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Single property yard signs

While reading a reading a recent issue of Greg Swann's BloodHound Blog I noticed an article about custom yard sign, each designed especially for a specific property.

For want of a better name I call them single property yard signs. Sounded like a pretty cool idea to me so I started doing some research as to how I could create my own.

Greg is somewhat of a perfectionist along with being an innovator. After reading the process Greg goes through to turn out one sign I decided to look for a qucker and easier way.

Fortunately in Knoxville we have a great printing company called Print Edge who can print basically anything on most anything.

I did a sample of what I thought I wanted in Microsoft Publisher, printed several versions out on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, saved a high resolution version on a thumb drive and went to visit Print Edge to see what they could do for me.

It turned out to be remarkably simple. Tom Qualkenbush, one of the Print Edge customer service guys took at look at my samples and said they could easily print them on 4 millimeter Coroplast, which is sort of like a corrugated box only plastic, for about 20 bucks each, full color on 2 sides and with waterproof and UV resistant ink so they won't fade in sunlight.That's in the pretty standard 24 X 18 size which the majority of yard signs all over are.

Below is what my first effort looks like; it's working for me right now in the front yard of one of my listings.

12724 comblain road, knoxville tn 37922

As I said this is the first effort. I already intend to make some changes for the next sign. First I didn't use a high enough resolution on the photos so they look very slightly pixilated so I'll double the resolution and Tom said that should cure that.

I didn't have a good company logo, Tom says they have them and he can drop one in to replace the company name. Tennessee real estate law requires the agent's name to be the same size as the company name and phone number and to appear on all advertising so we're good to go on that.

Here's another example from Mariana Wagner in Colorado

mariana wagner colorado realtor

Single property yard signs, cost effective, and another easy way to make your listing stand out from the others and you to stand out from the other Realtors in your area.

Posted by Jim Lee, Knoxville Tennessee Realtor® on 01/12/2009 08:18 AM

Comments (78)

Yard Signs in the Offline Marketing Channel

single property yard signs, knoxville tn

Originally posted at: Your Knoxville Tennessee real estate information source.: Single property yard signs

This post has been included in Tennessee Information Knox County, TN Information Knoxville, TN Information
Post is included in group: Out Of The Box!
Post is included in group: Marketing Services & Tools for Real Estate
Post is included in group: Making Real Estate Better with Technology

78 Comments on Single property yard signs

JAN

Hi Jim;

Great idea and very professional look. Let us know how it affect your marketing. Good luck.

Jim, I think this is a great idea.... a few thoughts of my own...

you don't need a photo of the front of the house, on the sign... after all, the sign is standing out in FRONT OF THE HOUSE! (this is kind of a d'uh one, once you put the sign out there, but not that obvious from the office.. we're so used to putting photos of the house on every piece of publicity).

Your company name, and logo needs to be larger and more prominent, so you don't appear to be a fly-by-night, or FSBO...

Because this is a sign, to be noticed while driving by, in my opinion, all of the type needs to be a bolder face... especially the FOR SALE and the bullet points...

Otherwise, great idea!!

Interesting you will have to let us know how it works. Try a test. 2 weeks with a standard sign record traffic then switch to new sign and record traffic and see if it changes. Would be interetsing

I really like that idea. The problem I have is finding a printer to provide quick service. The current one I use does good work just awful slow and I waste a lot of time following up. I will have to look around.

Definitely a cool, new idea. Kudos to you and Mariana for your innovation. Like everyone else, I too, am interested in your results. Hope they all sell quickly. - Calie

Looks nice and should get good results. One thing to ad would be a web site URL for that property.

Fabulous. I actually did precisely that back in about 1993 with a unique log home property that I listed. It was much more expensive in those days and the sign was about 5X7 feet.

But, it worked then and I'm sure it will work now. I no longer list but I do consult with a few listing brokers to market their properties. This will work anywhere the sign is visible.

I love it.

I like this idea!!! I may utilize this this spring and see where it goes from there. The cost you quoted is relatively inexpensive and looks like it would drive more interest than the standard for sale sign.

Hi guys, thanks for the comments.

My wife said the same thing about the house photo and the property address because, DUH, they are in front of the house and the address.

However I think I'm sticking with it for now because not all listings have the address readily apparent somewhere, i.e. mailbox or somewhere on the house and if you're sitting in a car in front of the house you can't always see all of it or from the same perspective.

My focus on the sign was first on the "FOR SALE" so there wouldn't be any mistaking it for a for lease or other type of sign.

I think I'm leaving my name, company name, etc. as is for right now because 1. there is only so much room on a 24 X 18 surface and 2. I want passers by that are intersted to stop or at least slow down. If they do that it's very easily readable and apparent.

As I said, this is a work in progress and it may end up looking totally different but for now this is what I have.

I do see it a a great listing tool.

I toyed with the idea of a single listing website as well but I belive I'm sticking with driving traffic to my website, www.KnoxvilleHomeCenter.com and my "Featured Homes" section which features only my listings.

Jim this was my first attempt. The home did sell on the 30th day, not unusual for this area and price range. I also use individual web sites for each property I list. During this time frame this home got triple the hits of my other listings. The Realtors that showed the property commented that the sign did get their Buyers who were out scouting areas attention. The only change I'm thinking about making is putting a border around it. During different times of the day the sign would blend in to much with either the sky or the grass.

Jim, neat idea. Definitely an innovative idea. My concern is lack of "shelf life" and small fonts making it difficult for people to read? I believe in a property flyer so buyers can take your website with them. However, I bet no other agent has signs so you stand out - BIG TIME!

Jim what a cool idea. Thanks for putting your examples up!

Jim, at first glance I thought, seems expensive. But thinking about it, it really stands out from the crowd and considering the money you spend over a listing period for fliers, this is more lasting, gets better attention than a flier box, will be seen by everyone who drives by, and remembered for its uniqueness! Good luck!

<<My wife said the same thing about the house photo and the property address because, DUH, they are in front of the house and the address.>>

I didn't say anything about removing the address... I agree with you, they shouldn't have to "search" for the address, it should be bold and prominent... but it's unbelievably redundant to have the photo of the exterior house on the sign, that's sitting in front of the house, and it wastes valuable space on the sign.

Jim: This is great ! I will have to check with them and see the cost for shipping. I'm not sure I can get then printed for that price here local.

Morning Jim, Very nicely done. I understand that this is a first time product and that you will make changes going forward but even for a first effort this turned out very well ! Keep up with the great ideas and sharing !

VERY VERY VERY COOL IDEA! I use ind prop sites too so this works GREAT w/ my marketing plan!

I would love to hear about your results with this sign. I like the idea! pippa

Jim - love this idea. I also use individual websites (blogs) for each listing as they give me more flexibility in terms of what I want to include - videos, numerouse photos, slide shows - and they are free. GOnna try the custom sign on my next listing.

Jeff

Jim, I think this is a good ideal personalizing the sign to the property. This is done in commercial real estate all the time and it works well.

We have some very specific sign laws here. Some suburbs only allow a certain color background with white letters, regardless of the broker's colors. For instance, one very large subdivision only allows brown signs with white letters. Another suburb only allows green signs with white letters.

When I first read Greg's post, I wondered how these signs would be accepted by zoning departments. Do you foresee any issues?

Excellent idea. This is one that will set agents apart. Thanks

I like it! I already use a single property website, and that's 10 bucks a rider, so this isn't that much more expensive and if I really wanted, I could put the single property site on the sign. Hmmmm....

Is your name a rider that can be re-used that I see there on the bottom? That would help improve some shelf life.

It's really exciting to see the single property signs idea spread. Congratulations on a great first effort to set yourself apart!

This is an idea I can use! Really like the way this sign is different!

Great ideas , thanks for sharing and thanks for the links, This will help.

Very innovative. I really like it, although if not professionally done, could look like a FSBO. Yours looks really nide though. I also like the website with address as well.

Interesting Idea and one I'm going to pass along. It was great to read the feedback too!

Jim, great post! I had thought about this for years and glad to see someone actually utilize it with success. I went to my local plastics store and had them make me a special, clear plexiglas rider. I took high resolution photos of the interior, added basic features and stuck them inside the plexiglas frame. That way I could reuse the rider on other listings...just change out the photos.

I like your idea and agree that the clients deserve to have their home marketed to the fullest...it should be all about them!

At about 20 bucks a pop for the signs I'm not real concerned about shelf life.

I think for that price, presenting your lisiting with a fresh, new sign customized to that specific property speaks volumes to passers by about your marketing ability.

I'm working on another one right now and as soon as I get it printed I'll post it too.

And Elaine, since each sign is customized to each listing you can make them any colors you want including background, text, pictures, and whatever.

First of all Jim, Congrats! This is truly novel! This is really thinking outside the box. I love the idea, and see that it would even eliminate the need for flyers etc... In this market just don't put price on it. What is the turn around time for the yard sign?

I love this idea Jim...I hope it works well for you. I think I will visit my graphics printer to see if he could help me do something like this...great idea!

Jim, since they basically just run the blank sign through a big, inkjet printer the turnaround time is pretty fast depending on their workload.

I got this one back the day after approving the proof.

The stand was an extra 25 bucks but if you have your own stands these 24 X 18 signs should just slip right in or pop rivet them.

If your local quick printer can't do them cheap enough I'm sure Tom at Print Edge would appreciate the business.

This is a great idea, and for only $20, it is a great AFFORDABLE idea!

Thanks,

Brendan Winans

I love love this...what a great idea... I am going to my Printer today...to see if they can do these...brilliant

This is intriguing! I really like the idea. It would seem that it would also get people to stop to read the sign and they'd be more likely to "see" the house.

Jim - I think this is a great idea! Having been in the sign business for a few years I know that most companies can turn these around pretty quickly and they don't cost much. The frame is reusable and the corragated material can also be reused if needed. Also once you have a template down you can just drop in new photos and listing details and hit print.

Jim - great job! These signs would get a lot of attention in our area as I haven't seen any one use anything like this yet. I really like this. It also seems that this might mean you wouldn't need flyers out on the house; I'm sure I spend $20-$50 per listing on color flyers!

Jim,

Awesome.

Thanks for sharing this idea.

Think this would be impressive to most sellers and buyers.

Might give it a try with just a few changes.

Have a great week.

Jim, that is definitely different, I would really be interested in the results you get from the signs....I'm not sure how that would work for selling the home...but could see other sellers noticing you...because of that sign...and possibly calling....please let us know how it works out...peace zane

Thanks guys, please remember this is not my original idea but a 'borrowed' one.

I still do the listing flyers for several reasons; 1. it gives potential buyers something they can take with them, 2. good advertising for me, and 3. it demonstrates my abilities to market their property right there alongside the custom yard sign; good for future listings.

Whether its an original idea or a borrowed one you are taking advantage of the opportunity and using it. I'm sure because you separate yourself from the other signs that you stand out more in your community. Good luck!

solid idea, setting yourself apart from the competitor.

Jim-

Wow- that's prettyawesome. I couldprobableuse him for my signs as well I'm thinking. I love visiting Knoxville- I'm going to give hime a call. Good excuseto go shopping too. Cindy

Great sign idea for sure! If you can find a local printer to work with you and keep pricing low, these are definitely worth the investment!

I think those will fit in well with the single property blog sites I have done for properties. I too have read about Gregg Swann doing those signs, but he makes it terribly complicated.

Yeah, I read Greg's method too and it seemed like a lot more steps than I wanted to take.

I set mine up with Microsoft Publisher, printed it to a PDF file, downloaded it to a thumb drive, and took it to the printer.

Cindy, give me a call if you come down to shop; we can have lunch. Glad to help you get a sign set up.

Good idea! These signs look great! These would be very useful when the flyer box runs out of flyers. Your sign is like a giant flyer!... Your printing company will print one sign for $20? All the printers around here always want a minimum order of ten signs or more... Looks like you have an excellent sign strategy!

Why don't you add the homes current list price to the sign. The price would help qualify any sign callers for you.

Hi there, have you thought about adding a solar light to the sign to make it "pop" even further? I am in the Indianapolis area, and no one is using them here. In winter, it may be hard to get enough light to keep it powered, but the rest of the year, solar lights should work well. Just curious what you might think of that further special touch...anyone else?

Diane

I think this is a fantastic idea! Kudos to you for coming up with a nice sign after hearing about the idea. In a market where we need to stand out something like that definitely helps. Would love to hear more feedback as it comes. Good luck with the listing.

That looks really cool - how has the success been as far as making your phone ring?

This looks like a great way to stand out from all other agents in your market. One thing to make sure of, is that the signs do show your company, logo, and name prominently on the sign so people know who it is providing these listing signs, especially if more than one agent or broker are doing these in your area.

This seems like a good resource for this need -- might check them out. Thanks for sharing.

Very cool idea. I'm going to check this out for my listings. thanks

Hi all,

This sign has been out about 4 days now and the phone has not rang. However it also has not rang for any of my listings with conventional signs either.

I'll let you know how it goes after about 30 days or so.

Very cool indeed. I like it. Makes flyers go out the window for sure! Great idea. KM

This makes sense to me! I've never seen them, but anything you can do to differentiate yourself (and your listing) is worth the effort and the expense.

What is the point though? Looks no bigger than a yard sign and if it is in front of the house, do you think they are going to look at the pics and call. Just wondering if they are cost effective and the results.

Jim, this is way cool. And, not a bad price. Thanks for sharing this with us! You may have just boosted their business...you should get a discount now!

I love this ideal. Considering that I tell my seller's who request flyer boxes on my signs that 90% of them end up on the floor board of lookers cars. What a great way to cover both avenues the sign and the flyer and standing out from other agents in the local market. I hope your phone rings soon because we are gonna try this.

JAN

thanks guys.

Charles, it is a yard sign. The point is to differentiate yourself from the competion.

The cost is very close to a conventional yard sign.

very cool, I havent seen these here in greater phoenix as of yet, great idea, and must really impress the clients / sellers

After seeing all the responses to this I think Deb was right about you getting a discount. In fact if this printer's business picks up the way it looks like it might...you might be getting some freebies! Thanks again for the links and info!

Creative concept. Got to love AR as we here so many unique ideas. thanks........

JAN

Personally I don't like the idea. A sign in front of the house with a picture of the house makes no sense to me.

JAN

Maureen-I think it is a great idea because someone going by the house may not like the outside for example, but upon seeing the sign with pics of the inside it may intrigue them enough to make an appointment to go inside. Whereas, they might never even have given it a second thought!

OK not to be argumentative (except that I always am :- ) why would anyone stop to look at a sign on the house if they did not like the house exterior?

I think a bold for sale sign is better at getting peoples eye... those people flying by rather than a sign that is trying to be a page in a real estate book. In a sellers market if there was an ugly house I could see it... maybe but an ugly house with a great internet presence and every conceiveble way of getting the outside prettified makes more sense to me...than a sign that is a 1990's real estate book page.

A flat screen TV with the internet photos of the house, floor plan, too expensive... a rider with the properties internet presence that those techy driving by can pull it up on their own device.

I see your side of it totally. The whole idea though is to be inventive, and to try anything and everything to get buyers inside to look at the home for sale. Not everyone going by the home is a "techie" and for those without a computer this is like looking at a computer view. As to why look at a house you don't like outside, sometimes when you see the inside you change your opinion of the outside. I have seen that MANY times.

JAN

Jim, I love this idea! And i can see that it would cost no more than what I pay now for my own branded signs (of course, those are reusable). Yet it would have the benfit of being all about the house and not the agent.

For branding, I would attempt to stick with the same format for the sign, as well as the colors and logo. It would still be recognizable as one of "your" signs but up close they could see the property pictures and details.

Love it, love it!

Jim- I absolutely LOVE this idea and can't believe it hasn't been done sooner! Thanks for the inspiration :-)

Tara Jones

JAN

We create signs for realtors all over the country and I am often amazed at how much information that some people want to put on their signs. The signs that our customers have the best results with are simple signs with bold easy to read fonts and a huge phone number. After all people are calling the phone number, not a picture. It's best not to make a menu out of the sign but to put all of the pictures and details on a full color flyer and attach it to the sign. Most people don't call based on a picture or lots of text.

Danny H.

SuperCheapSigns.com

Danny,

How much could you do a sign like the one pictured for?

MAR

Have emailed your guy for a quote. Hope he doesn't get overloaded

MAR

Got a quote from this guy and he quoted me a lot more for the basic sign, not including shipping. He must be giving you a break in price. Does anyone have an alternate suggestion in the $20 raange FOR THE SAME KIND OF SIGN?