Real estate signs that really sell your business to people

Real estate is a fiercely competitive business and the difference between an eye-catching sign and a bland 'For Sale' placard can mean the difference between making a sale or not, so it's essential to have real estate signs that stand out to potential clients.

"The design of an effective real estate sign is a highly specialised endeavour," says Jacob Burke of Best Sign Visual Communications. 

The right sign can really help sell a property – and promote your business at the same time. So what should you be looking for?

Stand out for success

Whether you are an agency or a private vendor, there are common elements of real estate signs that you need to consider, explains Jacob. These include text, photos or illustrations, and contact details.

"The weighting of these elements will vary depending on the property and the demographic of the target market, so it is important to understand the consumer and what will attract their interest to a particular property."

Real estate agencies also need to consider the use of their logo and other branding material, such as a photograph of the selling agent.

Rules for results

• Eye-catching: Jacob believes that the old adage of a picture telling a thousand words is bang on the money when it comes to real estate. "Strong photographs displayed attractively are a critical selling tool."

• Minimal text: The overarching aim of real estate signs is to inspire interest and encourage potential buyers to make contact, so it is a good idea not to clutter up a sign with too much text. But it is important that your text is descriptive, accurate and written for maximum impact.

• Prominent contact details: The more ways customers have of making contact, the better, says Jacob. An office phone number is not enough these days, with some people preferring to use email or to view details online before making an approach. 

Communicate your brand 

Signage forms a vital part of an agency's communication strategy, says Jacob. By their very nature, they are the most highly visible and immediate way of reaching out to the market and wider community. 

It is important to remember that signs will not only be seen by potential buyers, but also by those who may be selling or buying in the future. The stronger your agency's branding, the more memorable it is and the more listings you are likely to get.

Remember, a real estate sign serves two purposes – firstly to sell a property and secondly to promote your business.

The bottom line

Signs that are high on impact can help deliver sales and enhance your agency's profile for long-term gain. For real estate signs that really sell, look for a specialist signwriter who understands your market and can get your signage noticed.