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I am getting ready to sell my house and I would prefer not to have the FOr Sale sign in my yard because I do not pkan on giving my 2 week notice at work until it is sold I I am ready to move to another state. Enough co-workers pass by my houe every day.

Well, Sandlance, you already know that sellers today need every bit of marketing available in today's real estate market BUT you have a valid reason for preferring not to have the yard sign. And, maintaining your existing employment (it pays the mortgage ) is every bit as important as utilizing every advertising option! So what to do?

Myself, I would probably forgo the yard sign if I thought it might jeopardize the job and rely on the on-line listing with a great photographic presentation to entice buyers. Years ago, people found houses by driving around - today they look for houses sitting at a computer! So, don't risk your employment by the yard sign BUT make sure your on-line listing is perfect!

Perfect in every way - the written description, information included, the photographs, the order of the photographs AND, most importantly, that the inside and outside sparkles with every repair done! Good luck - keep us up-dated as you get closer to listing!

Of course unless you work with very few people it's only a matter of time, maybe a very short time, until someone at work sees your listing online any way.

Sand, some would tell you that it depends how badly you want to sell your home. Many serious buyers will drive by your home to check out the neighborhood, schools, shopping and other amenities, after doing their initial review online but before scheduling a tour with their agent. If your home lacks a sign, those potential buyers may doubt your motivation and/or become confused, wondering if they have the correct location and it's still available. In addition, the sign itself may generate a lead or two, especially if your home is located on a traffic artery, as implied by your post.

It's not in my nature to suggest a fib but some situations justify it. Very few things are more important than your employment situation. Even in larger communities, it's a very small world. If and when a friend or relative of one of your coworkers (or a coworker themself) somehow discovers your listing, you may look worse than if you'd simply allowed a yard sign all along.

Have seen many people give early notices and have their opportunities either severely restricted or eliminated at work so I understand your dilemma. Is it inconceivable that you might sell your home and move within your current town/city for any number of reasons, e.g. looking for a neighborhood with less traffic, a quieter neighborhood, more space, etc.?

During the selling period, could you select one of those logical reasons to sell and use that explanation for your coworkers? In any event, is it any of their business? If/when your home sells and you give notice at work, you can simply explain that another opportunity came up in the meantime.

Best of luck with everything -

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SurfNow,

I agree with everyone who said it's only a matter of time anyway till your co-workers find out your house is for sale.

If one of them sees the sign and asks you about it you can honestly say, "I'm looking for something smaller (larger, without stairs, a basement, without a basement etc). You don't have to add that you're looking for that house 3 states away!

When I was looking for houses I always checked Realto.com--sometimes several times a day! Once I saw something I was interested in I did what tsr said...I drove around to see it in person, look at the neighborhood, shopping nearby etc. If there was no yard sign I'd assume something was up (rightly or wrongly).

It's a buyer's market and there's lots of inventory, don't put yourself behind the competition right off the bat.

Oh, once we sold a house in NC because the people were driving past it with their Realtor on their way to see a different listing. They saw the yard sign, asked to see it and wrote a contract the next day!

Why would someone assume you are moving out of state? Why would they assume you are quitting just because you sell your house?

Agree, metwo. Was thinking that above when I asked if it was inconceivable that Sand would sell for any number of normal reasons and move within his/her current city.

I do understand, however, that many people hesitate to make up a cover story. Unfortunately, I've seen others have a difficult time at work if their plans fell through for some reason, subsequent to giving early notice.

Even without the yard sign, your home won't be on the market more than a day or two before someone at your work notices it on-line. So, I also recommend you be pro-active about selling and casually mention it to someone at work (who will spread the word) that you're selling to look for something smaller/better neighborhood/less traffic/more land, etc. You don't have to add that your next house will be far, far away.

Then, you'll be able to use the marketing power of the yard sign without concern.

quote:

Originally posted by metwo:
Why would someone assume you are moving out of state? Why would they assume you are quitting just because you sell your house?

I agree. Put the sign up.

Here's wishing you the best of luck.

We didn't put a sign up in our yard either for the first while it was listed and had no problems with showings. Now that the market is so bad we did put it up. Unfortunately no amount of signs are going to help with the market like it is in our area.

I agree with what others said. It definitely depends on how fast you want to sell your house and move. In many other states school has already started of will very shortly. You have a very small window now to sell your house to families. Most families prefer to move during summer vacation when kids are off for over 2 mos. If you don't sell it within the next few weeks, it may sit on the market until next spring. Is that okay with you?
Where I used to live, we weren't allowed to put signs in windows. I lived in a very hot area so it sold very quickly without a sign. Is your area a 'hot' real estate area? That makes a big difference, cause if it normally takes 2 mos. or a lot longer for a house to sell, it may take you a lot longer if it is still on the market now. Good luck!!!

Are they really that nosy in your area? there are millions of reasons as to why anyone wants to sell a house, and they don't have to be because of moving out of state.
I encountered a similar situation years ago, and because I was buying another house while employed, the bank wanted to know my status with this company. I told the personnel person that we were acquiring another property in that area for my mother in law, and that was the end of that.
Of course, a month later I resigned and left to the other City. So you could be selling because.
you don't like your neighborhood, you don't like your house anylonger and want something better, smaller bigger etc,
You are getting a divorce or not. Your home makes you sick (Allergies) you name it, it's not their business. but if they ask, you have a million of excuses that you can think, that you can tell whomever they ask.

My situation is this - I plan on selling as soon as I am eligible to retire and once they know you are planning on going, the awards and pay raises stop- not that they are that abundent now. plus i have a pretty good and interesting job- I work on a major NASA space project and assist a Nobel prize winning scientist and people keep saying , sandlance, when are you moving to the cape, I want to learn your job. Whoops, guess I might as well put the sign out now. One of you are probably my co-worker and know who I am now LOL

Sorry to hear my instincts about opportunities in your current job were correct. In spite of your further information, I still believe you should allow the yard sign. I've had many friends who've gone without one. Basically 100% of them relented later and it did help some of them. In addition, your location sounds like a traffic artery. You simply never know what will bring in a qualified buyer.

When you're ready to sell, I'd go all out and utilize every available marketing option, including the sign. Otherwise, you run the risk that your property becomes a stale listing, requiring multiple price reductions and riding your local market down. (BTW, obviously much depends on the state of your market at the time you list.)

If your timing's flexible, you might consider listing before (or after) that retirement date. That way, you've allowed extra time in case a move-up buyer makes a contingent offer or an extended marketing period is required. If you're lucky enough to sell right away, presumably at full price, a rent-back or temporary rental might be a good option.

Sounds like you possibly shared a bit too much information previously with your colleagues. This time around, I wouldn't even confide in my realtor, if I were you. Information travels fast.

Wow, Sand, too bad you don't have enough **$ to retire and must downsize to save money! (haha) Oh, you're leaving already? Lucky you, receiving that unexpected, small inheritance! Or, so great that you found a less expensive place on the cape and can swing it! Or, nice that your home sold for much more than expected! Or, ... you get the drift.

JMHO and I wish you the best.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SurfNow,

How long before you retire? What if your house sells in a week and the new owners want to close in 4 weeks? Are youready to move that fast?

If the answer is "yes" then I'd go full stream ahead and put the yard sign in along with the listing.

If you aren't ready to go right away, you have a little extra time and maybe would want to give it some time before you put the yard sign in your yard.

IF your co-workers see the Realtor.com listing and start asking you about selling you can decide about the sign.

Good luck!

It sll depends on how far are you from retiring, If you are already within months from retiring, everyone already knows this, And that you want to move to the Cape is already common knowledge, so, what is it that you feel that would stop rewards etc.?
Colas, are for everyoe, personal reviews are supposed to come from your Supervisor, I am sure that at this point in your life, not much harm can come up. But, yes, be careful, and if you decide to put your home up for sale, YOu have every right to say that you are looking forward to having your dream home when you retire, and that the time to buy is now and that you wish to invest in a great property.
You can't get fired. for buying a house and selling yours. Good luck, I understand been there done that.

Do not make the mistake fo passing up on a yard sign. Buyers who call off a yard sign are already 50% SOLD. They like your exterior/curb appeal. You will miss a portion of the buyers. However, houses do sell without signs.

it is nobodys business, really, why you are selling, and can be for a number of reasons.

I love it when co-workers or neighbors are nosy and want to know your bizwax. Her is my usual response. "it's a little personal"... that drives them crazy. LOL.

quote:

I love it when co-workers or neighbors are nosy and want to know your bizwax. Her is my usual response. "it's a little personal"... that drives them crazy. LOL.

LOL...no, no, no...don't say that. They will either have you:

a. dying from an incurable disease

b. unable to keep up the payments and are forced to sell

or

c. getting a divorce

"Downsizing" is the correct answer to all inquires.

LOL...or could mean...they won the lottery!

I say it's a little personal..because they then realize they are being nosy and usually say something like..Oh, sorry..was just curious.

That is really the only reason I don't cherish open houses...you never know who is coming through the door whether it is just a curiousity seeker or qualified buyer.. OR a crook, a mental patient,ki-ll-er OR a rapist. I now have one of my family members, an associate or one of the sellers with me at open houses for safety sake. Too much has happened to Realtors across the country.


Bottom line, though, I have sold houses through open house marketing.

Sandlance - how are you doing? Did you list your house, and are you getting bites?