Yard signs are the most obvious, yet underutilized selling tool in the Realtor's arsenal. If you are one of those Realtors, who is still married to the gatekeeper business model in which all information about the home should be closely held, you may be missing real opportunities to expand your business. It begins with the ordinary real estate yard sign.

The real estate signs For Sale is your chance to show neighbors, seller's relatives, buyers and other sellers how you can really pull out the stops to market a home. By festooning the sign with sign riders, feature sheet holders, and email addresses, you make the sign come alive with enthusiasm and energy. Anyone who looks at such a busy sign will see a busy agent who is determined to sell this particular home.

Think about the curiosity factor. Would not you be tempted to stop and look at a home that invites you to "Take One, Please?" By comparison, a sign with only a broker's name and a phone number looks exactly like what it is - an advertisement for the broker, not the home.

The purpose of your sign is to stimulate activity around the home. By making people stop, look and think about this home, you are expanding your customer base. Curious neighbors and Sunday drivers could be your next clients.

A truly professional real estate agent uses colorful residential yard signs to increase traffic, communicate important information and make a stronger curbside impression. Lightweight curbside signs are very often used to list amenities and generate interest in my rental properties.

Make a great drive-up impression with a colorful yard sign and remember that realtors signs are the first point of contact you have.