I think that some of you guys need to get your heads out of the clouds, and be honest with yourselves about this type of marketing. How many of you have left a For Sale sign (perhaps with the 'SOLD' sticker on it), for a while (as long as the new buyer will allow it); I gaurantee that you don't have "take your sign down" the same day of your closings, especially those that were listed and purchased through your office.

Putting a "For Sale" sign for a property isn't actually "For Sale," isn't legal or ethical. I am not a lawyer (obviously), but I am assuming that if you were willing and able to purchase the home regardless of the price, and the seller refuses, there may be a case there). I don't know why he doesn't just send out "Just listed or Just sold" info, it would cut out all of the theatrics of the For Sale sign and the time required to come up with ridiculous excuses.

I agree with what you said about many agents leavinga sign up a little longer to collect some leads. I am pretty sure most agents are guilty of trying something. You also stated that if there came a buyer that was ready, willing, and able to purchase the home that there would be some sort of case there. Why? The seller is never forced to sell their home as long as they don't agree with the terms of the offer. If you think about it, the seller can disagree with any possible offer's terms that came in. So there would be no issue there.