Source - YouTube
According to WCVB TV - thebostonchannel.com, starting in May, the town of Shirley, Massachusetts is thinking of charging real estate agents and others $25 for each “for sale” yard sign they display in the community. Shirley is trying to close the gap on a $1.17 Million deficit. Is this the best way to do it?
Watch the WCVB TV Coverage by clicking the image above or here
Local RE/MAX Colonial real estate agent and Trulia Pro Mark Tavenner says, “I may put up 15-20 signs every weekend. Every weekend I’ll write a check?”
Watch the WBZ TV Video Clip by clicking the image above or this Link
Traditionally, real estate agents and brokers have used their for sale signs as a way to help market their home sellers home, their company brand and themselves. It’s been a staple in many real estate bokers offline marketing budgets as it helps drive home buyers to the home or open house. Now, the ROI can be debated but from my experience and from speaking with a number of agents over the years, it’s one form of traditional offline marketing that I think is here to stay.
But, if a permanent fee were to be imposed for each for sale sign, would brokers and agents reconsider using the signs? I’m not so sure they would. Would they pass the cost along to their sellers or possibly include it as one of their marketing expenses?
As a real estate agent, would you pay your town $25 to display a “for sale” yard sign?
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March 24th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Mad props for the video usage. I can’t believe Realtors are being charged…what is this world coming to?
March 24th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Thanks Carl!
I wonder if the town would send a bill if the sign is on the home sellers private property?
March 24th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I’m not one for passing costs along to my sellers, but in this instance, I might have to consider it. One reason is that most of the fees are related to marketing which benefits me as well. However, this “fine” doesn’t benefit anyone so unfortunately I would collect this upfront or be real judicious about whose property I list.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Hi Joshua!
Great feedback as always - thanks!
Yeah, it would be an unusual cost to incur for sure. Then again, if the whole town is in the same boat, maybe the sellers would be more understanding to the agents situation…..
March 24th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I would market to sellers that if they listed with me they would get $25 in cash and a bus ticket at closing so that they could move on with their lives. This is like the small stipend that a criminal gets upon completion of his sentence and payment of his debt to society. Something like:
Free at last! upon completion of your sentence in Shirley, we will provide you with $25 cash reimbursement of your sign charge and a free bus ticket out of town. Call today list your home and get your free bus ticket out of town!
P.S. We specialize in relocating former inmates of Shirley MA to free places in the United States such as HOUSTON,TEXAS! Where a man’s front yard is still his homestead and his property.
March 24th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
A Facebook friend, Bill Hamberg, just informed me that they are already doing this same thing in PA. It’s like putting a band-aid on a hemorrhage- can the towns be making enough to recoup what it costs in manpower to collect these fees?
March 25th, 2009 at 4:20 am
I guess this is just an alternative to telling agents flat out “you can’t use yard signs.” Yard signs aren’t permitted here in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood, but I suppose at least in this city in MA they are trying to be more flexible. I guess.