I've seen them, most of us have, but I finally found myself wondering "Why?". I'm talking about the neighborhoods with HOAs that require Agents to purchase and use signs that are custom/standardized for their individual community. While almost as annoying as the HOAs that won't let you put signs out at all, these communities actually cost extra (signs that should cost $40 often cost agents double that). I'm curious to hear your comments about this and how it might "benefit" these Homeowners/communities. The only thing I can think of is creating a more uniform look (i.e. keeping trashy hand-written signs out), but this solution seems over the top. Why not just disallow non-professionally printed signs; and there are bigger problems: Many real estate companies or franchises have rules about Agent signs (size, color, what can be on them, size of their logo and the agent name and/or phone number, office vs. Agent phone #, etc.). The latest example of the "uniform sign phenomenon" I saw was in Cross Oak Ranch in Lewisville, TX. Aluminum signs that shouldn't be more than $40 or $50 cost almost $100 after tax! Oh, and you generally have to get them from one particular sign shop the HOA has "approved". Other communities (and their cities) where I think I may recall seeing this: Providence (Providence Village), some parts of Twin Creeks (Allen) and Craig Ranch (McKinney). So, if certain Agents/offices may have a hard time getting the corporate OK to use such a custom sign, is it really in the Homeowners best interest to restrict their choice in Agents just for a uniform look (and a few bucks profit)? I know the sign companies benefit, and I'm assuming the HOA (or management companies) are getting a piece of the sign profit pie, but what are the real benefits to the homeowners? Finally, I tend to think that restricting the information that is on the signs, and available to potential buyers (i.e. not allowing riders like "pool", "4 bedroom" and additional info. like the Agent's direct #), can only hamper the selling process.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com