Why put up a lawn sign?

[karunnt]

What is the purpose of the lawn sign?

Most marketing is done by Internet or print anyway. So who are you trying to reach with the lawn sign.

Have you sold any houses or got any listings by a person who saw the lawn sign first?

[Joelrunner]

Despite the internet age, we still get tons of sign calls from signs. It's the cheapest advertising you could ever do!

Besides - have you ever tried telling a seller you're not going to put up a sign because you don't think it's an effective way to sell a house?

[karunnt]

Are these calls from neighbors that want the price to gauge the price of their own property?

Or are these from people that are looking for a property in that neighborhood and drive around looking for houses currently for sale?

[Joelrunner]

Are these calls from neighbors that want the price to gauge the price of their own property?

Or are these from people that are looking for a property in that neighborhood and drive around looking for houses currently for sale?

It's both, but you'd be surprised at the number of people that still drive around and call for information on signs.

If you want to cut down on the hassle of dealing with live calls, you could put a "for free recorded info" hotline sign rider on the sign (ie: proquest.com). That is both a great lead generator AND a great listing tool. Sellers are really impressed with it and it increases your odds of getting the listing in the first place.

[Morristown]

Another thing the lawn signs are good for if building dominance in a neighborhood. Of course you have to do everything you can to get your initial 3 or 4 listings in a neighborhood, but if you can do that and get them sold with a little praise from the home sellers you are working for, then the next thing you know, you will be getting called to interview for every listing that comes up.

Once you are well known in a neighborhood like that, the listings get lots easier to get their as well, you don't have to impress them as much when you are sitting with them doing your presentation, they want to give it to you, they just know your the right one to get their home sold for a fair price.

[DMG]

I agree, even with all the technology that is out there lawn signs still provide a service.
1. You get calls from them; we average 700-725 calls per year just off our signs using an 800#, great lead capture.
2. You get area name recognition as Morristown said; you need that to be a success. People need to see you work the area.
3. People still do drive around, not everybody uses the net and not everybody likes the net. Many people still (at least in our area) drive the open homes and see signs etc to call. It may not be the largest number of people but why not go after every avenue at your disposal.

Bottom line it is advertising for you and the property...

[realspace]

Lawn signs are like open houses, right? Probably not going to do a whole lot for the seller...but they're a great way for the agent to advertise themselves.
I like your point about dominance too James. If you drive by and see an agent that has 3 listings already, you know they're serious and probably a good choice to list yours as well.

[gregharaksin]

I have a seller that did not want a sign put up. He ok'd for me to put up a sign, and I got a call within hours.

[Justin Havre]

A yard sign is still good for marketing. It is good for the home owner as they will get exposure from it. You will get exposure and you will have a place to put your brochure box with Feature Sheets which will also promote you and the property....
I have actually gotten listings from my Feature Sheets I put in the brochure box.
You may also get listing from it when neighbours see the sold sticky/Ryder on it.

[tsteuwer]

Yard signs are still effective in marketing properties. Even if neighbors call in, they could possibly be looking for a family member or friend that is moving to the area. Also, many people drive around on the weekend looking for properties for sale. It is still by far one of the most successful ways of marketing a property.