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Statement 1: We live in a digital era. The technological revolution is in full bloom. So, who cares for physical real estate signs?

Statement 2: Adopting ‘online only’ model for selling your house is a better option.

I find such statements grossly misleading. I don’t mean to negate the online revolution. It’s true that we are spending more and more time on social media nowadays. However, that sure doesn’t mean that physical signs have lost their relevance.

For one thing, there are still many people who still prefer things the old way. Going to a real-world store, getting a ‘feel’ of the product and then buying it… Also, even after 20 years of Amazon, would you be completely sure about looking for a house online?

Not a book or a toy or a toaster. But a house.

Why Are Physical Real Estate Signs Still Important?

First up, let us take a look at the merits of having physical real estate signs. There are many reasons why they became popular in the first place.

• 24-hour advertisement: A well placed ‘For sale’ sign would be available to anyone passing by. The seller may or may not be in the house. However, people would still get to know that the house is up for sale.
• Complete information: Physical real estate signs are typically short but extremely informative. People get to know about the property details, the expected offer, features, etc. To top it off, there is always a phone number to contact in case of additional queries.
• Power to attract: Real estate signs don’t have to be boring. In fact, a lot of creative things can be done with them. Catchy phrases highlighting the house’s features can be a great place to start. Then, some photos can add a lot of value.

How Does It Compare Against Online?

No doubt, a physical real estate sign has its benefits. But, does it have any benefits over digital marketing? Will it be better to transfer all available funds to online advertising? No, it won’t be, and here’s why:

• Some people prefer old school: Amazon may be mammoth. However, online sales still account for less 10% of all sales in the US. Even if everyone were to buy online, there will always be people who would like to get a ‘physical feel for the product’. As a seller, one cannot afford to miss out this audience who would like to do things the old way.
• Less expensive: Yes, getting a physical real estate sign built won’t take much. Moreover, once made, it will last longer. On the other hand, one will have to pay every day for purchasing online advertisements. Given that home, selling is a lengthy process, physical real estate signs would come out cheaper.
• Image-based online display: Can the charm of your house be captured in a small static image? No. Hence, people checking out your house offline are more inclined to buy it. Since the audience gets a better view of your house, the conversions are much higher!

Final Verdict: Use Both.

This is, obviously, not to discount the power of online advertising. The point is that both of them don’t have to be exclusive. Given how difficult it is to get a good deal, it’s better to use both. However, it’s advisable to always consult a signage company before deciding on your ‘For sale’ sign.

At Lightbox Graphics, we can ensure that your signage has all the right ingredients. From catchy lines to attractive graphics, you can bank on us. If you are interested, call us right now!