Comprehensive marketing that exploits every opportunity to circulate information about your home is the key to a successful sale. The most sought-after product in the world will fail to sell if people are not aware of its existence. Make no mistake, the buyer of your property is already out there – you simply need to tell them where you are located and what it is that you are offering.

Obtaining And Erecting A ‘for Sale’ Board

The importance of having an advertising sign should not be underestimated. On average 25% of all sales achieved are instigated entirely through the ‘for sale’ board. This figure rises considerably where the property is situated along a public thoroughfare or on a highway. Estate agents call these boards ‘flags’ and there is good reason . . . they signal to the buying public that your property is available to them.

The Diy Approach

Making your own sign is possible but not necessarily practical. Unless you are particularly gifted with artistic skills, the cost and effort involved will probably outweigh the quality of the finished product. Those determined to create their own masterpiece should consider the following:

• Use ‘correx’ for the boards. This is a lightweight plastic UV light stabilised material and is resistant to most weather conditions. You should be able to obtain it in sheet form from most good graphic art suppliers.
• For the text obtain self-adhesive plastic lettering and numbers – these are available in various sizes and colours from graphic art suppliers.
• Print on both sides of the board or produce two identical boards so that the information can be displayed to face in each direction.
• If the board is to be installed in the ground, rather than fixed to a wall, paint the timber post beforehand to keep it looking smart and to prevent it from rotting in wet conditions.

Using A Professional Sign-Maker

Decide the size of your required board (usually about 2' x 3') and plan the layout of text to be printed, then shop-around to get the best quotes from high street sign-makers. You should be able to obtain a double-sided board for about £45.

Using The Internet

Signs can be obtained direct from the Internet, though most of the ones available simply refer the viewer to a website where property details are held for public inspection.

If possible add your own telephone number to the sign using self-adhesive PVC numbers so that those unable to access the Internet can contact you direct. The cheapest sign found at the time of writing is from www.elmleaf.co.uk and costs £29.95

Boards That Are Prohibited

Local authorities determine differently the type and size of property boards that can be erected in their regions. Providing the board is not illuminated, is contained within your property boundary and does not constitute a danger or an obstruction, it will generally be acceptable. Check with the local authority planning department to identify any specific restrictions – particularly if you live in a conservation area.

Properties that are Grade I or II Listed Buildings may require written consent before boards are affixed to the external structure. Leasehold properties may require consent from the leaseholder, particularly where the only available garden is communally held and for use by all residents.

Siting The Board

There is little point in going to all the trouble of creating or obtaining a sign if no one can see it, either because it has been badly positioned or because a hedge is obscuring it from view. Approach your property from every possible direction and assess the most prominent site for your board.

Once installed, check it every now and then to ensure it remains sturdy and regularly prune back any bushes that grow near it. During the winter months you will need to clean it occasionally to prevent dust and grime and even falling leaves from obscuring the all-important contact details.