If you’re trying to sell your property, you might have mixed feelings about displaying a for sale sign. In some parts of London, there’s a £1000 fine for estate agent signage that isn’t removed in a timely fashion, and some areas of the country are considering following Brighton’s lead and banning the signs altogether.
The pros and cons of estate agent signage
So why are estate agent signs so contentious? Critics say they’re an eyesore, with no relevance in the digital age where people search for properties online. They argue that boards can be actively off-putting, making prospective buyers query why a particular area might be littered with them.
Those in favour of estate agent signage respond that a For Sale of For Let sign remains the best way to advertise your property, and is a key marketing tool, even when compared to a website. Why, because nothing lets a prospective buyer know your property is for sale or rent more easily than a clearly visible sign.
Some buyers work on gut instinct and will make an enquiry there and then when they see an estate agent board. Boards also generate word of mouth interest in your property, and when buyers come for a viewing, that signage acts like a wayfinding sign, pinpointing your property.
Eye-catching design
When you’re deciding on the best sign company in Worthing, knowing that they have a designer who can create eye-catching signage is critical. It’s the same whether you’re an estate agent or your property is for sale or let by owner – great design and simplicity can make the difference between a sign that simply adds to the visual clutter, or one that stands out from the rest.
Colour and layout are key when creating standout estate agent signage, so work closely with your sign company’s design team to get it right. Avoid green if it’s likely to merge with the surrounding greenery. Likewise, a bold colour like red can get lost against brick properties. One simple trick to differentiate your sign and make it pop visually is to add a white border.
Giving your boards visual appeal if you’re an estate agent is critical if you want them to attract both buyers and sellers. An effective board will catch the eye of passersby who will then cross the road to note down the details. There are a few elements that need to be on your estate agent signs – whether the property is for sale or let. These are your contact details including website, and your logo. If you feel there’s value in QR codes, adding one that takes prospective buyers directly to more information on the property can be a useful addition.
A good design team will be able to advise you at every step of the process, so you get the right signage for the situation. For example, you may need additional information including details of any open house days or reductions in the price. Your designer will be able to come up with the best solutions for displaying additional information and will ensure full integration between your signage and your online presence.
Your sign company should also be able to provide a number of design, production and installation packages, utilising different materials to fit your budget. Estate agent boards need to be lightweight yet durable, so consider using foam board rather than longer lasting wood or metal. They should be able to offer T-boards, flag boards and even shaped boards to really help your signs stand out. Again, a good sign company will have flexible options to suit your needs.
Get the installation right
At the opposite end of the spectrum, your signage installation needs to be professional and effective in order to create the best impression for both buyers and sellers.
Estate agent signs should always be placed near the pavement, as proximity to the property can feel intrusive. If the building is in a corner location, consider using two signs – one on each street – to maximise interest from passing traffic. For out of the way properties, you’ll need a prominently positioned wayfinding sign that piques the interest of potential buyers.
When you’re looking for a sign company in Worthing, they should offer an integrated service that backs up the physical process of sign manufacture with the expertise of knowing how best to install and display your signage for maximum effect. If you also require signs for your office, then your sign maker should also offer a programme of preventative maintenance, so your signage continues to look smart and professional and creates a strong first impression.
Equally importantly, the company you use will have a good working knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the use of estate agent signage, ensuring that your signs don’t run foul of the local council. For sale and/or rent signs are an effective part of your marketing arsenal, so make sure they don’t contribute to the bad publicity around estate agent boards.
Dependability and fast lead times
When you need estate agent signs, you need them fast, as the property market moves so quickly. You won’t want to wait for signs to be printed and installed, as potential customers walk by day after day. At the Sussex Sign Company, we focus on dependability, fast lead times and maximising your return on investment, so you need never miss a sale. Call or email today to find out more.