What Do You Think About Real Estate Signs?

Real estate signs announcing a house is for sale or that a house has been sold are more prevalent than ever in Scarsdale this year. There was a time when signs were not permitted – and house hunters relied on realtors to let them know what was available. Now it’s readily apparent who’s looking for a buyer – and signs of all colors and sizes are in evidence as you drive through town.

Lynne Clark, Associate Broker at Houlihan Lawrence, says about the signs, “"I have never liked real estate signs in Scarsdale. They do not enhance the beauty of our Village! I would be in favor of the Trustees looking into a stricter code and perhaps following Larchmont's lead by eliminating them altogether."

However, Scarsdale code does allow them – here are the rules as specified in the Village code, though some aspects don't appear to be enforced:

One real estate sign not larger than three feet high by four feet long on one lot, advertising the sale or letting of only the premises on which it is maintained and set back not less than 15 feet from any street line and not less than 10 feet from each side lot line which is not a street line; except that where acreage, available for or in the process of subdivision, is advertised for sale or letting, one real estate sign not larger than three feet high by four feet long will be permitted on each 500 feet, or major fraction thereof, of street frontage or, in lieu thereof, one sign not larger than three feet high by eight feet long on a whole frontage of 750 feet or more in length, provided that said signs are set back not less than 30 feet from any street line. The top of any sign provided for in this section shall not be more than eight feet above the ground or curb level, whichever is higher.

Others in the industry find the signs to be effective. According to Linda Roth, Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker, “Signs were not widely used on properties in Scarsdale until approximately 10 years ago. They are fairly prevalent today. There are Village restrictions on placement i.e. a certain distance from a point in the street. We offer small and larger signs for our clients, if they want one, and the signs are only one of the many items Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offers to our clients on the marketing of the home. Of course it’s appropriate in certain instances, one of which is the location of the home on a well-travelled street and additionally signs are not used in certain communities at all.

Jason Wilson, of Julia B. Fee/Sotheby’s believes that sales sign pique interest and arouse inquiries from neighbors and those passing by. In combination with new mobile phone apps that can show potential buyers homes for sale in a given area, these signs can be effective and realtors encourage clients to put a sign on their lawn.

What do you think? Do these signs have a positive or a negative effect on your neighborhood? Use the comments section below to share your views.

Recent Sales:
27 Doris Road: Dramatic contemporary Colonial on .47 park-like acre with pool and hot tub in country club setting. An entertainer's delight! Features include 5 bedrooms, Large kitchen, 2 story family room with stone fireplace, both leading to deck and pool, private office with built-ins, large finished basement with playroom and game room. House just power washed and window trim replaced.

Sale Price: $1,738,750
Real Estate Taxes: $36,264

23 Old Lyme Road: Superb home built and enjoyed by the same family for nearly 53 years, now awaits new owner. Curb appeal. Pristinely maintained interior. Spacious rooms, with great flow on level half acre property near highway, and commuter bus for train. Convenient location steps from elementary school.. Two-car garage with tandem third car parking.

Sale price: $1,277,000
Real Estate Taxes: $32,000

34 Wynmor Road: Fully renovated and expanded, this meticulously maintained home brings true respect to old-world heritage. Built to last with a stone fireplace and high ceilings throughout. The first floor has an open floor plan, custom gourmet kitchen and dining room with French doors to a deck overlooking a level yard. The master suite has a full bath and dressing area. The basement includes play and fitness rooms.

Sale Price: $1,195,000
Real Estate Taxes: $20,528

33 Jefferson Road: A sunny Tudor in Edgewood with charm and comfort for the entire family. Extra large bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, level yard, close to school and park.

Sale Price: $760,000
Real Estate Taxes: $19,890

Featured Listing: 32 School Lane:
Classic brick Center Hall Colonial set on private landscaped .29 acre property. Beautifully maintained home with grace and detail within a short walk to village and train. Highlights include an entry Hall with circular staircase, library and separate guest wing with private entrance. Many updates throughout. List Price: $1,499,000 Learn more here:

Featured Listing: 65 Midvale Road:
This well maintained four bedroom Edgemont Split Level home features a third acre property, many updates, gleaming hardwood floors and generously sized rooms. Amenities include a gourmet kitchen with breakfast area, skylight and door to the charming screened porch. The lower level hosts a playroom with bar.List Price: $999,999. Learn more here :