Like Peter in comment #1, I put an under contract sign once the contingencies have been removed.
We have learned to NOT put up any pending, under contract, or SOLD sign. In Colo we have a "famous" court case of what putting up an early SOLD sign may harm the seller and cause you to be sued. Floyd Little, a former Denver Bronco, was selling his home, and the real estate broker placed a SOLD sign on his property. Long story short ... the deal fell through the day of closing ... and since Little knew that the SOLD sign had been up for 2 weeks, there were NO CALLS on his property. Yes, the real estate firm LOST the court case and OWED lots of money from this.
SO... it is your choice to "puff" your chest out for placing up a SOLD sign so quickly... or send out postcards to share the good news after the fact. OR... knock on doors in the neighborhood to share the good news and talk with people.
If the seller wants a SOLD sign up... tell them you will take a picture of them holding a sold sign in front of the home... and use it on your yourtube, or postcard announcements!!
I like all of the above comments, Thanks folks.
Dan, great idea with the owners holding a sold sign, thanks.
Ken, I usually put it up on the way to the closing and will take then all away a couple of days later
Kenneth - Good question. We put up an "Under Contract" sign as soon as we clear the due diligence time frame. Ant earlier and my business partners says we could jinx the deal!