Spokane Real Estate Voice: You're so Vain I bet you think this post is about YOU...

Love the post.  It is always amazing to see the folks in person, look at the picture on the card and go who's this your daughter?  I can only imagine a full size version. 

BethAnn, fabulous blog post.  I agree with you - no picture please.  Half the time when I see a picture on a For Sale sign and have not met the agent - when I do I don't recognize them due to all the photoshop work that went into the picture!  Plus, as you state - IT IS ABOUT THE HOUSE.

Well written!

I've never put my photo on my signs or my cards.  I do have it on my web site, and in a print ad I run, but NEVER on a sign.  So I'm not telling you that you are wrong.  And an agent in my area has the full body things too.  And I have to tell you...now that I know what nerping is... I'm guilty.

Diane: Thanks! Exactly...

Tim and Pam: We are supposed to be selling the house, not ourselves!!! That will come if we do a good job and get out of the way!

Tammy: Your comment made me nerp! :)

I was helping a friend and his wife, looking for a Realtor, and referred them to 3 I thought would be a ggod fit.

Ran into the wife a week later, after having interviewed all 3. She blasts into me about the "whore-slut" one, as she thrusts a business card at me. Front of card horizontal with pic of female Realtor, 1/4 turned, jutting her chest up. Back of card, female Realtor laying down, head on saddle. First time I'd seen the card. Now, the pics were nice, just not in that context.

And some Realtors wonder why people don't treat them as professionals.

Oh, and I no longer kept this Realtor in my contacts.

I learned a new vocabulary word today.  Is "nerping" in the dictionary?  As for your views about an agent's image on a for sale sign, I think that I get the picture.

John: Good grief!

I never understood the photo on the sign thing.  Maybe its about name/face recognition. ??? I definitely put my photo on my cards, website, etc. I don't know why realtors do this. Doctors and attorneys don't.  Realtors are just ego hogs I guess. My only problem with photos is when realtors use the photo from when they got in the business 25 years ago and it doesn't even look like them anymore.

Michelle: I just added a p.s. to the blog stating that there are plenty of places your picture SHOULD BE! But not on the sign!!!

Rick: no- nerping is a word made up by Jr. High kids, and GOOD ONE on the comeback!

BethAnn,

I have never had my photo on my signs. In fact this was the first year I put my photo on some business cards.  Took me 15 years to do that.  The photo is very small but with so many relo clients I thought I should.

I just opened my own agency and when I designed the signs I just wanted the phone number as large as I could get it - I wanted someone to be able to read it from miles away.  No room for a photo!

Yes Jo, we are trying to get PHONE CALLS not a modeling contract!!!

Yuck, Yuck.  I can name several agents who have 10 or 20 year old photos on their business cards.

Wouldn't know em if you met em.

 ?What's with the tiny text?  had to get out my reading glasses.

-

BethAnn~ I especially liked #3!  That was absolutely great!  I think it is ridiculous!  And extremely ego based.

BethAnn - at some point in time marketing is no longer about us it's about the house

Erby, I will try to fix that- I wrote it outside AR. Thanks :) I think it is fine to have pictures ob cards, as long as they are up to date, but SIGNS? EEKS.

Dawn: thanks and I agree!

Kathy: AMEN!

 

Great post BethAnn.  I'm with you and remember asking myself a long time ago if I should even put my photo on my business card.  I opted not to...

I believe in marketing myself- ALOT. But a YARD SIGN in not the place.

Hi BethAnn!  Nope, this isn't about ME!  ;-)  I don't have mine on the sign and have just never been 'driven' to do so either!  LOL

Have a great day...

 

Ha HA oh...I love this and agree for the reasons you've mentioned and also becasue people rarely look like the pictures...false advertising/ ;-P

BethAnn, I never thought about drawing a mustache on the picture.  What a great idea!  I've got to stop by Walmart today!  LOL

BethAnn - Very funny post. There are only a few in our area that have their photos on their sign. I will never be one of them. "Nerping" - I never heard that expression before, but I have participated on occasion. :D

I've never had my photo on signs, or on my cards.  Never felt the need to...putting it here on AR and my other blog and website was out of my comfort zone, but I did it. 

Love the "nerping" :-)))

BethAnn,

 

I also think that pictures on business cards should have been taken some time after 1985.

 

Brian

BethAnn:

There are SO many Realtors in my area who have photos on their signs that are 20 plus years old. I don't know why they are not embarrassed by this, but they don't seem to be. I think their excuse is that signs are expensive so they don't want to have to keep updating them.  But if this is the rationale - it's better to just leave the photo off than to have one from another decade.

Fabulous post.

 

No photos on my signs or business cards.  What is the point?  Do we really need people recognizing us on the street when we are out for a walk or want to buy groceries? And the 20 year old photos...really who are they fooling?

Great post!  Not only will I be borrowing your definiton of nerping but I almost did it while reading this.  Thanks for the honesty and the humor!

I would never put them on my signs. But I do have them on my cards. In my town there is only about 1/2 people that do. And one person that does I don't care for very much. Rather than drawing a mustache I'd rather pull out a shotgun and use it as target practice. Did I just say that out loud?

I believe I recognized that mysterious doctor attorney comparison again in one of the comments (now that I don't get).  But about the yard sign photo:  I have no objection to it.  I don't do it, because I don't want to attract any unwanted attention.  The only problem that I have with using photos at all is if they no longer resemble the person.  Please update photos.

Beth Ann,

Great post and I see an occasional agent photo on their sign, never do they look like the real agent. I agree, a great distraction from the reason for the sign and as the seller I would object to it but obviously all don't.   

BethAnn, that very same agent, in the full-length sign with the ancient red suit seems to be doing business in the Chicago suburbs, too.  Sheesh!

Beth Ann, I think it was big in the 80's so was big hair.

I don't do it, never wanted to as I change my hair too much, even when I was younger.

I don't use my picture on signs or cards but I can see why someone might.

It's about  marketing.  When you meet someone new, later on you probably will forget the name but you'll probably remember their face.  After you see the same face over and over, you'll probably feel like you know them.  I think it's why it's important to have you picture on your profile on sites like ActiveRain.

But you are right, everyone doesn't have a face that benefits them when it comes to marketing.  A big time producer in my company plasters his face on big billboards.  For him I think it works because he has a nice, honest, trustworthy face.  I see others do the same thing and I think it probably hurts them. 

I think you would look good on a sign.  Your profile picture presents you as a nice, calm, professional lady who seems like she would really care about my situation.  If I were you I'd use your good  looks to your advantage.

I was with buyers showing a house and the listing agent had her photo on the yard sign. I hadn't really thought about, until they started laughing! 

I thought the suit made me look thinner and sexy...guess I was wrong about the list price too!

Your post gave me a visual and I can't think of anything not snarky to say...let's just go with I will not be trying to change your opinion!

BethAnn, Yeesh! And for some time now, I thought it was me who did not understand this marketing approach.

In my community, I am trying to build a professional business approach for real estate in a field of socialites who use their kids schools, sporting events, religious gatherings and social events as feeder pools for business.

We have some of the prettiest (men and women) and some of the oldest agents I have ever seen. I avoid the office atrium when they are there. If I go in, I am snagged to help with the daily struggle with the "computer", or listen to the back room banter about who wore what at which event and who is like what, or disinformation from experienced but misinformed agents discussing client situations, etc.

These agents all have photos on their cards AND tell younger agents they must have photos on the cards so people will make a connection before meeting them.

The clincher is that the older ones don't take their own advice. Their photos were taken way before 1985 (Thanks Brian) and when you compare reality with the photo you have no idea the 2 are the same people.

I find it comical and sad to see agents who use photos on signs and stationary. I can only imagine they lack confidence and believe that their smile, pose or clothes have some relation to the business value offering they should be selling.

Photos on signs and business stationary do not help build our industry image as business professionals. Photos are for models in the fashion industry and have nothing to do with the skills we should be applying to help our clients buy and sell real estate.

On a blog, web site, or other indirect media, to support a brand, I can understand. This is part of your social marketing efforts. After all, this is a people business and we are dealing retail, face-to-face. But when putting forward a business proposition or presenting a client property, definitely not!

Gee, I really do feel strongly about this. And like you BethAnn, now that I have put my opinion forward, I'm done.

Thanks for posting about this debilitating habit.

 

But with a 20(agent) to 1(customer) ratio, how less will you stand out?

...a full size body sign? What? Where? Are you serious? I thought I was the only one who had those. I have to be the only one with those because it IS all about me. That's it, I'm suing!

Hey, did you see how white my teeth are this morning? I'm smiling extra wide to show you. Sorry I'm late for the meeting, I have you know I just back from my stylist for my weekly nosehair plucking session, you know it has to be done if you're going to get the best listings, right? Oh, and by the way, hmm, wait, hold, I've got a text, wait right here for me, I'll only be a minute...

Signed,

That agent in your office who honestly believes it is all about him or her, and at this very moment is calling up billboard companies to see how much it would cost to have him or herself on a double sized billboard with the new photo of him or her with way too much hairspray in the new gold Lexus with the fake green convertible top, ummm.... leased of course.

I agree!! Update those pics & don't use the characterized drawing of you on vacation. :)

I think that is very old school.  I know of many ReMax agents in Atlanta that still have "picture signs".  It is kind of funny, but I guess if it works for them they should continue using them.

We have an agent around here that has billboards (practically) for for sale signs, of course with his massive head on them. His truck is LOADED with "I'm so great" magnets and such. I don't know as a consumer how I would feel about hiring him. I admit I've never worked with him so I have no further opinion, but generally speaking I get turned off by the signs that make neighborhoods/streets look ugly. There can be a fine line about self promotion and "That guys an a**"

LOL now thats funny. I dont do pics on everything and I certainly dont do it on my signs. ( I actually want people to like the sign)

BethAnn,

I must admit I resisted for a long time to even put my picture on my business cards and even now the picture is black and white. I can't even imagine putting it on a sign.

Now, when I worked out of Fergus (a small town of 10,000), there were a few agents who put their pictures on their signs and to their credit they did stand out. And sometimes while walking my dog and passing by others who were walking by the sign as well, I would hear, "Hey I've seen him."

Now if they like him they may want to call him up and either see that house or another if they're in the market to buy. On the other hand, it could backfire. A woman agent that I know of wasn't gaining the best reputation in the area and if they saw her picture they would run as fast as they could in the other direction...and away from the house.

So I guess it's like everything else. What works depends on your circumstances. And if you've got a face that everyone just loves it might just help get that house sold for your clients.

We don't deal with signs here in Manhattan, but I do have a comment on the use of a photo on a business card.  Have you ever taken someones card, and put it in your pocket? Then, have you found the card in your pocket a week or two later, and couldn't remember who the person was?  I was against photo business cards for a long time, until this light bulb went on.

My question for those who do deal with lawn signs is, how is a lawn sign different from a sign on a bench, bus, or other advertising vehicle? I would just keep it to professional, up-to-date head-shots. We always laugh at the 20 year old photos on a broker's website if we've met him/her.

I think name recognition is more valuable than a picture.  I saw a sign one time that just said "BOB" and his phone number...works for him!

I love your blog - lots of realtors think it is all about them  - you are sooooo right....

Does this signal we have come full circle, the end of the agent centric business model. Are we going back to the only promote the brokerage based model? The reason agent photo signs came into being was more recognition for the agent. I do however agree that some agents have just aged and are too cheap to update their personal signage but it is up to the agent IMO to choose a photo signs if they are paying for them.

Seems the update button stuck, sorry for deleting 2 copies of this post.

BethAnn, Great feature.  I've seen so many pic's that if I ran into tha realtor, I wouldn't know who they are and that's just from their cards.  And I agree, we are selling the house, not ourselves.

I suppose if the agent who has the picture signs thinks it is working, then so be it.  I would never do it, but it doesn't bother me when I see one.  I have heard 'nerping', though, from the kids.  

BethAnn

Love the post. I've worked hard at building a brand for myself and you're right, it is not about me.

Someone just invited me to Linked In.  They didn't have a picture on their profile.  The name is familiar but I just can't remeber who it is.  I need to check how I know him.  But I can't and I don't want to look like a fool by checking the wrong box.

 It's the same thing that Louis in #47 is saying about business cards.  Faces I can remember but names are a lot tougher.

I do not recall seeing an agent photo on any yard signs in my market.  That just seems odd, and I do not know why someone wouuld do that. 

I heard a suggestion of creating customized thank you cards with a photo.  Sometimes I use those and other times I do not.  Any thoughts?

aaron

I try to have my photo on my email but I would not include it on any financing signs. A concern for someone using photos is to make sure you look like the photo.

I was just in an appointment with a new client when the husband and wife both said that I didn't look like my picture. I thought it was fairly recent but I do have facial hair, but they said no, you've lost weight :)

As much as I agree with many of the comments, I do think there is a place for everything. I do not have my photo on my signs, and I'm still considering whether I should or shouldn't do it. I have updated photos and in my area I think it would stand out among the rest. Having said that, I understand your point and it may come into consideration for me. I do think the photo on my business card is key to making sure the person I gave the card to, doesn't just toss it because they can't remember who I am. Updated, professional photos, no matter where they are, can be a good tool to helping you get recognition. Yes, it is about the house, but that house is also a part of your efforts to "get your name out there" if a face goes with the name, it helps. I remember faces much faster and easier than I remember names. . . I'm working on that. . . so a photo on a sign will help me become "familiar" with someone faster. But that's me.

Loved the post, very funny and insightful.

BethAnn, Your post made me nerp.  Funny stuff.  Our signs are team signs - no photo.  However, I do have a small photo on the sign rider.  It is up to date, no scary posing - just the face.

 

 

BethAnn,

No photos on my signs. I have 2 versions of business cards - one with and one without a picture. The photo version makes sense at a venue like RainCamp, where someone will leave with countless cards.

Many of the photo signs in my area end up with mustaches...

I just had a new picture made but have not seen the proofs yet.  I have never liked pictures on the signs, but had never stop to figure out why.  This post certainly spells it out and I totally agree.  Great post.

Beth Ann,  I totally agree with you and I've been recently revisiting the picture on card issue.  Even wrote a blog about that not long ago. 

We have a male agent in our area who has his full body picture on everything.  He's posed with a jacket thrown over his shoulder leaning against a tree.  Looks like he's auditioning for GQ or something.  He seems like a nice guy when I've seen him at REALTOR meetings but the billboards are a real turn off to me.  Wonder if they are to prospective buyers/seller? 

Maybe he's reading this.

A picture on a sign is not needed.  Use that space for your web site URL or better yet a URL for that property.

BethAnn,

Enjoyed your post and had a good laughed. When my wife and I started in this business we had the same thought too. Photo of you don't matter. Here is our thinking now. It sure is nice to put a face to the name. I agree that your photo on your yard sign is not the reason they would do business with you. Photo on your business card does help remind the person you met for a brief 30 secs of who you are and maybe remind them about what conversation you had (be it good or bad :) ). I am a visual person and I remember names better when I have a face to it.

Your post cracked me up! Thanks for sharing.

I have a question - does she take the photo for the MLS after the sign's in the yard, and is her life-size photo the main thing people see?

When I first started in this business my broker at that time wanted my photo on everything. I resisted and am glad I did. Make the phone number as big as possible!

I don't use a pic on my card - yet. But this business IS about us. Ask you accountant what your business is worth. You will quickly realize how much this business is about you. Try to interview at a different company. They either want you or not.

This industry has been misled into thinking it is ALL about the pictures of listings. In fact, it is about integrity (including how current a picture is), experience, and inventory. If you are being misled into thinking otherwise, try to sell your business or move it to another company. You might get a different picture. lol.

YIKES!  We have a few agents in my area that have similar signs and it always makes me "NERP"  I am also not a fan of the photo on the business card.  When I was a new agent I was hosting an open house and an agent came in with her buyer.  She handed me her photo business card and I burst out laughing!  The person standing before me looked absolutely nothing like the Glamour Shot on the card!

Bethann, we have one of "those" in our area. She's wearing a jacket that looks like one the Beetles wore in the 60's, and has a poofy hair, mullet haircut of all things! I wish your kids could see her! Too bad someone doesn't clue her in. 

BethAnn, Thanks for this post.  You are right about selling the house. Very nice post.

OMG! LMAO!   You're good!

BethAnn - I'm in complete agreement on this one. It's not all that common around here but there are some agents who feel it's important. Who really cares? Except the agent. 

Jeff

BethAnn, that is a great post. Most of us are Legends in our Own Minds. Unfortunately, not everone else's mind.

Think about this. How many other "professionals" have their picture on their cards. To those who said it is about them you couldn't be further from the truth. It should be about the client. Did you wonder why realtors are held in such low esteem by the public?

BethAnn,

I suppose agents do that thinking they will get more recognition...but I totally agree....and your post sure gave me my morning chuckle!  :)

I agree, for myself anyway. No picture on sign.  That said I do have my picture on my cards.  I try to keep them updated so they look like me as I (ugh) age.  I print my own as I need them so I am not stuck with cards I don't want. 

I can go either way with photos on a sale sign , BUT photo's are a MUST on business cards and here's why !!!:

  A business card is not a valued posession UNTIL you know or recognize the name on the card !!!! Almost all readings of leading real estate educators talk about "Branding" you identity in the name of local consumers mind. To most of these consumers a name is EASILY FORGOTTEN !!! It takes a name and a PICTURE for many to be able to conscienciously remember who the name is !!! When I hear a name mentioned, i quickly search my mind to see a picture !

  I collect a business card from most people I meet. I toss them in the same desk drawer.Occasionally I will place a rubber band around them. Sometimes I group them by event or month received ! Some of this sounds real thorough, (have you pictured anything while reading ?)but here is the acid test !!! 90-120 days from now go thru the stack of cards and see if you can remember ANY of the folks who you have not had regular contact with ! Notice how much easier it is to remember them when you also see their PICTURE !!! Whenever you can get a consumer to use more than one of their physical senses you obtain double/triple imput to the brain(touch,hear,sight)!It's all about creating permanent MINDSHARE !!!

PS- 350 million people are hooked on FACEBook !!!! FB with no pictures ?

I knew an agent in another city who advertised on freeway billboards. He may have been the laughing stock of the people in every car who passed his billboard, but one thing is for certain. People remembered his name. And that agent might have been laughing all the way to the bank.

More room for your name and number to stand out.  Besides, when you update your photo, all those signs have to be updated too.  Spend extra money on Riders with your website on them to direct traffic there.  Then they can see your face :-)

No pictures on signs. However a recent photo on cards is a must. mar

BethAnn--I couldn't agree more!  I do have a photo on my biz cards, but never on my signs.  I want people to see the sign and say "wow, this great house is for sale" and focus on the house.  If they like what they see, they'll get a chance to see me when we show them the property.  Thanks also for the vocab lesson--"nerping" is a new one for me.  I know I'd rather have folks nerp with me than nerp at me  ;-)

BethAnn - I appreciate many of the points you make about having your picture on yard signs and other marketing materials. However, If I were you, I would use the photo you have for your AR profile. In other words, I disagree. 

Your profile photo is business like, professional and if recent, lets me know who you are before I ( or one of your potential clients) ever meets you. It begins to sell you before I meet you.

I agree that it is not about the person in the photo and that it is about the house. But, marketing yourself including your photo says a lot about your confidence in your ability to buy and sell real estate, or in my case, inspect real estate.

For me, as a professional home inspector, I put my photo on my website, brochures and business cards. (The photo is new, not 10 years old). It is important to me that my clients feel comfortable with me before I meet them. It is not about me, it is about my client knowing who I am even before I meet them.

In addition, it is a security feature, particularly for women home buyers and sellers. It may also hold true for male Realtors. If a female client or Realtor knows what I look like before she meets me, she knows who I am and why I am there. The safety "alarm" factor is removed. She knows that the person meeting her at the home is supposed to be there and is a professional.

So, with respect, I believe that having your picture on yard signs and other marketing materials is important and very effective when done correctly and, in good taste.

Great post and I thank you for your opinion.

David Selman
Professional Home Inspector
www.selmanhomeinspections.com 

 

I agree completely.  I don't know what some people think.  I guess they wish they were a model at some point in life.

What a great start to my morning, this was hilarious, I can't wait to share this with some peeps in my office, loved it!

Love it..... I haven't seen full body photo signs here in Winston-Salem yet. Maybe it's because some wehave a sign ordiance stating how big the signs to be.... ...I would be afraid of getting sued from causing an accident. I can see that event on the 6 o'clock news. Now that would get you some great advertising. Or when the local teenagers steal your signs (yea it's been done) and place your full body sign against a port-a-john somewhere or some other embarrassing place.(Good advertising) Another thought, they are bound to be expensive, why not put that money into something else.

Oh well this business never stops to amaze me..That's why I love it. Never boring.

Thanks for the post, Beth Ann.... I agree 150%- No picture yard signs.

I feel the same way about web sites. Why waste all that good space on your picture.

Love it..... I haven't seen full body photo signs here in Winston-Salem yet. Maybe it's because some wehave a sign ordiance stating how big the signs to be.... ...I would be afraid of getting sued from causing an accident. I can see that event on the 6 o'clock news. Now that would get you some great advertising. Or when the local teenagers steal your signs (yea it's been done) and place your full body sign against a port-a-john somewhere or some other embarrassing place.(Good advertising) Another thought, they are bound to be expensive, why not put that money into something else.

Oh well this business never stops to amaze me..That's why I love it. Never boring.

Thanks for the post, Beth Ann.... I agree 150%- No picture yard signs.

It is so very 1982, LOL!  I drove past one who does this just yesterday.  She did have a pretty mustache painted on her 80s glam shot by some neighbor kids.  WHY would you subject yourself to that?

Hi Bethann.

I agree with David in Comment #85. Some brokerages want their business name out there while I want my face and my name out there instead of having the focus be on the brokerage name so I do use my image and likeness. Of course I do not use full body images or anything too excessive but I do focus on my name and likeness which are part of my branding. For some it is a part of their business plan a part of which includes trying to appeal to the Generation X-ers and Y-ers. Key word: Trying :-) Whatever works though. What I do with my business is just that... my business.

Also the laughing at other people's business part is quite troubling. It's their business... not mine what they do or do not do. If they want to post pictures of themselves throughout town then more exposure for them. If they have the guts to expose themselves that way... great. It does not affect me personally but can understand that some people do not have the guts to plaster their images throughout town because they fear that others will laugh at them or as you state "nerp." They may have guts while some agents do not.

Great thought provoking post though. Congratulations on the feature!

~ Lana

The main good I see of having a photo is that I can remember (some times!) whose card it is when I look at it later.  Many times I have picked up a card I got several months ago with no photo, and I can't remember the person who gave me the card.

Sarah in Nashville

Great Post! I have always wondered why Realtors, who want to be considered professionals, have to use photos that look like they work at the local Men's Club.  We also have a male realtor who likes to stand on roofs in his ads, I always think of a carnival act when I see it.

I use a wooden sign of me for my open houses which points towards them. I had two but one got stolen. I will blog a story about it sometime soon.

Hi Joy in Comment #94.

But obviously you remember him....

I haven't had my face on signs for years - but I still think there is an argument to be made that your face (NOT whole body) can become your brand identification.

Plus that photo is usually their "prom photo" anyway...you know the one taken in the 70's.

Great post and quite funny!  I especially like the nerping.  I have a 5 yr old who will point and laugh at signs, I can see your points.

If I looked like Brad Pitt, I might consider putting my picture on yard signs.  Unfortunately, I think my picture might just scare people away. 

Over the past year, it seems like 90% of the top producers in my town have added pictures to both their yard signs and their open house signs.  Every where you turn, you can see an agent's picture sign.  They are all over the place.  I know all of these people, and they are all good agents.  Their pictures are also all very recent, and look just like them in person.

It's just not something I would do myself.

On the other hand, if I get the hair transplant, the facelift and dye my hair...   Naah.  People would just nerp at me!

Do you think you could take a picture of the full body size photo? I really think we need a visual!!!! :)

 

I wouldn't put my picture on my signs cos I don't want to scare the anyone!!!! :)

No photos on the sign for me, but I do put photos on other ads. I don't know why I do, I guess it's because everyone else is doing it. Previous post up the line mentioned that other professionals, Dr.'s and Attyns. don't do it. So why do we?

It needed to be said!

I cringe whenever I go by a listing that has a picture of the agent.  When I was a newbie, I thought this was a good practice, but with experience you realize that it has to be all about the property, and nobody cares what the agent looks like (unless they are a creapy stalker).

Great post!!

WOW! I woke up to all of your great comments and will take time later to respond to all of them!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

I'm not a fan of photos on signs--too tempting for teens to get creative with permanent ink or spray paint plus I want the focus to remain on the property I'm selling.

That is freakin funny... I couldnt agree more.  I will keep my personal experiences with risky pics to myself though...

Bethann - great title, and post. I agree - wouldn't want to have my picture on a sign. We really don't see too much of that around here.

Dear BethAnn,

Wow, you really got me thinking, thanks.  I've been tossing the idea around of having my mug on yard arm signs for years...you may have saved me hundreds.  I think it best that my actions and work ethic speak for themselves; however, I do get the name/face recognition idea as well.  Learning where to put my advertising dollars is key this year.

You made me laugh out loud when I learned what "nerping" was.  I admire your honesty.  I have been known to do the same thing (yes, I have passed it on to my children, too) I find it most useful when I am feeling "above" another agent to try to find their "flaws" in myself and sit with those thoughts for a while.  Other times the ego can really run wild with whatever I'm feeling superior over...

Again, thank you so much for the full belly laugh, it was truly needed!

Jenny Deephouse

Hillarious!  But oh so true.  Love the "Glamour Shots" ... a client calls on the sign and the agent shows up without all the make-up on.  Talk about a shocker.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the personal branding hype that we cross the line of good taste.  Makes me think of the billboards seen in the movie, "I Love You Man."  Might work in L.A. but not in New England.  Great topic!

OK I had to take a break from reading your comments because- you guessed it: I was NERPING!

(true confession: I have my picture on my card. I think that is ENTIRELY different. That is my tool for countless touches, but GEESH not on someones private property. Hey, I am going to ADD THAT to my list- brb.

Congrats on the popular post!!

Do you wonder if it was the title? or your picture that hooked us?

For me it was the title.

PS. It goes without saying, Lynda (my wife, buisness partner and team mate) is much easier on the eyes the me, which is why our photo appears together. It's what you might refer to as a balanced relationship. :)

If you are really thinking about yourself, yes...your opinion is correct.  Nerping is a behavior that you should be corrected and as a parent, you should be teaching your kids not to do.  It did not sound good so kids shouldn't be doing it.

How about looking at the good things,  With this economy, agents are struggling and they are trying to be creative to make a great connection with buyers and agents.  Agents should be supporting each other and not criticizing other agents on the way they do business. 

Putting photo in all advertising materials including Yard signs helps people remember who they're working with.  In this business, trust is required to make the transaction successful.  Picture is a representation of willingness to help people in remembering names. 

Now if the yard signs are being vandalized by the neigborhood, then that is a representation of the type of neigborhood you have.  Buyers should be watching out for those.  That is when the agent should be concern about putting their picture on a yard sign.

When an agent is known to do good things, their signs are respected.  Don't be a hater, embrace all types of creativity of other agents.  Respect their ways as they will respect yours.  Laughing at other agents show how insecure you are and how they shouldn't be working with you.  Very immature of making other agents uncomfortable in a professional environment.

This is the type of people who really need to wake up and understand that we are here to help each other not to put down people.

Very true, Bethann.  Some in our trade get a little carried away (and overly impressed) with their picture and forget what is most important to prospective buyers.  Thanks for the post.

This post is about me. I'm almost ashamed to admit it! I liked your post, but in fact the top producer in Michigan, who happens to have an office right across the hall from me, has her picture on her signs.  When I started I just did what she did.

Holland Michigan Real Estate | West Michigan Foreclosures | West Michigan Mortgage

The problem with photos on any marketing materials is that they start to "age" the moment the ink is dry.  The examples of fashions that look dated (even wide or skinny ties on the guys), agent holding the "old" flip phone (they're so yesterday) or the "prom portrait" just make you look out-of-date.

I'm no marketing genius but I understand branding.  I think agents are trying to establish their "brand" with their picture and are hesitant to change the photo for fear of confusing the brand.  Maybe it's better to establish your brand with a logo, unique color scheme or even an icon.  Apple computers has done an incredible branding job with their logo; fortunate for us Steve Jobs had the brains not to use his photo.  And we all can identify a Coke bottle at 50 paces in the dark.

It is especially tough for agents who are associated with brand name brokers.  My Century 21 logo is the same as every other C21 agent on the planet.  How am I going to establish my brand when my colateral materials look exactly like all of the theirs?

Maybe we think (wrongly) that our picture is the only way to differentiate.

Amen, Sistah!  Preach it!   I just blogged a few weeks ago about the pictures we put on our cards...which, btw...some should be outlawed.  But, thinking about a full bodied sign in front of a house...holy cow!  It would certainly stop someone dead in their tracks...but, I don't think that's what our founding real estate fathers and mothers meant by "curb appeal".  EEEsh. 

Fabulous post... HI-larious.

BethAnn - I don't happen to want my photo on my signs...I agree with you.  However, I do think it is a way for agents to brand themselves and stand out.  I know of a couple in my area that it has worked very well for.  I'm just not ready to see my face on every house that I list and I don't know that my sellers would want that either.

It's about marketing and I do not see a problem with a professional picture that actually looks like you.  Not a Glamour Shot from 10 years ago unless you still look that way. You want your face and name to stick in people's mind.  I have had many people say "you look so familiar, where have I seen you?"  I know most of the time it is from those signs or advertising.  If it is done correctly and not overkill I believe you are crazy not to.  The attention span of people now is very short and the younger generations are even shorter.  So if they remember my face that is ok with me.

But, it always works in the movies. Check out "I Love You, Man" and "He's Just Not That Into You", or, tvland Cougartown. We have a stereotype to uphold!

MUCH of what we do IS about MARKETING OURSELVES. That is A-OK. WE NEED TO EFFECTIVELY MARKET OURSELVES YES!!! But When people drive up to my listings I want the ENTIRE FOCUS to be on the HOME.  There are MANY MANY places we can put our faces!

• Cards, brochures, website, blog, flyers, e-mail signature, newspaper, newsletter, all mailings, things that are marketing US. YES By all means- use your picture on these!!!
  
• IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE for me- well it is just ABSURD. (I think I made that clear!)

I was always a picture person - branding, ya know.  I have since changed my mind and don't have my pics on my business cards and if you want to see what I look like on my website you've gotta view the About Us page.

I gain and lose weight, my hairstyles (and sometimes colors) change, and I hate when I appear so different from a photo (which is why I try to update them all but realize I need to change a few).

And I got a weirdo call some years back from a guy that saw my photo on one of my websites.  He said he was thinking of selling his condo.  My "something isn't right" radar kicked in and I asked him if he was really interested in selling.  He replied, "Well just come over and have some coffee with me and I might consider it."  This is the only listing appointment that I stood up a potential seller.  He never called back.

I would never put my picture on my sign.  Mainly because I don't want to scare anyone away.  However, I would be expecially careful if you are an attractive female.  You have to think safety and be careful when you get the call to meet someone at your listing.  3 choices.  1 don't do it, 2 - Don't do it,  3 - Take someone with you. 

Our pro photos rarely look like us.  Most people do not get them updated enough.  I like the trend of using causal pics in the blog. 

My pet peeve is female realtors with advertising shots that make you wonder what they are selling.  It aint real estate!

BethAnn,

Great post. I would lump in search engine to about the house and not you as well.

Good to see you here.

Scott

 

AAAAAhahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

I agree 100% with no picture on the signs. It is ego based, not marketing based. If you want to put your picture somewhere to ease that ego put it on a magnetic on your car if you must. At least then you are putting it on your own property not someone else's. I would never list my home with someone that did this. Seriously. I'd be more interested in what they were actually going to do to get my home sold. Are they full time? How many contacts are they making a day? Are they following up with all the showings? There are too many other things an agent has to worry about, and should be focusing on.

Ahhhhhh, vanity. Leave it in the bathroom.

Point well made. The purpose of the sign is to sell the house, not the realtor who is helping the owner to sell.

Gene, LMBO!...

P.S. Have you noticed a gender difference between those who engage in that nefarious practice? Curious to know...

Okay, so there's nothing new I can add here except to say I'm in total agreement with the crowd that photos on signs are unnecessary and dorky... but I will say that I LOVE YOUR WRITING STYLE!!! Great job saying it like it is!!!!

Pretty funny post. Certainly have to agree with your points. I definitely think that if you do use your picture on something (business cards or print ads), make it current. 

Great Post. I do not put my pic on anything but my website. Your right, it's about the HOUSE, not me. It always amazes me to meet the "real face" behind the picture.

I never understand why agents put there picture on anything. I use my boys just to show why I work so hard

 

Comment #113 is well worth reading again.  I admire the honesty and integrity of this comment however, I am saddened with their choice to remain anonymous.  It says alot about what they feel the anticipated response would have been towards them. 

I would like to think BethAnn's intent was to be humourous but I encourage everyone to read or re-read comment #113.

I was competing for a lisitng once, and the home seller had interviewed the agent that has her picture everywhere...on the billboards, payphone, and shopping cart. The client asked me about why she should hire me, since she had not seen me on the shopping cart. I explained about each agent having limited marketing dollars, and I prefer to spend mine marketing homes, not myself. Got the listing!

I loved your humorous way of discussing this.  If done right and updated, photos can work well for some folks.  There was a post I read awhile back where the writer said she had a face for radio and a voice for print.  She was funny.

I don't think "Glamor Shots" are a good idea on business materials.

I use current photos for my web based stuff, but I don't put a photo on my business cards. I've changed my hair style and color so much over the years that it doesn't make sense for me to brand with my photo.

I think I like the idea of branding a logo or name better.  I liked what #116 said in his comment.

When I was a realtor I held an open house for another agent in the office. She was very pretty and had a very nice for sale sign with her picture on it.

I had a least 3 people come in asking for the real estate agent on the sign...

whether thats good or bad, you be the judge.

My wife makes professional for sale signs with interior pictures of the house on a ryder... looks great. Of course the same picutres are on the flyers on the same post, but the sign looks like the realtor took that extra step to sell the home.

I do not put my picture on my signs.   There are the issues of aging and changing haircuts...  Great points, all.   Maybe my picture shouldn't be on my card, either....

Great Post, a bit on the serious side, about 4 years ago here in Houston a number of female agents were being stalked, found out he got interested in them from the pics on the yard signs.  As a security issue I advise my female agents not to put their pics on yardsigns or their cars.

Cards are fine, we have more control on  who recieves them, but not the yard or cars.

Gary - as compared to their photo being on the WORLD WIDE WEB?! 

Hi BethAnn,

  Thank you for such a big laugh today!  I absolutely love this post!

On my website the photo of me is on the "Contact Tim" page, not all over the place.  I figure if someone is brave enough to take the proactive step of actually clicking on the "Contact" page, they pretty much deserve what they get!   ;-)

But like you, I definitely draw the line at putting one on a yard sign.  That is a little much in my subjective opinion.  I don't think I would ever have the "guts" to do that.

On the other hand...  when someone hires an agent, they are hiring a salesperson.  A salesperson who will in many ways represent the "face" of their property to the public and other agents.  So, if the object is to get feet walking through the front door, and if my agent looked like Angelina Jolie.... then I would want her to plaster photos connecting her with my property all over the place, including the front yard.   You just never know who might walk through the house and decide they like it.  Or tell someone else about it.  

  

BethAnn,

I did have my photo on the sign for a while - that's what we were taught back in the 90's. (and yes, I had the stalker to go along with it!)  I have since adopted a philosophy that less is more.  My new sign simply says FOR SALE (which is the largest thing on the sign) my company logo and my phone number.  It has so much white space it has great visibility.  Once again, what's old (1980ish) is new again!

i have yet to see a picture that actually looks like the agent. They say your picture needs to be changed every 6 months? Who does that - no one i know. Be creative and lose the picture.....

OK I was guilty of pictures on my cards,signs,cups,magnets,calenders,baby clothes,urinal cakes,bath mats and just about anything I could plaster my face on. Also I started out calling my team The Boad Team, my last name of course. Now it is Accurate Realty Group and the only picture you will see of me is on my Active Rain profile. 

I actually had good luck with my picture everywhere, I could not go to many areas that people did not know me from my signs and all the other pictures of me. The big issue I had is whenever it was not me taking out the buyers or the listing I got push back because they expected to see my smiling face....... My business model is not set up for me to work with buyers or sellers, just to generate leads and have the other great agents on the team to do the rest. Since re branding to just the team name and logo and 86ing my picture I never have that issue any more.

Also I did relize that it is pretty cheese to make it all about yourself, when in fact it should be about the customers and clients.

#85 and #123 made great points about safety that I really hadn't thought about. Because of the expense and the fact that I'm not comfortable with it, I have never put my photo on yard signs, open house signs, or car magnets-- but it's on pretty much everything else. I've had people come up to me at events and say "I know you, you're on my refrigerator" (calendar magnet...).

Okay Carly (LOL) I agree with you. Not to mention that this is a major graphic design nightmare.

BethAnn - I am so in your court.  I have my picture on: ... the web.  Only the web, nothing else.  Not on signs, nor on cards, NOT ON MY PRINT ADVERTISING.  And for goodness sake, not on shopping carts.

I have the advantage:  I have a name and personality that you don't forget.  I am selling my education, experience and expertise.  I'm not selling my face.  Because I do plaster my name all over.  That's all you need to find me.

Thank you BethAnn for telling it like it is.  Well deserved feature.

That is hilarious!  I've seen signs with the pictures and the pictures don't usually look like them.  Just like business cards, some agents use Glamour Shots and look stupid!

Who wants to buy new signs every time you change your look?

Hi BethAnn,

I don't put my picture on my signs, and don't intend to for several of the reasons that you cite. But I'm not sure that photos don't help with personal branding in an area. Sure they're gonna call you to buy the house, but other folks may just remember the logo and call your pal at the next desk for everything else.

Ha Ha! Quite funny. It reminded me of a Realtor in Tx. that uses an old picture of her in a HUGE hat on every sign. Very hilarious!

Great post.  Had me laughing out loud.  Never had a photo on my card either.  In fact, when I was working in the corporate world you were a big deal if you had no title on your card whatsoever.  Some Zen thing I guess.

I do have clients, from time to time, ask me why there is no photo of me on my card.  I guess that is the expected norm for our business - I am "ok" with being outside of that norm.

I'm with the no picture group. I just focus on the property I am selling. If people want to know what I look like they need to call and make an appointment to see me in person! LOL

Hello Beth Ann,

My favorite is #6 - ya never know who wants to start a cult.  Perhaps they'll want to offer the agent up as a scarifice.  Given what everyone thinks of agents these days I doubt they'd even be prosecuted.

I'd rather see and deal with ethical and professional agents, who promote themselves differently on all marketing materials, than with judgmental agents who think they know what's the proper way to market oneself.

Though it's a humorous blog, it sounds like ridiculing people is accepted in your household.  It also opened the discussion to ridiculing agents who chose to market themselves in their own way.  It's a business, the owner chooses the marketing plan.

Is it any wonder that comment #113 chose to be anonymous?  (Thanks, Susan Emo for pointing it out).    

 

First off "long live the rockin' oversized full body cardboard realtorette " in Spokane which has LONG been a family favorite.

Did I use her as a realtor when I needed one? No, I used Beth. But still may she ever grace the street on which she stands!

There are also two gals together in a super trying to sexy pose with their hair down with names like Bambi & Tiffany on their regular for sale signs and this one does not require nerping because it is downright HILARIOUS!

Why ruin our fun Beth, I say you are WRONG.

Put your picture everywhere folks it is so much FUN!!

It makes the world a better place!

Also, I loved the surprise when I met a realtor after seeing her 20+ year old picture on her website. " What's all this?" I thought she had sent her Granny to represent. Good times.

Now I am not saying it will make you a better realtor to put your picture as many places as possible, or help with business. But I AM saying you should do it! As often as possible.

I really want a mug and a magnet with Beth's mug on it.

That will make me nerp!

There's a guy in my area that does that and it's hysterical (IE: stupid).  He's wearing jeans, big belt buckle, cowboy hat - yeehaw!  Oh, and did I mention the jeans are TIGHT?  Not just a little bit, either.

 

At Christmas time, I've seen them with santa hats on top of them.

 

Blah.

That is a hilarious post!   It is different strokes for different folks for sure, for me...a logo was more important than my image.  I think if whatever you do is consistent, it can be powerful.

Your blog is brilliant as the 156 (and counting) comments suggest.  At least you got more activity from this blog than the agents with sign photos do on their listing.

I have thought about doing that - but (luckily, I guess!) my company doesn't allow it.  On another note, I went by a sign the other day that used to be a team sign....and instead of two faces there is now only one with the other covered up so it looks kind of weird!

OK, Nikki (#144), I have to ask: what the heck is a "urinal cake"???! 

I almost forgot - there is a team in my area who purchased a moving truck and put their faces and info on it.  They are very successful and their pics actually go with the real people.  I could never do that, though.  Does this truck make me look fat?

LOL!

OMG!

OK made a liar of me- as I am not going to be able to respond to each comment.

And do far- while I appriciate EVERY COMMENT and have read them ALL Nobody has changed my mind and thus far- no coffee cups or magnets.

I disagree.  My office uses bust photos on our riders and they look quite nice.  Same photo as on our cards actually.  It helps increase recognition of our personal names and office.  Facial recognition is one of the strongest natural traits in humans, far far far ahead of word recognition.  It is one of the first skills humans develop as infants.  Anyway, seems natural to put your face out there and we have had a positive reaction from consumers so far.

Love the post.  I too posted a few months ago about the outdated photo on business card :-)

I have a small face photo on my rider on the sign and get great comments on it all of the time...   I think if you are well known anyway, and it's a smaller photo, there's nothing wrong with it.

Dear  Number 113, I am sorry I offended you. You didn't change my mind about yard sign photo's, and my kids are wonderful and normal, and I greatly exaggerated this post because sometimes my sense of humor gets away from me. I am sorry you didn't think it was funny.

If you are using your photo on your yard signs and getting good results, that is great! But I do believe I am entitled to my opinion- and I didn't mean to hurt feelings. Hope you have a great 2010.

I totally agree with you and have felt pretty lonely because the majority of people have their pictures on the signs and business cards - I don't.  What I look like is not the reason why someone should pick me as their agent.  I do have one on my website. 

It's a matter of personal choice but people remember their doctors, attorney's without pictures so saying its a way to remember people is really not true.  They should remember you because of the great work you do and tell their neighbors and friends about you.  If we smirk about the pictures then you can imagine that the general public does too.

We have been sold about branding and like a lot of things it's more popular at different times than other. 

P.S. #155 is one of my very best clients (who specializes in sarcasm) !

Somebody just text messaged me their yard sign picture... !!!! (thank you)

I hope you know although I would never put my face on a yard sign I am just having a little fun here- and I do respect what you do for yourself. But after 15 years of driving by this sign I COULD NO LONGER REMAIN SILENT!

Great discussion going here, but I have to agree with #113. We have an up-to-date picture (the same one as on this profile) on our cards and our sign riders (not the signs themselves), and it works very well for us. (We draw the line at full body signs, however!) We have not only garnered name recognition in our market, but face recognition as well. Many times someone will approach us in the store and say they recognize us from seeing our signs everywhere, and we have gotten clients that way as well. To us, it has absolutely nothing to do with ego and everything to do with branding us and our business as THE place to go for real estate services in our market. And it's working. We respect those who do not use pictures on their cards/signs, but please also acknowledge that it is a viable branding tool, and it works, at least for us.

WOW--obviously a hot topic within the Realtor community.  Photos are a great thing for name recognition but professionalism is the key to everything.  You said it best--it's about the house.

How about that pose with the fist under the chin and the head tilted---Glamour Shot. Or how about that pose with the cheesy agent on the phone? When I see those signs I think of Steve Carrell (sp?) from The Office. Those agents fit right in. 

For 10 years I had my photo on my business card but I just took it off. I am seeing if it makes more of an impression -- a more professional image.

Everyone else around here has their photo on everything. I'm removing mine. Dare to be different!

It's not about us, it's about doing a job for someone.

Maybe if my lawyer puts his photo on his card, I'll reconsider. Or my accountant. Or my ....

We have some agents with their photos on their signs.  When I first got into the business, that was something I certainly did'nt want to do.

I know people are visual, but at the same time, photos on signs are a distraction to me. 

 

My broker has her photos on her over-sized signs (head shot) and she asked me if I would wanted mine on my signs.   I told her no thank you...I change my hair too often! LOL!

Great post with a catchy title!

When I first got in business 7 years ago, in the great state of NY, I was reluctant to put my picture on my business cards & other print advertising. My Broker said it was important, so that people could recognize me in case they needed to take me to court ...

    :-)     !!!

Aloha,

 

 

Silly Me...

I could have sworn the entire world revovled around me and my lovely self :)

P.S. Never liked photo adverts. They suck :)

TLW...ROAR!

I use a "professional cartooned" image of myself as you see here on all of my marketing and I call her The Real Estate Chick. It allows me to feel comfortable enough with my image being out there without someone actually knowing if that picture is really me or just an image until they meet me. I have recieved TONS of compliments on the picture and name, even ftom the companies that make my cards and any marketing material. Images are branded into our brains more so that words. We can see the Mc Donald arches without the word McDonald and instantly know it's McDonalds. However if you saw the name McDonald without the arches, how would you know it was refering to the famous hamburger spot or somebody's last name? Image branding helps you stand out and let's people remember you. I have my image on my emails as well and when I'm talking to other companies, Title, escrow, lenders etc...and asked if they recieved my email, they'll sometimes ask...when did u send it, what was it, sorry I recieve lots of emails a day and the moment I say it was the one from the real estate chick, they instantly recall the email!

I will say that i do not have any yard signs with my picture on it. Other marketing material are cheaper to update. I can keep my signs around alot longer without my picture on it!

I'm pretty much live and let live!  If you want your picture on your sign, go for it!  I truly don't mind!  I was "reprimanded" back in the late 80's by the Broker of the large company, where I worked, for having my picture on my business cards!  I never removed it and the "trend" caught on!

You made my day with your post. From the number of responses I can see we are quite passionate about our photos... Dont have my photo on my signs, because I agree that its about the house. But definitely DO on my business cards. I network in a particular niche community and want to be recognizable. Also, I dont use glossy card stock, that way people can jot down whatever they are inclined to do on my card.

Great, great post!  And with 170+ comments, I'd say most agree.  Many agents still do not understand that it's NOT about them.  Now...I'm off to do some nerping! :)

Wow lots of comments.  I'm a full-figured woman and the last thing I want to do is advertise the fact that I need to cut a few (80 pounds).  I don't even like to have a picture on my business cards but I do it for facial recognition.  They may not remember my name but do remember my face.  My signs have what I believe is the important information--broker name, phone number and my website.  That's it. 

I stopped putting my face on my cards and website a while ago.  It's not about me.  Under my contact page I have a picture of myself but it's not the first thing you see when you visit my site: it's the area you're interested in!

Beth - Ann - Yes we have taken all our picture signs down. In fact some towns around us don't allow them at all. We got a call from a town official many years ago telling us that the picture of Lisa was a lovely shot but they are not allowed on for sale signs in our town... Luckily he didn't confiscate the sign and fine us... lesson learned. Just my 23 cents

There are some pretty funny Realtor photos out there, there was one in my area years ago that had a photo of himself on a motorcycle with pretty short shorts holding a beer, niche marketing?

9. People may actually think you look like that.

 

bla ha hahahaha. NICE

 

Good post.

Love it!  I laughed so hard I won't have to do any crunches for days! 

Great Post and wow what a lot of comments! Seems you hit your mark!

My 2 cents. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Pictures have their place, but not on the yard sign...

Denise

Somehow, I've found that the number of pictures an agent posts on their different advertising materials is direct proportion to their egos.  I'm all for it on business cards (for personal brand recognition) - but that's about it.

An overpriced home with no photo on the sign will not sell. 

A well priced home will sell even if the sign is a photo copy of the agent's posterior. 

What a great point!  I'm going to re-blog this to the Outside of The Box Group for Non-Traditional Realtors and Lenders!

Vic Steele, Broker, Valet Real Estate Services

CA DRE No. 01349863

571 N. Poplar Street, Suite H, Orange, CA  92868

What a great point!  I'm going to re-blog this to the Outside of The Box Group for Non-Traditional Realtors and Lenders!

Vic Steele, Broker, Valet Real Estate Services

CA DRE No. 01349863

571 N. Poplar Street, Suite H, Orange, CA  92868

BethAnn: You got tremendous response to this. It's interesting how some people self-promote all the time. To me, and probably to most of the public, it gets a little old. I say let your reputation speak for itself! Thanks again!

I love agent pictures on their signs and I think at night they should put a spotlight on it and maybe some neon hollywood lights!  Big Ego's make great agents.  Big egos make the world go round!  It is all about the agent because they have the guts to get out there and sell and market properties and take risks  without the promise of actually being paid. You should put your beautiful mugs everywhere you can!  I have never had a sign with my glamour shot on it but I'm going to now.  Putting a personal face on business is effective marketing you dummies!  Where were you born?  Behind the Barn Door???? 

Besides it is just creepy the way the eyes follow you up the walk into the house.  Makes my hands almost too sweaty to open the lock box...  "nerp, nerp, nerp"

Great Post!  Very distracting to have the picture in front of the house.

We have those giant c21 signs so I put my rider on top. The rest is a huge c21 sign. Oh...yes my head shot and MY CELL Number on it too.

Picture on my business card too.

That's about it....but what i say is whatever works for the individual. There is no right or wrong when I think of it like that.

Same goes for how one markets themselves with words. Up to them. Up to me.

Bottom line is that my picture, sign, business cards and words are nothing compared to my performance in person :)

It really bugs me when I see agents that I know with the same old, photo on their advertisements....what's with that!!  Doesn't say much of anything good about them to me. What's the clients do when he gets a business card/pamphlet/flyer/website or the like and sees the photo of the agent. Then when they meet he doesn't  recognize the person....ha!

Patricia/

 

 

 

Yes, your butt does look big in that giant red suit especially when the sign is 6 feet tall.  Unique or stupid? I guess you answered that question.  I personally was going to do a post about the idiots that have so many phone numbers on their signs you can't read one of them!  They are so small, if I got out of my car and had a magnifying glass I couldn't read the numbers!  Overkill with the face, overkill with the #'s.

I know your not from the Chicago area but we had a clown that was famous from a kids program - Bozo.  I would put his face on the sign (looks like Ronald McDonald BTW) and wonder if anyone would even notice?  Hmmmm????

Evening BethAnn,  Ironically I was asked today if I have my picture on my signs !?!?!   My response was that I didn't want to scare the women and kids !  They agreed that it seemed a bit too much and they didn't like them.

I understand you may need a photo or id to prove to clients you are who you say you are.  Having it plastered around the neighborhood or supermarket carts I think its not necessary.  In New York they just started issuing a State ID for Realtors.  Its a duplicate of your Drivers License and being issued by the DMV.  That's all the ID/Photo you need to show who you are.

BethAnn!! I think this post is funny, but I am one of the agents who uses a photo everywhere I can, yes, even on signs. It's about branding. I'm not vain, but I am the brand at this point.

The chick with the saddle picture kind of scares me though!!!

I also don't have a problem with the photo. It's amatter of choice howver PLEASE make sure its an updated photo.  Not one from 30 years ago. When you finally meet the person you are only able to recognize them because you have a meeting.  I am known for saying "BY THE WAY YOU LOOK NOTHING LIKE YOUR PHOTO"..lol

Great post BethAnn!  Made me laugh and I think it's SO TRUE. Different strokes for different folks but I'm with you on this one!

Beth Ann, much ado about nothing. The photo on the sign feeds the ego of the agent and helps with branding. It does NOTHING to help sell the house. So it is up to the agent's style.

I absolutely do have my picture on my sign and everything else I can. It's not about vanity, I think it helps people feel like they already know me. I have actually had new clients say things like "you cut your hair" or "you let your hair grow" they have never met me before but already feel a level of comfort. Pictures stay!

I loved reading your post. I'm not an agent, but I agree with you. I see lots of signs around Seattle with pictures. It is off putting and I'm glad that you blogged about it. Congrats on the feature.

Funny blog! I'm on the side of using photos though. Definitely not a vanity thing however:-) If you did a little informal survey of your friends and family i'd bet that faces not names are what stick in the mind after a quick visual encounter. It's why billboards and slick "visual" advertising is so successful and where the often heard statement, "not so good with names but I never forget a face", comes from.  Also, I would posit that we are a little jaded to this practice and the general public has different views on this...or perhaps it's akin to being reluctant to admit to being a "reality TV" junkie...

I know there are way too many comments to consider this late-stage post, but I have to say "of course, it's not about me" and "of course, it's all about my listing" unless you want to stay in business and then it's "of course, it's all about US".  I have a listing and, hopefully, get people to join me on my blog, know me by sight, believe I can get the job done, etc, etc.  I've been doing this business by referral only since 1985 (remember 13% interest rates???).  Anyway, a full-size cut-out of myself.....no one needs to see that. But, a sign rider with my small photo and my blog/property search site is not threatening to anyone.  So, I can't see the harm in un-photoshopped face recognition.  I yam who I yam.....

Janeese Jackson, Principal Broker, Real Estate Resource, Portland, OR

I agree with you Carly...uh, I mean BethAnn, besides it could turn into some horrible nightmare where your sign follows you no matter what angle you look at it and creeps everyone out

I agree with you Carly...uh, I mean BethAnn, besides it could turn into some horrible nightmare where your sign follows you no matter what angle you look at it and creeps everyone out

I appriciate all of your comments- thank you!!!

I still believe it is in the sellers best interest not to have an agent picture on the sign.

I also think that we need to market ourselves like mad and promote ourselves with photos as much as we can. The only objection I have is on the sign!!! I take my stand because I THINK IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CLIENT/SELLER!

But that may be because I have seem some VERY tacky picture signs that left me thinking only about that and I didn't even LOOK to see what home it was.

I think most people who use photo signs are not vain. I just thought that was a catchy blog title to be honest! :)

In fact, while some of you changed my mind that it is the right thing for YOU , I still think I draw the line for myself and want a simple sign with no photo.

I also 100% agree about not having too many phone numbers on the sign- it gets messy.

 

Never never never. I do not like them on my cards but that is what my company does so I do it.

I have never been a fan of photos on cards, signs, cars, or anything.  YOu're absolutely right, it's not about ME!!!  When someone drives by and sees a sign in a yard, they do not call on that sign because of the photo.  But, I know that many agents use it as part of their brand marketing, so I say every agent should have the choice to do as they want.

BethAnn - Haha!  I just wanted to point out that great minds think alike.  I had a post with the exact same title back in 2007, and I've seen it a handful of times since then.  I still think it's catchy!  Have a great weekend!

Jason, sorry- didn't know that! hahahaha...

I think I offended a few folks... but I didn't mean to- just got carried away. :)

BethAnn, I like the way you said it.    Funny stuff but very true.  I recently had a friend get her license, when she got her cards, she sent a picture in for the staff to send away.    WOW!   I haven't seen a photo that good outside of a magazine before!

I always wonder what the client thinks the first time he/she sees the agent in person??  

BethAnn - No worries.  I think it shows that we think a lot alike.  Mine was a post about how people are willing to be a lot more rude online than they would ever consider being in person.  I don't have a strong opinion about sign photos myself - I don't use them personally, but one of my agents does.  To each his/her own, I suppose.

BethAnn- this was an hysterical post! Whether you use these kinds of signs or not - this was FUNNY!

Debi

I do not care nor yard signs with photos.  I love the comment, "..we are trying to get phone calls not a modeling contract!"  So true.

Hi BethAnn~  I say to each his own.  I am so glad that we all get to make up our own minds about how we spend our own money.  What works for one, may not work for another.  Thanks goodness we get to make our own decisions to do what works for us.   

I've never been one for pictures on my signs or my business cards.  However, my sister has her picture on both.  She is well known in her market place and consistently one of the top agents.  People recognize her from seeing her signs all over the place, and it seems to make them more comfortable with her.

After I spent tons of bucks branding my "look", I had chemo and lost my hair which came back a different color.  What a hoot.  Past a point, it's all pretty silly!

When people drive up to my listings, I want the ENTIRE FOCUS to be on them calling me to get more information about the home.  Sometimes, a nice smiling face on a sign makes that happen more often!

BethAnn, I can hear the words in my head and I just had to click to read the post.  Great reading.  Darn, it's not about Warren Beatty either. 

Beth Ann, when four of us left a big-name real estate office to start up a locally-owned company, we wanted people in town to know where we could be located. Much less expensive to make name/photo riders than to advertise in the newspaper every week. So that is what we did. True, many people might have remembered who we were just from the names, but with photos added they also recognize us in the stores and ask "how's real estate these days," and "do you have time to meet with me? I'm thinking about selling" and more. Maybe, when the signs wear out, we might not re-order. Then again, maybe we will. I don't think any of us ever considered that our photos might distract from the properties we listed. Seems to me that people want to do business with people.

That's hilarious! I don't know if signs are the same as websites but at the Seattle RE Bar Camp, Jim Marks said they did some web testing and found that agent sites with their photo on the front page have a higher bounce rate then when they don't. Agreed, people aren't as proud of your photo as you might think.

Great post!  I was planning on using the full body sign, but ran into trouble with a city ordinance on the size of signs--mine would have been classified as a billboard. :-)

I am reading every comment!

This has been alot of fun :)

I am still holding my ground. Put your FACE EVERYWHERE but not the YARD /PROPERTY SIGN. The YARD SIGN is the SELLER'S tool. Not my opportunity. I DO WANT THE PHONE CALL and I don't think I have missed any because I didn't have my overbearing picture on the sign!

I am warming up to the sign rider small photo...hmmmm

Ego and Real Estate does not rhyme but seem to be in the same context.

Ty

So, it took me 5 minutes just to get to teh bottom of the page... sorry, but I could not read all the comments...

Fabulous and fun post... On the signage, I agree... but I do think on the company website, and places like AR, ti si useful to help personalize the ad or marketing effort... thoughts on that?

Great post. One of my agents and I went to our Awards Luncheon yesterday and she said to me, "why do so many of these agents look so different than their picture?" The light bulb went off ans she said "Old Pictures huh?" :)

When I saw your response/apology to #113, I had to go back and see what they posted.  It was very interesting to me that this person doesn't have a picture on their AR profile/posts.  :-)  I too cannot bring myself to take up valuable sign space with my mug.  I had to think long and hard years ago before finally deciding to put a pic on my card.

BethAnn - Very funny post! Doesn't every market have an agent who is so in love with themselves they plaster their face everywhere? We do - and it gets comments - none I can repeat here. LOL

Why would it be in the seller's best interest not to have my picture on the sign? Do you think buyers would pass up a house because the agent's picture is on the sign? Of course not. But, if they recognize the picture as someone they've done business with before or heard from someone else that the person is trustworthy, they just might call because they are comfortable with the agent. We're in a business where our reputation and recognition is our livelihood. I have people say to me all the time, "I see your picture everywhere". Realtors are the ones who read the names on signs as we drive past...no one else. Put your updated, tasteful picture on the sign. It just may get you the phone call that sells the house.

Sandy:

When we are marketing OURSELVES, I think pictures are a must. The sign in front of the home is marketing the HOUSE. That is how I feel :)

Great post BethAnn! My picture takes up valuable advertising space that can be used to sell the house.

Hilarious.  I agree, absolutely.  The only thing that needs to be visible on the sign is the CONTACT INFO!  Phone number, maybe a web site.

Thanks.

BethAnn,

Great Post!! When I started in this business my team leader wanted me to post my picture on everything! I resisted...still don't have a picture on my business cards, but I do have it on my website and some marketing pieces. There is an agent that I worked with previously that has her picture on her yard signs. She has a big blow up of her face,it looks more like she is modeling hair to me though. She also has the same picture completely covering the back of her business cards.

Hi Beth Ann. I was checking in on some of the blog posts that caught interest for me (that I commented on). I saw this post, remembered you and have to say that this post is great. If you wanted opinions, you got them. I still agree, it is about the house, the benefit to the consumer is #1 and always will be (aks Ogilvy or Godin or any of the masters. Branding is great but it's purpose is to get attention so you can show the benefit (you do that beautifully). The benefit (the home you dream of) that is the product that needs pushing. Long time no talk, I hope this finds you living the dream.

I hate pictures of agents on for sale signs! OMG!!  And another one is having their picture on their CAR MAGNET. Come on people. 

Thanks for the laugh - the full size photo is way to funny!  I agree your picture shouldn't be on your yard sign.  I only once had a photo put on a sign and it was for a large vacant commercial lot - funny thing was I had the property sold before the sign was even finished so it has set in my garage for a very long time and never even been used!

This is something that I don't understand.  Why would sellers even allow that?  It's self-advertising - and the point of the sign is to advertise the HOME.  Now, I do add a rider with my phone number and another for a webpage address - this does promote me - but indirectly. The focus is on the subject at hand - that subject being the HOUSE you are trying to sell!

The safety issues alone should keep your picture of the sign posted at the property. A/s many have said, wherever your picture is displayed (if you must) it really needs to be updated. In fact it should be a requirement that at least once every twenty years it gets updated.

Wow, the comments just keep coming :-) There's an agency in our town that clearly had their agents get together and put their photos on their signs, all in generally the same pose, usually with their arms crossed. To me, the signs scream "pretentious!!!" I can only guess that that's what other people think, too.

photos on my marketing items...maybe if i was prettier!  

it's been a frequent cause of amusement for me to save some of the more ridiculous cards i've picked up over the years.   

that said, the facts are that folks remember pictures...it's some sort of psychology thing  that simply works.  people love pictures and will look at one before they read the words.  try this...put the same picture in a listing four times and see if you don't get  the same number of views on each. 

recently we had a local HOA remind a local agent that  the signs he posted needed to be the regular size 18x24's meaning his double sized ones (to match his ego) needed to be swapped out.  he ignored the memo  and a neighbor went by and cut the bottom half off leaving only his grinning mug.  i wish i'd gotten a pic of that.

I've been "nerping" for years and didn't know it.  I actually laughed out loud as I read this.  It is sometimes shocking to see what an agent really looks like; sometimes they no longer even look like the picture.  You are a funny one!! 

I've had so few listings lately I just stand in front of the house holding the sign. Here I am for a few hours of sign-time. I was jogging and thought I'd get the morning traffic.

I have to confess I've always found the picture on the sign rather odd.  But I've also found a few of the pictures on business cards realtors have given to me odd as well.  One woman had a photo (looked like it was taken in a bar) of her and her boyfriend on her business card.  No, they were not in business together - he was just her boyfriend. So I guess if they break up, she'll have to get new cards huh? 

Also, if you are going to use a professional photo on your card, website and social media keep it updated.  I've been embarassed to walk past a realtor I had arranged to meet because she looked nothing like her website photo.  After a little research, I found someone in my neighborhood who does a nice professional shot for just over $100. 

Working with agents, I had one explain why they have their picture on the yard sign.  They felt that because it costs more money to purchase that sign it gives off an appearance that they are more succesful real estate agent.

I didn't agree, but thought I'd share  =)

WOW I did nor expect a new stream of comments on an old post. THANKS AND FUN TIMES!!!

Probably someone put their picture on the yard sign and another Realtor didn't want someone to have one up on them so they did it to and a trend was started! Let them go ahead and do it we'll get the business from all those people that don't want a life size photo of their agent in front of their house? I'm sorry but how does your face sell real estate????

Hi Beth Ann,

Not a big fan of photos on signs...but if it works for some, then more power to them. Personally I cannot stand looking at pics of myself, so I would NEVER in a million years do this.

You said it... thanks for the post, I had many chuckles reading all the comments.

Marketing is confused with vanity. Definitely no pics on business cards (especially the ones with the dogs, cats, horse, etc...) letterheads, signs or any sorts. But I think a recent pic on your web site, MLS web portals and your social marketing is great.

 

Beth Ann,

This is hysterical, and so true. I agree that the sign should advirtise the house. It should tell people how to contact the realtor, but it is not about the realtor.

Marcy

Funny.....the folks at Tech Savvy Agent gave big props to this agent who has his face on his sign http://www.facebook.com/#!/techsavvyagent   I think it can help.......if you have the right face.  If Richard Nixon were an agent, I would suggest he not do it.  I think it's well documented that 'attractive' people or people with a 'trusting' face/smile can have a slight advantage in attracting more business......it can reduce the call reluctance that some people have.  I think some people (not all...just a small number) are just jealous they can't pull it off.  Yet some who could, choose not to. 

I always thought the yard sign is the agents tool as well as the sellers tool.  The sign helps find the agent buyers for other properties if they don't like the sellers.  Like an Open House.  If it was only the sellers tool, the sign should have photo's of the home being sold, right?        

After 247 comments there is not much to add either than a yard sign should be a call to action and nothing else!

Ty

Being in the business for 7 years now, I still look the same as my pic and we did put a team picture on our sign. We get away with it but most don't. Not sure if we will do on our next batch of yard signs as these have lived a long productive life. Weighing the options.

Have a great week

Lisa aka Allstarmom3

Agreed.  I think the same should be said about marketing material left at the house with no mention of the house!  Just lots of me, me, me!

I like consistancy and branding. So I use my head shot on all my signs. It's 3 years old and as soon as I lose 20 pounds I'll have another taken by the same photographer (the miracle worker).

When I'm driving a neighborhood taking videos I have my magnetic signs on the car so if someone wants to know who is that guy crusing the neighborhood at 5 miles per hour taking photos, they can see that it's me, and if I happen to have a yard sign in the neighborhood, they will recognize me.

I do feel that any business photo such as this should be in professional attire.

I like consistancy and branding. So I use my head shot on all my signs. It's 3 years old and as soon as I lose 20 pounds I'll have another taken by the same photographer (the miracle worker).

When I'm driving a neighborhood taking videos I have my magnetic signs on the car so if someone wants to know who is that guy crusing the neighborhood at 5 miles per hour taking photos, they can see that it's me, and if I happen to have a yard sign in the neighborhood, they will recognize me.

I do feel that any business photo such as this should be in professional attire.

If you want to put your picture on your card and you keep it at least semi current, hey, go for it.  But I tell my agents, especially ladies, not to put your pictures on yard signs or on the the magnetic signs that go on the side of your vehicle.  There truly are weirdos out there that are dangerous and unfortunately think that your inviting them to something other than real estate.  One of my agents had a stalker follow her for almost 6 months until he was finally arrested.  He saw her picture on her cars' magnetic sign and fell madely in love with her and knew that she was calling out to him. 

I have a semblance of control over who receives and see's my business card, I have absolutely no control over who see;'s my signs, in a yard or on a card.  For the ladies, to get that extra listing/sale from the picture on your car sign or yard sign could be the most expensive transaction in your life for you. 

I do not have my picture on the sign.  I do have it on my cards.  I agree with you, it needs to be about the house.

Back when I had a real estate agency some people thought my signs were hokey. Too plain, too boring. But you know what? You could READ them from a distance! I wasn't going for a design award, I wanted phone calls.

Put my picture on it? No way - the sign is about the house.

But on business cards yes. And here's why: Some people you know marginally will remember that they like you, but won't remember your name.Think of the checker in the grocery store, your favorite waitress, or the guy who services your car. (You DO give them your cards, don't you?)

So when they're faced with a pile of cards with no photos, they may not remember which one is you. They may want very much to refer a friend to you, but can't do it. Your smiling face on a card will cause them to pick the right one every time.

Of course, the photo has to look like you - not like your daughter or grand-daughter!

I commented the first time around, so I will let that stand.  I will add...promote a brand, not your picture & not your brokers...You might want to be recognized for something other than your picture ONE DAY!

BethAnn - I enjoyed your humor on a serious topic. I tend to agree. I doubt anyone wants to see my mug on their yard dign. There are some folks around here you do this - one guy in particular - his signs are so old and they do not look much like him at all.  I guess I just don't see the point. Folks will get the name and they qwiwll lilkely find you on the Internet, with all the photos they could want if tyou have a presence.

Jeff

LOL Glenn! (#248)!  Too funny!

I appriciate hearing from ya'll!

Here it's a mix several top sales and listing Agents do photo's on signs. I view it as total marketing, Picture in the newspaper, picture on internet, picture on marketing materials, billboards. If  I'm pumping gas or shopping in Wal-Mart I want the guy at the other end of the isle to know my face and that I'm a Realtor.

At some point they will talk to someone who knows some one whose looking or thinking of selling. McDonalds don't sell those burgers cuz there the best burger the sell because people know them. Creating a buzz that what it about!

BethAnn, I agree with you - photos on signs is a no-no and a full body shot - I'm speechless.....lol

As far as Jeff comments in #266 - agents that use old photos of themselves that do not resemble who they are and what they look like today -- should not even be allowed to be used.  There should be some rule or law like with NJ drivers license - we must get a new updated photo every 4 years when our license expires so agents should have to update their profile picture every two years when we renew our licenses!  lol

See what happens. I think Tim #35 was hitting on you. :}

Here is a twist on the post. I won a listing from an agent who had her face on everything, grocery baskets, pay phone booths, and yes, her yard signs.

I was in the listing appointment and the sellers told me who my competition was, and this gal was a heavy hitter at the time. They said they felt more comfortable with her because she was "everywhere".

With their permission, I explained that each agent has only so much money in the budget to market. And each agent can choose how that money is spent. I choose to spend my marketing dollars marketing my sellers home, rather than my face. Then I shut up. You could see the light bulb go on. When the wife said "Oh, that makes sense!", I got out the listing agreement and showed them where to sign. And yes, the house sold as a direct result of my marketing efforts.

Kudos!! I am still crying tears of laughter and nodding my head in TOTAL agreement!

I recall meeting an agent at a real estate gathering. When she handed me her business card with full color photo, I did a triple take and my face showed obvious signs of disbelief. The picture featured her in her 'much younger years' (easily 10 or MORE) and I had to stifle the grin that was quickly turning to outright laughter.

Thanks again for the DELIGHTFUL post.

BethAnn:  It isn't something we've done or plan to do, however, I do understand that some people feel it helps them build their brand.  I remember way back when we were in school and they were talking about marketing and used the example of a very, very, very successful agent for their company who worked in the highend market of southern California.  This gal believed 1000% in putting her face on everything, because her face was her brand, she was her brand.  If the photo is updated every year it may be less egregious.  Thanks.  Carrie

I remember one time I went into a vacant home and there sat the Realtors card with the goofy face drawings all on it.  I laughed so hard!! And for some reason I laughed for days. I kept thinking about some young kid who was board to death and had nothing better to do than draw.  Hmmmm... which makes me think, how many times has someone drawn on my card? :)  

I agree with the fact that if your putting pictures on a card or sign make sure they are current.  I met a broker who I saw his picture on his website , all over the local supermarket and on fliers.  When I saw him in person the picture was at least 30 years old or maybe that of his son.  Wouldn't you consider that false advertising.

Would you trust a Broker after you see that? Just curious.

 

Orgen Brown Catalyst International Realty 718.222.8900 Catalystire@gmail.com

BethAnn - I know its all about the home we are trying to sell.  Tell Me how any sign makes it about the home when all the information (most of the time) is about the agent/broker.  Granted, some signs have info about V Tours or phone in for information on the house.

Oh - by the way - we take new photos each year for our Biz cards.

Hilarious!! Especially when the agent who pulls up  at the home you are showing, you ask are you waiting for the listing agent too?  And it's the agent on the sign!  True story! And awkward as all get out! Gotta love this!

Spot on, BethAnn! I just had this discussion a few days ago with a collegue. There is absolutely no way that I would "vogue up" for signage. So many shortcuts to (mis)judgement can be avoided by not branding the seller's commodity with your mug. I even am thinking of creating separate sets of biz cards with and without headshot for those occasions where the difference matters.

A most practical post. Well done.

Lisa Hickling
Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada

I've often thought about that too but what if you gain/loose weight. What if you dye your hair or get a tan? What about if you decide to sell your business to another agent down the line. People are associating the business with you and not your "team" and I  just wouldn't do it!

Congrats on the post. I do like the idea of having an agents face on their sign though, at least I would know who I am working with. Points taken though

Congrats on the post. I do like the idea of having an agents face on their sign though, at least I would know who I am working with. Points taken though

I don't have my picture on my sign, but I really don't have a problem with those who do, and don't agree with your reasoning.  It's all about branding, and people certainly connect with you more when they see what you look like as opposed to just a name and number.  I would think that an argument could be made that it could help sell the house (unless you look like the elephant man) because it gives those who drive by a face connected to the name, making them more open and receptive when speaking with you.  Who knows?  However, I think your passion is misplaced, and I don't think it's that big of a real estate faux pas.  Just my 5 cents...(yes, my opinion is officially worth 2.5 times more than other people who commented...LOL).