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 :
2 Campden Road, Edgemont: Premier Cotswold Tudor of incomparable beauty, quality and size with classic proportions and exquisite architectural details. Features updated kitchen and baths, stained glass, leaded windows and French doors, chestnut paneling , four fireplaces, 7 zone heat, 3 zone CAC, and tray ceilings. Grounds designed by leading landscape architect.
3 Oak Way, Scarsdale: Nestled on an oak lined cul-de-sac, this fabulous Greenacres Arts and Crafts style home was originally built in 1910. It was renovated and modernized in 1995 maintaining its architectural beauty and design. Almost 5,000 square feet, the home has 7 bedrooms, 4.2 baths and 10 uniquely designed fireplaces. The large, private yard completes the ambiance of this sophisticated and elegant home.
71 Round Hill Road, Edgemont: Bright beautiful, classic country colonial that has it all: New elegant eat-in kitchen and mud room, living room with fireplace, large dining room two family rooms, first floor bedroom and bath. Upstairs is a terrific new master suite with office, walk in closets, built-ins and luxe bathroom. 3 large bedrooms, .4 acres, beautifully landscaped, Easy access to deck, walk to school.
Edgemont Market Update: Sales in Edgemont are enjoying a strong start in 2012, evidenced by record levels of activity during this past winter. The market has been helped by an unseasonably warm winter and a perception that the market has bottomed out while interest rates may start to rise.
4 homes pending, and 3 homes sold in the first quarter. Remember that the Costwold neighborhood association prohibits the placement of any signs on your property, including for sale signs. 
24 Myrtledale Road: Spectacular new construction on cul-de-sac just down the block from Aspen park. Quality construction with exceptional attention to detail: 9 foot ceilings, select oak floors, custom millwork, gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry and separate breakfast area and luxurious master suite. Lower level includes playroom, exercise room, full bath, mudroom with cubbies and storage. Level, private .33 of an acre
9 Eastwoods Lane: Solidly built 1932 Colonial on a beautiful quiet street. An elegant and charming ambiance is created with outstanding moldings, archways, hardwood floors and French doors. Chef's kitchen with solid cherry cabinets, granite counters, 6 burner Viking stove and Subzero refrigerator. Beautiful tumbled Marble master bath with double vanity. Large fenced yard with new deck.
14 Robin Hill Road, Edgemont: Fully updated Tudor. Wonderful space with great layout and private yard. Living room with fireplace and French doors to covered patio, family room, formal dining room, large new eat in kitchen. Three family bedrooms, with updated hall bath, large Master bedroom with cathedral ceiling and ultimate Master Bath.
31 Penny Lane, Edgemont: Spacious Center Hall Colonial with four bedroom and 2 1/2 baths on .55 acres. Private patio and backyard. Plenty of closet space. Central air throughout home including 1,300 square foot basement that leads to a two-car garage.
2 Hazelton Drive: Terrific sun-filled stone-front Colonial in Secor Farms. Beautifully proportioned principal rooms, glass enclosed sunroom/den and gourmet kitchen. Marvelous lower level family room and office lead to rear yard, patio and beautiful level property. Exquisite custom designed home.
25 High Point Lane, Edgemont: Gorgeous 1.786 acres of level secluded property consisting of two lots. (One lot fronts on High Point Lane with 1.016 acre; the other is at the back of the property with no street frontage on .77 acre.) A sub-division into 2 building lots may be possible. The house needs total renovation or demolition. A special site with beautiful specimen plantings. A rare opportunity to create the house of one's dreams or to restore a charming colonial.
Jason Wilson, the Manager of Scarsdale’s Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Realty will be hosting a new Westchester real estate radio show called “How’s the Market?” on Saturdays from 2pm-3pm on AM 1230 WFAS. The show’s focus is the Westchester housing market and Jason will feature Westchester housing statistics and interviews with other Westchester housing experts and residents. This will be a live show where people can call in (914-693-5700) and ask questions. The shows can be heard on the radio or the computer and all of the shows will be recorded and available on the wfasam.com website.
20 Sage Terrace: Beautifully renovated and lovingly maintained, 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath classic center hall colonial in Greenacres. Living room with fireplace, sunroom, dining room and fabulous kitchen with top of the line appliances adjacent to family room. Patio and private backyard. Upstairs master suite with sitting room and bath plus good sized family bedrooms.
11 Bretton Road, Edgemont: New construction in Old Edgemont. This 4 bedroom 3.5 bath green, energy star home is light and its estimated monthly energy costs are $250 to $300! The square footage includes 700 square feet in the finished basement. Move right in to this wonderfully constructed, environmentally friendly home.
52 Inverness, Edgemont: Right rooms, right flow, right size in this center hall colonial with great space and layout. Convenient Cotswold location and one half acre of flat yard, makes this an easy choice. Family room off kitchen, and sliding glass doors to pretty yard and patio. Five bedrooms on second level and one on the first floor.
92 Highland Road, Edgemont: Split on half acre. Sunny entry, inviting gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and access to backyard. Open layout with hardwood floors and high ceilings. Spacious family room with fireplace. Master bedroom with bath. Beautifully landscaped private backyard.
Here are home sales for this week in Scarsdale: 
268 Fox Meadow Road
15 Secor Road
8 Leatherstocking
123 Brewster Road
45 Graham Roa
