Do I need a for sale board when selling my property? You may not want your neighbours to know your business, worried about people turning up unannounced and are boards really even necessary nowadays? Not to forget how bright, unsightly and loud they are.

Do I need a for sale board when selling my property? YES ‘For Sale’ boards are an essential part of your marketing!

Your ‘For Sale’ board is an extremely effective traditional form of marketing . A ‘For Sale’ board shows you are committed and motivated to sell your property. It is one of the first things you should organise, even before pictures/brochures etc . People will see the sign and call the agent . It gives you a few days head start. (Importantly never let an agent put a for sale sign up until you have formally instructed them to market your property by signing terms of business.)

The big bright board will catch the eye of people walking & driving past and then word of mouth will start. The ‘For Sale’ board also helps people find the house when they are visiting for a viewing.

Buyers almost expect to see a board, some may even think there is a problem if you don’t display one!

Is your home in a rural location?

If you live in the countryside I would always recommend ‘directional boards’ too. These are far smaller and often shaped like an arrow with your agents branding on them. If your house is off the beaten track, then you can have these on various junctions leading from the main road. Google map where the best spots are and then we put them on telegraph poles, fence posts, gates etc. Still make sure you put the standard ‘For Sale’ board in your garden or at the entrance drive way.

The worst case scenario is that your viewers cannot find your house and give up.

How many for sale boards do I need when selling my home?

Its important to say there are laws relating to ‘For Sale’ boards. This outlines how many boards you have and the size of them. Typically, at most properties, you have one for sale sign in the garden. You do often have homes that have two aspects where buyers may see the sign.

A house which sits on a road to the front but also a public foot path to the rear. It would be great to get exposure to both sides.

However, there are very clear regulations in both Scotland & England as to how long a sign can stay up, the location of your sign and the size of your sign. Your agent should know these regulations and ensure you comply. The regulation is often ignored when you have multiple agents selling your property and they all want their signs up. I think this always looks messy and unsightly.

The first sign displayed is the permitted sign. We don’t often have this issue in Scotland as the majority of sales are sole agency. If you do wish to place more than 1 sign then I understand planning permission should be obtain. A bit of a hooha really but I would stick to the regulations.

The ‘For sale’ board at your property need to be big & bright.

Is your home in a communal building?

When you live in an apartment or house which forms part of a wider building with shared grounds, its really important that you check for any restrictions. These restrictions may be outlined in your title deeds or you can speak with the management company overseeing the communal areas. I have come across many retirement complexes and apartment blocks who do not allow ‘For Sale’ boards both in your window and in the garden. This is to ensure the property doesn’t become unsightly if multiple properties are for sale at the same time.

Its all about being compliant, so make sure you check.

Don’t want a ‘For Sale’ board when selling your home?

If your cautious of a ‘For Sale’ board, I get it. Often is for reasons to avoid that sensitive conversation in the driveway with your neighbour of 18 years. It’s always going to be a little daunting. We feel it best to have these conversations early before the jungle drums beat as people will of course find out through word of mouth or online, with or without a sign. Be courteous, confident and happy embracing your news.

You never know who your neighbours might know a ready buyer.

If you really want to keep things quiet then an open market sale might not be for you. You could always discuss with your agent about selling off market.

If you are also thinking Should I take my own photos? you may find this helpful or maybe your still choosing your estate agent. Read my Choosing the best estate agent to sell your home or 8 important tips to prepare your house to sell