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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730 (Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Some sellers really want those signs so, when they go under Contract, they start asking. HOWEVER, I use "Sorry, Too Late" signs - not "Sold" because they're not really 'sold' until they are SOLD!

By the time they're 'really' sold, the buyers want my sign out of the yard - it's their house now and I respect that by removing my sign the day of Closing.

Aug 08, 2017 06:07 PM
Ambassador
2,060,946
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

What is the purpose of putting up a SOLD sign? 

Does it help the listing?  No, not really.  It's good for me... the listing agent.  It advertises to passersby that I was able to sell this house.  But if the deal doesn't hold together, for some awful reason.... I have to take the sold (or pending, or under-contract) rider off... and that might potentially sour the property... and could have held a potential buyer at arms length.

I don't put up SOLD riders, unless the seller insists... and even then I try to talk them out of it.

Aug 08, 2017 07:48 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Once the inspections have been signed off the property has appraised and we've gotten a clear to close the sold sign can go up. Won't be up but for a few days/week, but that's fine.

Aug 08, 2017 05:55 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

When it comes to sold signs I from the cautious side of the world -- I may place one on the sign and take a photo on the day it actually closes.   

Aug 08, 2017 09:53 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

I use Under Contract once it goes under contract.  Sold after it closes.  

Aug 08, 2017 06:13 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I don't bother with sold sign.

When the post and panel are removed the message is clear.

Aug 09, 2017 04:42 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

After it's been through the due diligence process and we are just waiting to close.

Aug 09, 2017 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Once it is SOLD - on the day of closing.

Aug 08, 2017 11:50 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

After I leave the closing attorneys. 

Aug 08, 2017 06:14 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

We generally don't. We take calls on it until funding and recording, keep a list for back up if it falls through and get those buyers on a search for similar homes if it does close. -Kasey

Aug 09, 2017 07:51 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Well, that's  a little controversial. Technically, it's not sold until it is. What you described are that those specific contingencies have been met, but there are more to come like the big one at the end: the funds from a cash buyer or from the lender. Until the money is there, and title has passed, then it's not sold. So erecting a 'sold' sign for me is premature.

Aug 09, 2017 06:37 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,939
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

For me, the property is not sold until there is a successful settlement.

Aug 09, 2017 06:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,388
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

After the closing with the permission of the buyer!

Aug 09, 2017 06:18 AM
Rainmaker
577,750
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

When is is technically SOLD, after all conditions have been met and it is a firm deal... I cannot consider it sold until then...

Aug 09, 2017 06:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Debbie Reynolds Technically when the property closes. Most buyers want the sign removed immediately. I've gone to pick up a sign after closing only to find it leaning against the side of the house out of sight.

Aug 09, 2017 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

after the purchase and sales is signed, we post the sale pending....the sold goes on after all contingencies have been satisfied....

Aug 09, 2017 04:29 AM
Rainer
353,865
Jim Cheney
Saint Francis Property Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa, CA
Rincon Valley Realtor 707.494.1055

When all contingnecies have been released but rarely longer than 7 days before closing.  I think a SOLD rider that sits too long is confusing.

Aug 08, 2017 10:16 PM
Rainer
382,309
Sally Lawrence
Advantage Real Estate - Tehachapi, CA
Broker, CHS, e-Pro, SFR, REALTOR®

I don't modify my signs to identify under contract or "sold" listings.  As with many others, my feeling is that it's not really sold until the sale is recorded with the County.  I'd rather keep getting buyer calls and be able to show them other choices.

Once the property closes, I try to get my sign down right away. The new buyer doesn't want my sign in their yard.

Aug 08, 2017 09:43 PM
Ambassador
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I don't until at least removal of the contingencies, but I usually use PENDING. It hasn't SOLD until closing

Aug 08, 2017 09:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

If I'm the listing agent I seldom post sold signs Debbie Reynolds unless I've run out of Pending signs. If I'm the buyers agent I put it up immediately after closing and leave it up for 2 weeks with the Buyer permission.

Aug 08, 2017 06:15 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

We have "Under Contract" signs for when the contract is accepted. We change it to "Sold" when the contingencies are met.

Aug 09, 2017 06:29 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Sold riders make sellers feel good.  I set the expectation from the start that it'll go up AFTER we've cleared all of the hurdles to closing (so about an hour before we go to the table! HA!).   Once explained, they understand & they TELL all of their neighbors anyway.  ;0

Aug 09, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

We put an "Under Contract" once the offer is accepted and a "Sold" after closing.

Aug 09, 2017 05:33 AM
Ambassador
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Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Hardly ever. It's not sold until the money and keys have changed hands and at that time, usually the signs come down. 

Aug 09, 2017 04:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,881,462
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

When it closes and funds.

Aug 09, 2017 04:47 AM
Rainer
3,230
Ellen Emanuals
EIJ Hallmark Properties - Dallas, TX
Investment Services for REITS, Agents and Brokers

Im sure the answers will vary but me personally, i love to put a "sale pending" sign when the deal goes to contract then change to "sold" immdiately after it closes.

Aug 08, 2017 11:41 PM
Rainmaker
269,059
Terri Woods
Benton, Linn and Douglas Counties - Days Creek, OR
Selling Homes and Land in Oregon

Many MLSs and boards have rules as to when a SOLD sign can go up. And it does change from area to area. Just ask me. I should know. I just moved again - 7th time - restarting me real estate business in a different city (4th state).  Send me referrals..... pleeezzz!

 

(Husband's promotions - all moves are good moves. Just not great for real estate.)

Aug 08, 2017 08:43 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

sold means tranferred ownership. in my mind. doesnt mean you can post pending on the sign

Aug 08, 2017 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

MY wife is superstitious and won't allow for a sold or pending rider.

Aug 08, 2017 07:20 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Good question, nice to see how others do this.  It does make sense to me that it is not Sold until closing.

Aug 08, 2017 07:17 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,333
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I'm with Candice A. Donofrio that is how I do it!

Aug 08, 2017 07:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,912
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

We don't see many of those signs here.  Most realtors are too cheep.

Aug 08, 2017 06:58 PM
Rainer
86,514
Mike Kelly,CRS,CIPS
The MJKelly Team - Santa Rosa, CA
"One of Sonoma County's Natural Resources"

When the fat escrow lady sings! I pay put up a "pending sale" or "in escrow" sign before that. We send out a series of 4 postcards for every lisitng--when it hits the market, when it goes into escrow, when it closes and about two weeks after.

Aug 08, 2017 05:51 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Thanks for all the answers. There are so many varied business practices. I post mine when contingencies have been met. Sometimes that is 2 days before closing.

Aug 09, 2017 07:41 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

It depends on the property - if it is vacant or occupied.  Generally, after all contingencies are removed and we are moving to the close. 

Aug 09, 2017 02:26 PM
Rainer
35,794
Gary 'Banana' Houghtaling
Phoenix Property Shoppe - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Real Estate Agent

Debbie that is easy for me as it's one thing I keep track off. Sold goes up after contingencies are met.

Aug 09, 2017 12:34 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Many have answered your question, though I just saw it now Debbie Reynolds.  We only post 'Sold' at the very end of the transaction, though do post 'Pending' and 'Under Contract' at various stages of the process.  One never knows if it will truly be sold to that particular buyer, with just an accepted offer or inspections. 

Aug 09, 2017 09:36 AM
Ambassador
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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Debbie after all the contingencies are cleared, inspection, appraisal, anything else.

Aug 09, 2017 08:57 AM
Ambassador
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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I rarely see SOLD signs anymore.  They all seem to be SALE PENDING... then, after closing, they disappear.   I'm not sure when in the process agents are posting but I suspect after the inspection repairs are negotiated and signed off.  

Aug 09, 2017 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
989,552
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I've never placed a sold sign on any listing - I just remove the sign

Aug 09, 2017 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Sale Agreed when we accept an offer.

SOLD! when the buyer ins all in with contingencies removed.

Aug 09, 2017 07:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

After we agree on attorney/inspection items. 

I just had my buyer ask why a sold sign was never posted on a property that she bought. I told her, it's up to the listing agent to do that stuff. I think that putting a sold sticker on a sign is good marketing, but hey, that's just me!

Aug 09, 2017 05:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

After COE recorded.... You do not want a sign -Transaction Fall thru-Boo boo listing agent.

Aug 08, 2017 09:42 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I start with a Sale Pending rider , once we are contingency Free , I switch to SOLD

Aug 08, 2017 06:46 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

I don't. Keep those calls coming.

Aug 08, 2017 05:54 PM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

After inspection is all done.

Aug 13, 2017 03:37 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I do not put up an under contract or sold sign.

Aug 11, 2017 07:27 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't post a sold sign until after it's closed and with permission of the new owner.

Aug 10, 2017 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

On residential properties, I can see a "Pending" sign on the property, but not "Sold" until it is actually sold. Yet then buyers don't want a sign on the lawn.

Aug 09, 2017 04:41 PM
Rainmaker
2,310,576
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

For me it is after inspection and appraisal.

Aug 09, 2017 10:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Usually when contingencies are all removed.  Will usually keep the sign up through the seller possession period (can be up to 3 days after COE).

Aug 09, 2017 10:06 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

We do not

Aug 09, 2017 07:56 AM
Rainer
44,891
Dan Capra
LAER Realty Partners - Lowell, MA
Listing/Buyer Agent

Once the clear to close is issued.....hopefully this is a week before the closing and not the day before....keep it up until the new owner calls you to take it down

Aug 09, 2017 07:08 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I have never posted a sold sign....

Aug 09, 2017 06:52 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debbie,

As Ron's mentor used to say, it is not CLOSED until the check clears the bank. A

Aug 09, 2017 06:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,325,299
Donald Urschalitz
Lubeck Realty Group - Jupiter, FL
P.A. Realtor ABR RSPS North Palm Beach County

Only when that closing check is in the hands of the seller.

Aug 09, 2017 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I generally do not post Sold signs as a courtesy to the buyers.

Aug 09, 2017 05:40 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I rarely use them. I assume if someone sees a " Sale Pending", or " Contract" rider, they will assume it Sold next time they drive by and see that the sign is gone.

Aug 09, 2017 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I do it when all contingencies have been met, inspection signed off and committment on the mortgage

Aug 09, 2017 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not.

Aug 09, 2017 04:06 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I psot a sign that says Pending first and sold for a week or so after the close

Aug 08, 2017 08:14 PM