The for sale sign is the single most important item that every seller must have to market his or her home.  Without a for sale sign, your home blends in with the other houses on the street and the fact you are selling your home becomes a secret. 

Let the world know your home is for sale.  The easiest (and most cost effective) way to achieve this goal is to buy a for sale sign. 

As a seller, you must portray yourself as a professional.  Your yard sign must also follow this rule.  As potential buyers drive by your home, your yard sign becomes a reflection upon you, the condition of your home, and how serious of a seller you are. 

Make sure you purchase a professionally made yard sign.  Avoid cheap-looking, flimsy, or home-made yard signs.  Avoid using magic markers; instead, purchase number stickers that are placed evenly and straight on the sign. Magic markers are hard to read from the street and near impossible to see at night.

Also, your sign post should reflect your professional approach.  Spend the extra dollar or two to buy a sturdy, quality sign post to hang your sign.  A beaten-up, ratty sign that is falling apart may give the buyer the impression that the home has been cared for in the same manner as the sign.  As you place your post in your yard, make sure the sign is straight and not crooked. 

Your sign should be large enough to be seen from down the street, both during the day and at night.  Make sure that the letters are large and bold.  It should say "For Sale By Owner" and have a space for your phone number.  Avoid creating a monstrosity that will distract and deter potential buyers from viewing your home.

Avoid using your yard sign as a large sales flyer.  Don't try to write every feature and amenity your home offers within the little white space reserved for your phone number.  If you have a key feature that makes your home stand out, purchase a sign rider to hang beneath your sign.  More importantly, purchase an information tube and stuff it with the sales flyers you created to describe the home.

Place your sign for optimum viewing on your property, which is generally in the front yard and perpendicular to the road so that it can be seen from both directions.  If your home sits on a corner lot or backs to a busy street, consider purchasing two signs to maximize visibility.  Remember, the more people see your sign, the more likely they will stop by to see it.

Signs, sign posts, and sign riders can be purchased at most home improvement stores.  When purchasing a for sale sign, follow these simple rules:

1. Buy a professionally made for sale sign

2. Buy stick-on numbers for your telephone number

3. Buy a sturdy, quality sign post to hang your sign from

4. Purchase an information tube or holder for your sales flyers

5. Make sure your sign conforms to any local, city, county and/or home owner restrictions

Be sure to check out your local sign ordinances.  Certain cities, areas and subdivisions have restrictions on the number of signs, the size, and whether or not you are even allowed to post one outside.

Your sign is a reflection of your home and you.  As a seller, you want potential buyers to know that you are selling a great home that has been well cared for.  Don't let your sign create the wrong impression for those that drive by.

For information on directional signs, read the section on Open Houses.