Have you tested bandit signs?

Question

Anyone out there who has results of testing different phrases on bandit signs?  I placed 23 signs out with the phrase 
we buy houses
we take over payments
ph#
website
and only got 2 leads.  I talked to a guy today and he said 
his signs read 
Avoid Foreclosure
Short sales work

So what are you guys using that is working?

Jeff Fairchild · Answer

Jason,

Thanks for the tips, that makes a lot of sense.

I wouldn't completely discount sales copy though, especially in direct/internet marketing.

I guess I'll try out different things to see what pulls the best response.

Jason,
You're in a prime position to make a lot of money if you have lots of rent to own buyers lined up.  That is one of the hardest things to do in this market.  You could probably find a way of capitalizing on that immediately.  Just make a deal to have investors pay you a fee if your buyer moves in to their house.  I'm going to be using a company in my area that does that and they charge $1,000 out of the tenant buyer option fee.

Jason DeMarre · Answer

I have plenty of people that need to rent to own- I just need the houses to rent.

Jason F · Answer

Jeff,
            
            I use to think a lot about the wording of my signs. Then I came to the realization that it mattered very little. 
            
            I mean, look at the variations of working you are asking about in this post. Out of the four you just posted, none are really that much different than the others are they?
            
            Anyone reading any one of those signs is going to get the same message. Either they are in the market for a rent-to-own house, or they aren't. Including $$$ or a vanity 800 number probably won't change that.
            
            I think the biggest thing affecting your return rate is probably your placement. 
            
            If you really wanted to try something a little different than get a little more specific with your signs. I've noticed that people don't like calling signs that look like they were put up by investors. They do, however, like calling on signs that look like they are put up by 'someone who just needs to rent their house'.
            
            For instance, when I hold an open house for a property I'm selling and I use the coroplast signs and hand write one them, I get some pretty good results. One time I ran out of blank signs and had to cover them with posterboard paper and tape them and write on those and it looked horrible. For some reason though, I got twice as much people that day. I've done it that way ever since. I think people view that as someone that isn't making enough money on RE to buy fancy signs and maybe not someone who does this all the time. 
            
            If you really want calls for rent to own, I would hand write on your sign.
            
            "House For Rent - Possible Rent to Own 555-5555"
            
            That way people think it's an actual house, not some program you are selling them. And 'possible' makes them think, "huh, do I have what it takes to rent-to-own this house? looks like not everyone will be able to."
            
            Just my 2.

Jeff Fairchild · Answer

Jonathan,

What do your rent to own signs say?

Which one do you guys think would work best?

Stop Paying Rent?
Rent To Own!
555-555-5555

Why Rent?
Rent To Own!
555-555-5555

Rent To Own!
Stop Wasting $$$
555-555-5555

Rent To Own!
Free Report
555-555-5555

Jonathan Rexford · Answer

Jeff,

I have tested both and handwritten works hands down.  I am going to kick off more WE BUY HOUSE message again.  They do work but I got to get the numbers out.

I can put 10 Rent to own signs and my phone blows up.

Jeff Fairchild · Answer

When people first start out, it is definitely best to put them out yourself at least twice so you get a feel for the strategy of how to do it.  Then you can better train someone else the best ways to do it.

The signs have not worked all that well for me so far, but I'm going to try them again taking off my website and maybe trying a local # and/or writing the signs in marker myself instead of premade.  I'm also looking at saying "Cash for houses" instead of "We buy houses."  Maybe these strategies will work better.

I have heard that the signs work better for finding rent to own buyers, but I believe it may really depend on your location.

Tyler Thrush · Answer

for those that have tried bandit signs do you put them out yourself or pay someone to do it?

Mike C · Answer

Bandit signs have been hit and miss for me. They have helped much more selling than buying for me as well. I have had a few â€œbad experiencesâ€ with certain municipalities that like to think they are important. Of course that hasnâ€™t stopped me from using them but care must be taken. Some areas could care less and they last a long time as others have suggested.
            
I have always used just a We buy houses with a phone number in yellow. I have always been somewhat of a night owl so I usually put them out late at night. Less people around, less traffic, etc but more interest from the local constabulary on occasion.

Good investing
            
            Mike C

AJ L. · Answer

Depends on your city ordinances.  They are illegal in my city.

Lawton Michaels · Answer

are bandit signs legal?