around here...I think the problem is that it's a weekend ?? Nah...I see em during the week as well.

Pat: Yeah..me too..but what can we do...we don't work for the city :)

Audrey: Hey...then there's others that got licenses thinking the same thing :)

Randy: Well, no wonder they all look new all the time :) Yeah, you can put your slogan on them too. :)

Carole: I would presume...the ones that disagree with you are the ones in on all of this. :)

Jeremy: Aww....you just wish you could too ...just joking ...:)

George: Yeah...and to think...they should be wasting all their money with newspaper ads too. :)

Lizette: Hahahah. I wonder.....

Sally, these signs are all over DC! I had an old lady client whose house wouldn't sell, and every time she saw one of these signs, she would call and rant. Yikes!

Sally - yeah, we see these all the time. Also the WE BUY FORECLOSURES and similar ads. Someone must be making some money. I always have the urge to call and see what they are about but haven;t watsed my time. Perhaps some day. It may be good for a laugh,

Jeff

Pat: WOW!

Jeff: That's what we think...my husband wanted to call them.

Sally most of the time if they buy at all it is 65 cents on the dollar as an investment. Maybe they will get fined.

We have them here too. They just stay forever never touched, but let me by mistake leave an open house sign out too long, or put up a listing sign a half a foot out onto the easment and it's gone!

Gary: You think?

Anna: I had someone knock mine down..but I think it was another open house agent :)

Sally, I am glad to see that we aren't the only area seeing an influx of these signs. I am also upset that they seem to be above the rules that we Realtors have to abide to. Good luck, We have seen some of these houses that were purchased like this now in foreclosure, so I guess in the end there is some justice!

I'm sure they buy them in bulk, and maybe even from the slimy late-night-infomercial-seminar-seller companies. At least they aren't as ugly as the hand-scrawled "real estate investor needs apprentice - call now!" signs!

I've always wondered who would believe that a successful real estate investor would have to stoop to hand lettered signs on cardboard next to the freeway offramps, to recruit someone to work with them! Very Gullible! As PT Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute!"

I erally like the nes that say "WE Buy UGLY Houses!" I mean how little pride do you haave if you think your own home is ugly?

Here in Yucca Valley we can't put directional signs on the highway, yet those "we buy homes" signs as well as all sorts of others appear. I made a trip to the code enforcement office and told them by enforcing the real estate signs but not others, this is discriminatory code enforcement.

COngrats on the gold star Sally!

AUG

2008

Sally- Ah, we see those signs on every corner, but heaven forbid it be a realtors sign. Those would be taken right down and we would be fined! I think it is tacky and unfair. Not fair business practise.

Sally- I saw one yesterday that they used those little tie things to tie it to a stop sign in the middle of the road, on the island. They even put a pink ribbon on it and drew a pink ribbon so it would be noticeable......kind of distracting, and of course illegal.

I have never seen one of these that I didn't think "rip-off." I knew a loan officer that used to post the same kind of signs advertising homes with no money down. Just to get calls.

I've seen a lot of these signs in my old Phoenix neighborhood. I think that when numerous bandit signs are posted around a community, they place a stigma to the community. They are just another form of graffiti.

I have been seeing a lot of signs in our neighborhood in the last few weeks. I was intrigued to know what might be the full story behind them and figured them as a sign of the times.

It's amazing how many of you realtors have your heads so far down in the sand to not pick up on this. No, it's not a carlton sheets method, BANDIT SIGNS are all over. They are not realtors.... just indy investors and such. The joy of not being tied to a license.

Sally,

My goodness...what a great blog topic...never seen anyone blog about this yet! :)

Your right and I think all of us have seen these kinds of signs everywhere! Amazing isn't it?

Thanks

Tom Davis

World Class Delaware Realtor

I hate those signs. We all know they're scams. But desperate people will be taken in by them. In our county, any signs placed on major roadways, or placed anywhere without a permit will be quickly removed. If someone continually violates the Code Enforcement rules, they'll be fined.

Those signs have been all over my area for years...the code violation company removes them on a daily basis...they also can fine you $50 and throw them out.

Have you ever called this number and acted like you wanted to sell a home...DO. I got a newbie college kid with no experience. What a Joke!

These signs are targeting those looking for an easy out. Your signs are targeting an entirely different market.

We had a new sign pop up at the end of our neighborhood street it read "Foreclosure Bus Tour" WHAT???

Get this I recently got a call from a guy who just started a We Buy Houses Buisness Venture. He said "Hey Peg, if you hear of anyone who just wants out of there house and who has lots of equity, please send them my way. I will buy their house right away! He was so excited... "I'm looking for homes I can buy at say at 75% of market value... that's my target."

I wonder if he's listened to the news or read the papers lately. Equity? It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. I wished him good luck!

I think they are scams too. I have never called these numbers but I might just to find out. My thought is they are looking for say 50cents on the dollars. Brings to mind the Christmas classic...

"It's a wonderful life" .... remember Mr. Potter....

I know people who bought a lot of short sales using thoses signs, so they evidentally do work.

Sally,

I dont think its that easy, but it must be working. If not, we would not see these signs all over. Maybe I should order 1,000 signs and hire an army of high school kids to put them out. Maybe I am on to something :)

Have a great day

Leander

I see those all over Ann Arbor too? Have you ever called those numbers? I got a call from a seller who had, it was a flipping mess, I couldn't help her and told her to get an attorney at that point.

Sally,

You'll have to replace those signs with: HAWAII: Winners of the 2008 Little League World Series!!! Congratulations!!! Thanks, Fran

These signs are more likely from all the people who have taken those "No Money Down" courses. I don't think they are cashing out sellers, but using "creative financing" techniques.

We don't have too many of these signs...but lately some "tired of internet dating?" signs have popped up! ha ha!

Gee they might be an interesting way to prospect. We could offer to buy their home at 65% of the value or list it to get 90%- 100%! What do you think???

We have them here as well. On one major street, I saw around 10 of them stapled to each phone or electric pole along the street for a couple blocks. They were all down a couple days later.

The people here are very "enterprising" ... they staple the signs about 12-15 ft high on the pole, so in order for them to be taken down, someone has to use a ladder.

The folks that place these signs (if they are REALTORS) fall in the same mindset as those who have "stealth" websites that violate the REALTOR Code of Ethics. I guess they can't be successful on a level playing field.

Morning Sally.

Those signs plague our area too. I always thought they were come on's, someone buying up property at the rate of $.50 on the dollar. Maybe not, just my impression. Why or how they get to have them posted everywhere for long periods of time, I have no clue.

Hi Sally,

I have seen these signs all over New Jersey and up and down the east coast and thru Florida.

Several years ago one of my clients relatives sold their home thru these "Yellow Sign People" and it was a "mess".

signature

Hi Sally,

Yup, we have those all over the place here. I think they prey on those that are struggling and looking for a quick way out.

Those signs are always going to be everywhere I have a feeling. Think about it, even when you put out those Open House signs all the authorities do is pick them up. I work in Dallas which has some areas it's ok to put out signs and other areas it's not, it's confusing and I often lose signs because of it. These guys however are paying probably $5 a sign. I'm sure it's all calculated into their formula and in the end they're hoping for a lot of really cheap leads. They're just playing the numbers and judging by the # of signs out there, the numbers are working. My complaint on it is that it makes it tougher to put out our own signs because those "WE BUY HOUSES" signs make for a lot of upset people who become that much more willing to pick up my signs, which incidentally cost me about $20 per.

The investors are looking to get into a property for 70% or less of the FMV. They WILL buy, and they will do it fast... but it costs. I had a listing from someone I presented to that looked at me and told me flat out that they were going to call one of the "we buy houses" people. I told him exactly what to expect... he called back a couple hours later. I was within $500 of their best offer when I gave my estimate of what they would say. We sold his house in 5 days for 25% more...

Sally,

I fully understand your frustration with these signs. We have them as well. Now my company ERA Real Estate offers the SSP (Sellers Security Program) which will actaully BUY the home within a set number of days from the seller) this allows them to move on to where they need to go.

This is a great program for those who are relocating or have just decided to move out of the area or updgrade. Unfortunetly, this great program of ours gets others who are not versed in our program seen in the same light as those We Buy Homes For Cash signs that are plastered on every street corner..

I know a guy who does these. They really do buy houses. But for CHEAP!!!! Anyone can do these, it's not necessarily a big company. Most people don't want to dump their houses for the prices that these types offer...

"Sally" we have these types of signs here too. They're everywhere...and they do work. They got your attention!

I see this everywhere. Large and small. Cheap and easy. Effective? Not sure. Questionable? Definitely.

Tony/Darcy: And so the story goes..buy em up and can't handle....so they go into foreclosure too.

Vickie: "real estate investor needs apprentice - call now!" Wow, that's a new one for me. I guess they need all the "help" they can get :)

Garren: Okay..that's another new one for me. Wow...people actually call them huh? I guess if they do have an ugly one... :)

Jim: Seems so. You really went down there?

Thanks Jeremy

Katerina: Neither are a lot of other things done in/out of the business :)

Kathy: That's my second picture...I blurred out the number so no one calls :)

Fred: That's the whole point right? False advertising.

Leolinda: Not very becoming for our neighborhood is it?

Christine: Nope...not a sign of times in my book...just a form of cheap advertising with some kind of motive.

serrow: Well, there's a flip side to this.....THE JOY OF HAVING A LICENSE

Sally~ I have seen these signs and wondered the same thing. Hey! What about the one's that say "We buy UGLY houses" what the heck is that all about? Who really thinks their house is ugly? I just have to laugh........

Tom: Even if it were blogged about before....I bet I told it differently! LOL!

Lisa: Glad you folks have a quick response. I think everyone is off on weekends here :)

Neal: We need some reinforcement :)

Laura: I got a call a few years back with a kid saying he buys notes. I questioned...and he had no answers except for I'm the middle man...lol!

Gary: Yeah but the whole point was that it's not legal and they continue to do it. Maybe they should classify it under graffitti which carries a jail sentence here :)

Anna: A bus tour...anything like a Hollywood tour lol!

Peg: Wow....good luck is right!

Charles: If you call let me know.....

Cathleen: And how many are not ripping people off? It's no wonder markets are down all over.

Leander: Too funny!

Missy: You see...that's what i'm talking about....these are not all legit right?

Fran: Those Waipio kids kicked some behind huh? They're from Waipio where I live.

Michael: Again, I think there are many reasons for the flakey advertising. If they have so much money to buy houses....then why aren't they advertising the details?

Kelly: Oh...that's funny!

Sara: I realize that business is business...but some of this is outrageous. I like to sleep at night.

Jean: Good summation there. Some are legit...the others offer low balls.

Elaine: Yeah...I think that's the case with my second pic....the other one probably gets taken up quick.

Tony: Of course they can't! Hi! Glad to see you back!

Hal: Me either....how do they go unnoticed :)

Christine: And how many of those signs you think are successful?

Suzanne: i think we all have valid thoughts here.

The Problem: Yeah..my signs cost me over 200 dollars for six. So I'll place them appropriately :)

Lane: Great going! Now that's how to utilize a bummer and give a spin on it to be successful :)

Ryan: Yeah I can see the problem there...not only does RE have bad media floating around..these guys do nothing but try to compare themselves to the real world of RE,.

Emily: i think they fall into the category as the people that fax one page "offers" that are insulting.

Rebecca: The only reason why they caught my attention is that it clutters up our neighborhood and looks oh so tacky.

Brian: Sums it up in a nutshell....questionable.

Vicky: Well, they have ugly signs...lol!

They are cheap and degrading. Fortunately, nothing like that is allowed on Hilton Head Island. The sign wouldn't last 5 minutes before it would be removed and the person involved would be fined.

They stuck a batch of em up in our neighborhood too.

After being cited by the zoning commission they all disappeared.

I see a lot of those signs in the Atlanta area, too. Truthfully, I just don't think that our law enforcement has the time to spend taking the signs down. I usually just ignore them.

Dianne: Wow...wish we had sign police like that! Good for your community!

Jim: They need to be cited here too.

DeAnna: I don't think our sign enforcement people get around enough. Maybe our association can do something about it.

Hi Sally...Believe or not, we have here too, usually nailed to telephone poles, and yes they seem to be up for a long timer. The same with FSBO signs, they seem to be able to display anysize or anywhere without local bylaw officers chasing them, I put up two directional sign in James Bay with two listing I had there in the Spring, the city of Victoria removed them in a few hours!

Thanks for Sharing, I hope we're giving these people high internet ranking with our blog.

Cheers

Sally, I have seen them many times headed down Kunia to Ewa by Gentry.

Sally - These signs are one of the first things they teach you to use in the no money down get rich quick courses.

Sally, we've got lots of these signs posted all around our area, especially in certain neighborhoods with higher foreclosure rates. They come and go, but I think the only ones making money are the sign companies!

No.... it isn't that easy. They go thru a hundred leads before they find a sucker.

Instead of ripping these bandit signs down, the police need to collect them and start issuing fines.

I think otherwise smart people are taken in when they are in a distressed situation. On my first short sale, the seller twice alerted me to someone who had contacted him by mail, offering to buy his property. What he didn't know was that they typically pay .50 on the dollar.

I have always been curious as to how many calls these people get off the signs. And you are right, why do they (whoever) get to place them...everywhere?

Here in Sparks we are not allowed to post anywhere except on private property, but when election time comes around, the candidates are exempt and they get to put them just about anywhere. Go figure.

Fred: Well, hopefully the ones who are thinking about calling will think twice on what WE can do for them.

Latonia: I'm seeing more and more of them now. How are you?

It's not that easy to get them to buy them. They are looking for that steal of a home. To take advantage of somebody.

I wouldn't park under those signs if you know what I mean...

Its called Guerilla marketing and is very cheap and creates a whole lot of exposure in extremely high traffic areas. They are placed at stop light intersections where there is usually a high traffic count. Freeway exits are extremely popular because of the thousands of car that pass thru them daily. You cant get that much exposure taking out an ad in the local home magazine. Spend a $100 on some cheap signs can get your contact info out to 10 maybe 15 thousand people not a bad investment and definetly a great return on your money. Not a bad way of prospecting but will eventually fade out and the Real Estate Basics never fade out. I dont necessarily think people are preying on people because most who are in danger of foreclosure are upside down on their homes and just looking for a way out wether it be a loan modification. forebearance, or short sale. The signs work and thats why you seen so many of them now. The city will usually pull them down within a couple days to a week. They are put up so frequently that it just seems that they are always there. I know some cities code enforcement will actually call numbers on the sign and demand that they be removed and hand out citations. This usually happens in higher class neighborhoods.

playing to the masses, the signs are cheap and they only need one person to make it pay off.

I hate those signs!!!! They never follow the rules with the sign guidelines!

Barrie: Are you serious? How do you know lol!

Brian: No kidding...signs signs...everywhere a sign...lol!

Tom: Something isn't right... is it?

Colleen: Sure...it may be okay to do so...but at what cost? One thing is for certain...can they all sleep well at night?

Terrie: Harumph....not good for one...but another it's okay. Oh, well...that's why we're professionals :)

Russ; I tend to agree :)

That was cute Ruthman Homes!

Adrian: You're right about that...we will never fade out :)

Michael: I think that it's like advertising in the newspaper...not enough to make a good living.

Courtney: Okay...

AUG

2008

This is simple advertising. Why do people worry about these signs? Just keep driving. Especially if it doesn't pertain to you. Alot of people say they hate these signs until they see something they like and then they don't complain any more.

Get over it. The signs aren't hurting anyone. Especially if the person putting them up has a good intent.

Where the hell do you find these laws anyway? I'd love to see this in writing! Can someone post a link or something?

We are at war people and the economy is going down hill. Who cares about the signs, lets start doing something about this country!

Again, please show me the law that says putting up signs is illegal. I'd seriously like to look at it.

I can't tell you how many times I have had to explain to my sellers that they don't want to sell their house to anyone that advertises, "We buy homes." They will buy your home alright....for about half of what you owe or want to get. Those signs drive me crazy.

Lamar: In my community we have an association and there are many communities around me that are part of associations. We have covenants and restrictions as well as rules....so we keep our community looking nice! Without all these signs all over the place.

Michael: I agree...they're only preying on people and trying to make them think they're better off giving it away.... or scamming the elderly to sign away their homes.

MAY

Some of the people who use these signs may be up to no good. However, it is really an incredible way to advertise. Many of the people who use them are investors. I've been thinking of purchasing several hundred of them and using them in my community. I am in no way out to take advantage of people. I am good hearted individual. My goal and purpose in my business is to help people in need and get themselves turned around; win-win situation. For example: I'm seeking people in foreclosure, my signs say "AVOID FORECLOSURE." I'm not out to offer top dollar for property, but I am willing to offer a substantial amount of money to people who would otherwise receive NOTHING for their property. On top of that, I also assist with financial-counseling and helping get the family/person back on their feet.

To think that all the people who use bandit signs is incorrect. I've admitted that not all are as ethical and honest as myself, but there are bad apples in all vocations. If you ever are in need, call them up. See what it is for yourself and when you do, use your best judgement. Until then, I think it's wrong for anyone to judge the people behind the signs.

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