How Weird Is THIS Little Blog...

Property A is more inviting to potential buyers.  Property B places too many obstacles right up front.

I would have to agree with Tim and Pam - A is more inviting.

Waterfront is a more appealing rider than exclusive.

A is certainly more inviting and  much more accessible because it posts the hours available-not by appointment

First sign is better. People like to know when they can see the home. I vote for the first sign.

I don't like signs with riders as I think they look trashie and would prefer just the regular sign with no extras.  If I'm in the neighborhood, I probably already know it's waterfront, and I assume to call the number on the sign so I don't need to see another rider with another phone number on it.

I wonder how much impact the SIGN has in front of a sellers property. Thank you for your observations- VERY valued!!

Hard to get someone to slow down and look at sign, keep it simple  ( sign a)

Kathy, the "friendlier" the better- and, keep it simple? Thank you.

I guess your buyers need to understand the definition of "Exclusive" in New York and that even if a sign says that it doesn't mean you can't show it and that they should call you and not them.  Educating the public is the best defense.

Or, put a sign up (fiduciary to sellers) that welcomes, rather than impedes...just a thought. That "keep it simple" thing...

In the Hamptons were I hang out, if the property were an "Exclusive" -- chances are, most small agencies wouldn't know about it.

See:  www.eastendlistings.com/cobroke.pdf

Waterfront sign is better.  The description is better and I agree that having a time to view the home is important also.  By appointment only is not as open and I don't see how that is relevant to a buyer.  My only thoughts are that it creates a sense of exclusivity and scarcity, possibly making the buyer more curious about the home.

Hi Laurie. I like the little cartoon "thingie". The first one os far more appealing to me. BUT I wonder if the consumner would even notice the differences or care? They ust want to buy a house. If they drove by and were interested I believe they would call on EITHER sign. The key then would be who answers the phione.

George, no doubt!

Morgan, thank you- I've been asked about the "exclusive" riders by buyers. With a rider saying, "waterfront" or "four bedrooms" or "great views" it just seems more specific to the agenda of selling the house. thank you- "relevant to the buyer" is perfect.

BB, you are 100% right that 95% of the time neither sign will impact someone looking. Of concern is that 5%, where the message on the sign compels  a buyer to call one directly on an mls'd property, rather than get excited to call their own broker to view the property that is waterfront, just what they were seeking. Whatever we put in the front of a house for sale should be inviting, not less than- opinion. "Appointment only", to me,  is somehow negative.

A is the winner. It's waterfront and there's an open house. Although I personally prefer the large signs on the wooden arms. I think they're much more professional, and the size makes them stand out more.

Friendlier appears to be the choice. In addition to having the wooden arms, BOTH sellers should mow the grass around their signs, too!

I am with everyone the a sign shows better. I like that it shows right off the hours you will be there.

Looks like it's time to order some open house riders! Thank you-

I'm thinking property A is more inviting and friendlier than property B.....Of course what's inside will make the ultimate difference in who gets the offer.

No question- a sign is the intial impression. No more than that. I appreciate the input, and am responding accordingly!

Sign B is meant to drive the buyer directly to the listing broker, its good marketing, afterall why co broke if you dont have to!  Nothing worse than splitting a good piece of pie!

E, you made me LAUGH OUT LOUD. Only from an honest New Yorker. Thank you, and happy T-day!!

Where is that's agents Photo on sign A or B??? Isn't the sign about self promotion, LOL...

Mary, I actually saw (minus the "app't only" and "exclusive") a sign that looked really good with a rider that had a teeny picture of the agents face on it- hey, self promotion is a good thing, right?

Laurie I am not a fan of B, I see them everywhere in my marketplace although the listing is in the MLS; as far as I am concern this is misleading advertising.  I agree with Jeff summation.

Jennifer, how weird- we have them, and then they abruptly stop (just inside the north fork)- outside of Riverhead, the signs that I've seen west are all "normal". Funny how pockets operate- inconsistency is annoying to me if it doesn't serve a good purpose.

Evidently, there is a "good" purpose- we just don't subscribe.

Hi: Laurie I am voting for sign A, sign B just is not warm or inviting.

Thanks, Frank- inviting is what I'd like our sign to create.

The issue that should be viewed by those seeking direct buyer initiation on a listing, due to a sign that encourages it, is that the NY Dept. of State STRONGLY advises that buyers examine "dual agency" as a method of representation (discouraging this choice). Thus, the "exclusive" attempt at capturing buyers is a questionable avenue to take for any NY real estate agent interested in maintaining a generally ethical (and legal) self-promotion- it's essentially encouraging something that is strongly cautioned against by lawyers at the DOS. Not a good choice, IMO.