Good Apartment Signage Gets Good Results

CARROLLTON, Texas - Appearance is defined as “a sense impression or aspect of a thing.” In apartment management, appearance is everything. The appearance of a community is what attracts potential tenants into the leasing office -- or causes them to keep on driving.

From construction through leasing, residential property owners, managers and estate agents consistently use signs and graphics to communicate with prospective and current tenants. From the monument sign at the entrance to the banners announcing special promotions and deals, well-coordinated graphics can create an image of professionalism that tells prospective residents they’re in good hands.

Due in part to technology advances and innovative tools that bring signs and graphics to life, property managers have more choices than ever before for the signs and graphics that contribute so much to the appearance of an apartment community. Signs can be informative, persuasive or directional. They can tell residents about specials, weather conditions or rules or guide tenants and guests to parking and other facilities on the property. And most importantly, signs can help attract prospective tenants.

The small curbside signs that name special features at a complex can be very effective, but recent technology allows properties to actually show those features. Full color photographs can be reproduced on virtually any kind of sign. Having eye-catching graphics is a cost effective way to build brand equity, promote new products and services, and establish a professional, consistent image. According to a 3M™ marketing study on visual merchandising, using full color graphics on a sign creates the highest awareness of all sign categories.

“Today’s residential real estate market is very competitive,” said Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing for FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers. “Incorporating eye-catching and professional signs and graphics are a flexible, cost-effective way to communicate with current and prospective tenants.”

Don’t forget about the importance of signage for the safety and well-being of tenants within the community. Safety signs are important and must be easy to read – but they don’t have to be unattractive. Consider the following tips from FASTSIGNS® when considering signage options:

Instead of the plain red-on-white Pool Rules sign, use ocean colors and seashell graphics for an appealing element in the poolside landscape.
Incorporate fitness center policies into decorative wall or window graphics of stylized runners and aerobic dancers.
Wherever there’s a glass wall or glass-paneled door, apply a graphic near eye level to alert people that it’s there and reduce injuries.
Make sure building numbers are large and easy to read from the parking area.
Ensure your property is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which includes special signage requirements to enhance accessibility and safety for the disabled.