If you’re selling your home, there’s a common but surprisingly costly mistake you should avoid — and it’s something many real estate agents do without a second thought.
I’m talking about putting an “In Escrow” sign in your yard.
You’ve probably seen it dozens of times:
A neighbor lists their home, holds open houses, and before long, a little sign appears under the “For Sale” post that reads In Escrow.
It might seem harmless. But here’s the truth:
That sign can work against you — and in the worst cases, it could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Who Does the “In Escrow” Sign Really Benefit?
While it may look like a public update on the sale, the “In Escrow” sign isn’t for buyers — it’s for the agent.
It’s essentially free advertising: a way of telling passersby, “Look at me! I sold this house!”
The problem? That same sign sends a very different message to potential buyers driving through the neighborhood. The message they get is:
“Too late. This home is already spoken for — don’t bother calling.”
Why This Hurts Your Chances of Getting the Best Price
Here’s something most people don’t realize: About 1 in 5 escrows fall through.
That means the sale can collapse weeks into the process, leaving you back at square one — but with one big disadvantage: your home is no longer the “hot new listing” on the market.
A smart agent works to secure a strong backup offer just in case. But that’s not always possible, and when interest tapers, you lose valuable negotiating power.
An “In Escrow” sign speeds up that loss of interest. It discourages fresh buyers from even asking about your property — exactly the opposite of what you want while the sale is still pending.
A Better Approach: Keep Interest High Until the Sale Is Final
I never use “In Escrow” signs for my clients’ homes — ever.
Instead, I keep marketing momentum going strong until the keys change hands. If a buyer backs out, I reach out to all the others who’ve been inquiring, giving my sellers the chance to generate multiple offers again and still achieve the highest price possible.
The Bottom Line
Selling a home isn’t just about getting into escrow — it’s about getting to the finish line with the best possible outcome.
Small decisions, like whether to hang that extra sign, can have a big impact on your final sales price.
If you’re planning to sell and want to leverage strategies that protect your home’s value from start to finish, I’d be happy to help.
📞 Call/Text: 626-807-6581