The History of the For Sale Sign
Before the internet took over the real estate world, a for sale sign was an essential tool to sell your home. I started selling homes in 2000. At that time, websites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com did not exist. If you were looking for a home back then, you had three options: drive around looking for open houses, check the Sunday newspaper, or flip through a printed magazine of listings. These methods were inefficient, which is why most buyers turned to real estate agents who had access to the MLS. And in that environment, for sale signs served a valuable purpose.
How Homebuyers Search Today
Today, the buyer journey starts online. People search on apps, sign up for alerts, and tour homes virtually long before they ever drive by. Even if they do see a for sale sign, they typically pull up the property online rather than call the number on the sign. In fact, the calls that come in from yard signs are usually from curious neighbors, not serious buyers. While signs can be a helpful confirmation for someone driving by a house they already found online, they are no longer a driving force for showings or sales.
Why Sellers Still Ask for Signs
There are still sellers who insist on having a for sale sign in the yard. That is perfectly okay. Signs can help agents and buyers locate the house more easily, especially in neighborhoods where addresses are hard to spot. But from a marketing standpoint, signs now serve more to promote the real estate company and the real estate agent than the actual home. That is something many sellers do not realize.
The Risks and Downsides of Signs
There are potential risks to consider as well. In some cases, vacant homes with for sale signs have been broken into. While you cannot prove that the sign caused it, it may contribute to the perception that the home is empty. Signs can also invite unwanted visitors or scams.
The Bottom Line
The truth is that for sale signs no longer play the same critical role they once did. Your home will not sell just because there is a sign in the yard. A good marketing strategy today includes professional photography, compelling online listings, social media exposure, and an experienced real estate agent who knows how to generate interest and negotiate offers.
Let’s Talk Strategy
If you are preparing to sell your home, I am happy to connect you with a trusted real estate agent in your area. Together, you can create a modern, tailored plan to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar, with or without a sign.
