Excessive Open House Signs (real estate, HOA, attorney)

[OnMyWayto30a]

Are there any rules in Harris Co limiting open house signage used by realtors? Given the lack of zoning my guess is no chance, but I am curious if any in the real estate business have thoughts on the subject? I live in a newer, small, gated community in Cypress where a realtor has run open houses the past two weekends using an estimated 50-75 open house signs dispersed along the main road in front of the neighborhood as well as in the neighborhood leading to the house. Additionally they used some large flags (think used car lot) at the entrance to the neighborhood and in front of the house. Never seen anything quite like it and was not sure if it is something I can even do anything about...really wierd...a little concerned that the next step will be to put a large inflatable on roof lol.

[crone]

There is a bandit sign ordinance for Harris county. There are some few rules about picking up the signs. I did go to the training from the HCSO.

It is against the law to place a sign in any easement. Between the utility poles a general rule. We are not supposed to get them if the value is over 25$, but, who is to determine the value of abandoned property?

You can call the agent, inform her that the fine is $500 a day, per sign. Take a photo of the signs and location and contact the County Attorney. They usually do not file a case unless they know they can collect. It is a lot of time and trouble for them. Usually a phone call informing the sign owner of the 500$ gets their attention and they remove the signs. If not, i do it or them.

I just get the signs and throw them away.

This goes for all bandit signs in the Right of Way. There is no special dispensation for anybody such as youth sports or politicians. In fact, political signs have instructions to not place in the ROW printed on the sign.

If you are confronted or assaulted, call the HCSO. One of our team had a gun pulled on him and the deputy was not aware of the bandit sign law but the matter was resolved with anybody getting hurt. ;-o have fun.

[OnMyWayto30a]

The good news is the realtor removed the signs at the end of the open house each day. The complaint is that the neighborhood looked like the circus was in town Saturday and Sunday. My out of town guests got a chuckle out of it...me...not so much.

[crone]

she is protecting her investment. They are against the law, plus they trash the neighborhood. One would be enough.

No need for the flags. How many houses does she sell to people who were just driving down the street and saw her signs?

[texas7]

As long as the realtors pick up their signs at the end of the day, I'm good. But that's just me. You might call the realtor and ask him or her to limit them to directional signs on the various corners to show the way but not use multiples. Unless they had multiple houses open, hence the excessive signage.

[crone]

Originally Posted by texas7

As long as the realtors pick up their signs at the end of the day, I'm good. But that's just me. You might call the realtor and ask him or her to limit them to directional signs on the various corners to show the way but not use multiples. Unless they had multiple houses open, hence the excessive signage.

So, how many is too many?

Real estate open house signs are ok by you. How about we buy ugly houses, we install Christmas lights, or a political candidate you disagree with?

Which ones are ok with you and which are not, especially if there are 15 at the entrance to your house?

The agent can post the open house on the MLS. Directional signs and signs advertising the open house are as unlawful as all the other hand lettered crappy signs that self serving people litter the streets with.

I cannot imagine a sane person calling a stranger who does business by putting out bandit signs. Would you call a Christmas light installer based on a sign on the street and let them on your property?

[Lbjen]

I would contact your HOA and ask them to speak to the realtor, or at least to the relevant homeowner (the seller).

[dd1153]

that's funny, I know the exact community you are referring too.
I saw all the signs. Its extremely over the top for an open house. I was thinking the same exact thing.

[Ghost Town]

Originally Posted by crone

There is a bandit sign ordinance for Harris county. There are some few rules about picking up the signs. I did go to the training from the HCSO.

It is against the law to place a sign in any easement. Between the utility poles a general rule. We are not supposed to get them if the value is over 25$, but, who is to determine the value of abandoned property?

Take a look:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8749...7i13312!8i6656

Is this against bandit sign ordinance? Those signs been there for years. Now there are probably more signs.

[crone]

Those pictures appear that the signs are not in the ROW. But I cannot see the poles. They are not in the mowed area. I suspect that is developer owned property, but, if I lived there would check.

All signs in state and county road right of way are illegal and subject to a 500 dollar a day fine. If the county can get the money.

Like most things in Texas, you do what you please until somebody tells you to stop. Getting in their pocket is a good incentive. The public just needs to keep after them. All day, every day.