We are a bunch of financial people chiming in on a psychology question...and what material stuff means to our identities, extension of ourselves, signaling to others, belonging, memories, etc.

That was the signal we're close or at the bottom of the market from an investor's psychology.

I think there are various red signals here .

You want to work with someone who is part of a professional association as this is a signal that they are interested in building and following best practices.

Animals are highly tuned in to any changes beyond those natural fluctuations, which can signal big changes in the weather.

@Jeff Deville That's why most bandit signs are placed at stop signs and light signals.

Focus on the signal - get a good working relationship going with the inspector, fix the items on the list, and get passed the inspection phase.  

Tenants view the late fee as a signal from their landlord that it is OK to pay when they choose.The only way to prevent consistent late payment is to terminate the lease.

My signal-to-noise ratio coming from Zillow et al. is not good.  

Having them fill out an application is the only way that you get to make a decision about removing them that will stand up in court.It also sends a clear signal that there is a new sheriff in town and now there are rules that must be followed.