The best real estate signs promote homes for sale, open houses, agents, or brokerages, and reach local audiences looking for a realtor. The most effective signs stand out by using color, various shapes, and real estate branding. We’ve created a list of 22 real estate sign examples to introduce what’s available to real estate agents and ideas on how to use them for lead generation and add them to the marketing mix.
We included sign providers at the end of this article, but VistaPrint is an excellent option for designing, purchasing, and printing real estate signs. VistaPrint allows you to customize your signs in a variety of styles and colors. It also has additional products like puzzles, mugs, and blankets, making it a great one-stop shop for real estate marketing.
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Read on to learn more about 22 examples of the best real estate signs, how to draw attention to your listings and services, and where to buy or create signs:
For Sale Real Estate Yard Signs
For sale real estate yard signs are among the most common type of signage. They are typically placed in front of an agent’s active property listings to attract local attention and publicize the listing agent and real estate agency. Sign style and size can range widely, with different branding, logos, colors, and contact information.
1. Brokerage-branded For Sale Sign
Many agents leverage their brokerage’s reputation by using its logo and branding on for sale signs. Since ReMax is a well-known real estate brokerage with a strong reputation, the agent uses the company’s branding as the primary focus of this sign rather than their own name. This captures attention and builds immediate authority with passersby.
An example of a real estate company-branded for sale sign. (Source: Dee Sign)
2. Modern For Sale Sign Template
The best real estate for sale signs can be easily read from a distance. This modern for sale design has crisp, neutral colors, a minimalistic layout, and comes from an easily editable Canva template. The headshot and script font makes it stand out from many of the more common brokerage-branded sign designs. This sign style is excellent for building agent authority and caters to various audiences.
If you want unique real estate signs, scroll through this list for ideas, and create your own on Canva. Canva is a popular graphic design platform that makes creating or editing images easy, even for people without experience. Start with a free account and access hundreds of templates, fonts, shapes, and images.
3. Diamond-shaped For Sale Sign
Another way to make your sign noticeable is to change the orientation. Turning this sign 45 degrees automatically stands out even if you choose a common design template. Plus, this sign leaves room for a quick response (QR) code on the bottom, which can help you generate real estate leads by driving traffic directly to your website, the listing’s landing page, or a single-property website.
A diamond-shaped real estate sign (Source: Dee Sign)
To showcase individual listings, check out HubSpot’s Content Management Hub for a full collection of digital marketing tools, including building a real estate listing website. HubSpot provides one of the most uncomplicated website builders that’s also search engine optimization (SEO)-friendly and built for content marketing, a complete customer relationship manager (CRM), and extensive analytics and reporting features. Start by reading its guide to making QR codes.
4. Commercial Property For Sale
The best real estate sign designs are specific to the type of listing, the right size, and contain the necessary information. This commercial real estate sign is noticeably larger than the average for sale sign in front of single-family homes.
The best commercial real estate signs need to be clearly visible. (Source: Schultz Signs)
The scale makes it most fitting for commercial property, advertising available lots for a subdivision on a large plot of land. A typical 24-inch sign would be completely overpowered by the property. This sign clearly establishes the land as a commercial property worth noticing.
5. Featured Listing Photography Sign
Most real estate yard signs are made solely of text, sometimes with a logo as the only graphic. However, some of the most powerful real estate marketing ideas are also the most simple. Featuring one photo of the property’s interior, which neighbors or passersby can’t see from the outside, makes this listing stand out. It stokes curiosity and invites more showings. Make sure the photo you use shows a clean and carefully staged home.
A listing sign showing an interior image (Source: Sign Pro)
This type of real estate sign is particularly effective for homes that are still in the process of being built, especially in new development communities. Instead of waiting for the home to be complete and taking staged photos, purchase renderings of the finished property or model home to advertise on the sign. This lets you market the property months before it’s available, giving you a head-start on generating clients and profits.
Open House Signs
When you host an open house, don’t assume that your for sale sign is enough. Even buyers interested in the property will feel awkward walking up to an unfamiliar house. It’s possible to lose potential clients by not advertising your property enough to draw attention, especially on the time and day of the open house. By using open house signs, you can ensure potential buyers feel confident walking in the door.
Look through the open house sign examples below, but for more options, visit our article 10 Real Estate Open House Signs to Attract More Leads (+ Tips).
6. Bold Colors Open House Sign
Using a black background on this sign immediately makes it look different from most other real estate yard signs. The gold accent color, modern fonts, and spacing make this sign feel like it points to a high-end property. Small highlights can make a big difference in the results when creating signage.
An open house sign with the agent’s name and contact info (Source: Dee Sign)
7. Classic Open House Sign
This open house yard sign includes a large brokerage logo for agents to exploit the brokerage’s excellent reputation. However, the vital part of this sign is the “open house” text, which stands out from the rest by using a different background color. This makes it the most prominent part of the sign. In addition, the smaller size of the agent’s contact information invites interested buyers to come closer to the property.
Open house lawn signs are widely recognized. (Source: Custom Real Estate Signs)
A Zillow open house listing (Source: Zillow)
Post the open house event details on Zillow when creating and placing open house signs. It receives hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors, and it can automatically generate a tag with your open house date and time listed. This is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your events. If you add a Zillow Premier Agent account, your name and profile are shown on your listings.
Pro tip:
A successful open house doesn’t start and end with signage. Ensure you have all your bases covered by downloading our free open house checklist to get the most out of your next open house event.
8. Uniquely Shaped Open House Sign
This real estate yard sign is unique and attention-grabbing because of its shape. It is shaped like a pin drop used in most mobile GPS apps, so this sign will likely attract a younger group of buyers. While it does not contain the contact information and details of the open house, it can be used with a QR code to access listing details on sites that display that information.
A unique GPS pin drop-shaped open house sign (Source: All Things Real Estate)
9. Color-blocked Open House Sign
The most successful real estate agents know less is often more. Instead of communicating many different types of information, this sign focuses on only the open house by clearly mentioning the times the open house takes place. The simple, color-blocked design helps the sign grab attention and makes it easy for passersby to see and remember. This is an effective sign to display on the day of your open house to invite guests in the door.
A simple and effective color-block open house sign (Source: FedEx)
10. Real Estate Team Photo Sign
This is another example of how one simple photo on a sign can make a massive impact. Instead of using a listing photo, this sign incorporates a photo to highlight the real estate team on the listing. In addition, it utilizes a black background and modern script font to create a modern feel. Most importantly, the “open house” font is large enough to keep the focus where it should be.
A team open house real estate sign (Source: Pinterest)
Directional Signs
Since signs can be one of the most effective real estate marketing materials in your toolkit, don’t stop at one. Instead, on the day of your event, you should also place signs along the route to the property to guide interested buyers to the listing. This is especially useful if it’s on a cul-de-sac or a neighborhood street that doesn’t usually receive much traffic.
11. Open House Directional Sign
This A-frame real estate sign design is laid out so well that it could be used for any real estate agent or brokerage. The colors are simple, and the font has an ideal size and spacing. It helps buyers who may be driving by to easily see exactly where to go and what is happening there. And if all else fails, a prospect can call the agent for more details or driving directions.
A-frame directional open house signs (Source: Front Signs)
Pro tip:
Because there are no open house details on this sign, it can be used for any open house that the agent is hosting. Having a few generic signs like this will save money, but also are easy to pull out and use whenever needed.
12. Colorful Directional Sign
In this example, the unusual size of the sign, the attached pennant flag, and the use of multiple bright colors will stand out to anyone. Colors are often a more powerful way to communicate than text, but make sure that you do this strategically. If you use multiple colors, keep the text and layout to a minimum to avoid distraction. This sign does not include the home’s address or photos because it would be too overwhelming, so you’ll want to purchase additional signs that include those informational elements.
Unique colorful sign with attached pennant flag (Source: Dee Sign)
If you want your branding and real estate signs to stand out from the competition, ensure you do it right. If you have no experience with design, consult a professional to ensure you capture attention positively. Try using Fiverr, where graphic design freelancers are available for hire at an affordable price. Fiverr allows you to see their previous work and testimonials, so you can find the right freelancer to help with your needs.
13. Neighborhood Directional Sign
Directional signs are handy for events like open houses or long-term changes like a neighborhood development. This directional sign is huge and mounted on a permanent structure with additional shaped signs to attract attention to the event. Since it’s displayed along a road that likely gets high-speed traffic, the design is simple and shows only the necessary information to get drivers to turn in the right direction.
An off-site sign using bold shapes and colors (Source: Sign Technology)
Acknowledgment Signs
You don’t need to wait for a listing or an event to benefit from using these 22 best real estate signs. Many agents opt for physical advertising instead of online advertising as it guarantees you get in front of a local audience, and your real estate brand becomes more recognized over time. Acknowledgment signs are designed to showcase the real estate professional instead of a property or event.
Real estate listing brochure (Source: ProspectsPLUS!)
If you want to find unique and memorable ways to market your brand, ProspectsPLUS! offers a wide range of campaign types and physical products, like marketing postcards for your sphere of influence, potential buyers and sellers, expired listings, and niche markets. Start by looking through their products for real estate sign ideas, like adding a listing brochure box. You may find that supplementing your yard signs with custom-designed mailers like flyers and newsletters helps your business grow even faster.
14. Real Estate Agent Headshot Sign
Pictures can create an instant connection, so this is a highly strategic technique for your signs. About half of this sign is dedicated to showing the real estate agent’s headshot. The remainder of the sign is laid out very intentionally, with the agent’s name and phone number written the largest. She also includes her tagline that specifically targets homebuyers.
A headshot sign that can be seen from a distance (Source: My Creative Shop)
15. Tall Real Estate Brokerage Sign
This new construction real estate sign uses vertical space to grab attention and include additional information. Since this specific real estate sign is advertising homes for sale from a builder, it includes relevant information like the model home, sales hours, and the price range of the homes in the neighborhood. This format is ideal for new construction home builders or leased communities.
Tall real estate sign with mixed colors and text (Source: Presign)
16. Minimalistic Real Estate Agent Sign
Simplicity and strategy are the names of this agent’s game. This real estate sign feels bright and modern with a white frame, white background, and a simple design. His name and contact information are highlighted with a different pastel-colored background. Adding a rider that says “sold” associates his branding with a successful real estate transaction. If you want your brand to feel modern and luxurious, choose this design.
Modern real estate signs capitalize on white space. (Source: CrowdSpring)
17. Real Estate Agent Yard Arm Sign With Rider
This sign includes only three important pieces of information: the brokerage name, the agent’s name, and her phone number. However, the sign is designed to have a rider attached to it, and the second sign on the bottom can provide additional information.
How to use a yard arm sign with a rider (Source: Blueridge Signs)
In this example, the sign is used in proximity to a home that will be listed on the market soon, but riders can also be used to show when a home is sold or when you have something to offer, like a home valuation or market update. These types of offers help bring potential clients into your sales pipeline while providing them with something of value. For instance, home valuations help them see how much money they could get for their home if they list with you.
Real Estate Signs That Use Technology
We’ve already mentioned adding QR codes to your lawn signs, so people can scan the code with their smartphone and access any information you provide on the other end. However, other types of technology are used on signs to attract interest and generate leads. Let’s explore a few.
18. Text Messaging Signs
With text messaging signs, you attach a rider with a unique and easy-to-remember phone number and provide what message to text. When someone drives by your listing and follows the call to action (CTA), they receive a property information sheet, and you get an instant message with their contact information. It also adds them to your CRM. Your listing data and photos are pulled in directly from your website, so there’s nothing else to do.
Instant Information on your listing by text message (Source: DriveBuy Technologies)
19. NFC Contactless Signs
Near-field communication (NFC) is a contactless way to share information with your prospects. An NFC-enabled sign works by adding an NFC chip into the sign, and when a smartphone user holds their phone near the sign, the information you want to share automatically pops up on their mobile device. You can share video and audio files or direct them to your listing or web page.
Smart phone displaying photo of for sale real estate sign and house behind
You’ll want to include a prompt on the sign so people know it’s there. You can say, “NFC Enabled,” “Touchless Listing Information,” or “Hold Your Phone Here,” and include the NFC icon that looks like the internet access symbol.
20. Smart Real Estate Signs
Smart signs light up to attract attention when anyone approaches them within 20 feet, and listing information is sent to their phones via Bluetooth and the Waze app. If the Waze app is open, the information uploads automatically and is stored for when they want to preview your listing. This technology is excellent for luxury homes and gives you a competitive edge with high-end sellers.
Compass smart sign (Source: Forbes)
21. Solar Real Estate Signs
Solar real estate signs use the sun to charge the lights so that when it’s dark, it turns on, and you’re still marketing your listings to passersby at night. You don’t purchase a whole sign, just the solar lights, which come with adhesive strips to attach them to your sign. They’re relatively inexpensive, and if you combine them with a text messaging rider, QR code, or NFC chip, you can generate new leads 24/7.
A solar real estate sign (Source: Dee Signs)
22. Backlit LED Signs
Most of the real estate signs we’ve discussed were for placing directly on the property for sale. However, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to showcase your listings at the office. Here’s where light emitting diode (LED) signs come in. There are numerous sizes for different purposes, from 8.5 by 11 inches to 33.1 by 48.8 inches.
Hanging backlit LED signs to showcase multiple properties (Source: Dee Signs)
The example in the picture is excellent for displaying multiple listings. You create a slideshow of the information you want to provide and upload it into the sign. You can hang them on the office lobby wall or the front window if your office is on a main street with a lot of foot traffic. They grab attention, and people like to stop and watch them. Ensure you include pictures, a little about the property, and your headshot and contact information.
Types of Real Estate Signs & When to Use Them
Once you’ve determined your need for creative real estate signs, you must choose the best type for each use. Look at a few of the most common types of signs below, and consider the weather in your area, the location of each listing, and the ideal size for each sign location.
- A-frame Signs
- Post Signs
- H-stake Yard Sign
- Frame Signs
- Real Estate Flag Signs
A-frame signs support themselves, which makes them easily portable. They are also typically very lightweight, so they are excellent choices for events or open houses when you only need to display a sign briefly. Typically, A-frame signs are placed right in front of a property or on the sidewalk leading to the front door of an open house.
An a-frame directional sign (Source: AVS Graphics)
Post signs, or arm signs, are hung by a thick wood or vinyl post placed into the ground, usually in front of an active listing. They are not lightweight or easily portable and often have attached flyer boxes or sign riders. Their placement in the ground also means they work well in places with high winds or freezing temperatures, but might be more difficult for real estate agents to set up. Another significant benefit of post signs is that they are reusable.
Post sign with name rider. (Source: Sign Postman)
H-stake yard signs are some of the most simple and affordable signs, usually made of cardboard with thin wires that stick into the ground. They also have a very standard size of 24×18 inches. H-stake signs are less professional and firm than post signs, but their portability makes them extremely useful for almost any advertising need.
A simple and affordable H sign (Source: AgentPrint)
Real estate sign frames can be made from iron, aluminum, or PVC, which makes them strong and resistant to weather. They also look more professional and high-end than cardboard yard signs. Although you’ll pay more for framed signs, a strategic design will allow you to use them repeatedly, ultimately giving you a good return on investment (ROI).
Standard metal frame (Source: Signs)
Using flags as unique real estate signs is uncommon for residential listings, which could work in your favor. However, they are commonly used in new home communities to showcase the builder’s brand. Real estate flags come in different shapes, like feathers, teardrops, angled, or rectangles, and are typically 6 to 9 feet tall. The size and movement of flags draw attention and invite much brighter and bolder designs than cardboard signs. However, they should generally be used as an addition to more traditional signs.
Colorful flag signs (Source: Colorado Canopies)
Fortunately, it’s not difficult to find a graphic design professional online. With 99designs, you can search through a collection of freelancers and hire one for your job. Alternatively, many people choose to start a contest on 99designs. Submit a brief with your design needs, and multiple designers will submit a pitch for the best design. In the end, you get to choose which design is the best fit for you.
Where to Buy Real Estate Signs & How Much They Cost
Unique real estate signs can be purchased through many online stores. However, supporting a local business may provide better pricing and more valuable connections. While materials, size, and build quality varies, you should expect to pay between $100 and $150 for one high-quality colonial post signpost and sign panel, and $75 to $100 for a feather flag. Be sure to ask what materials your sign will be made of before ordering.
To give you an idea of pricing, here is some representative pricing from popular online sign companies:
Company | Colonial Post Sign | Sign Panel (12x18) | Feather Flags | Directional Open House Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 for $115 | 3 for $38.16 | 1 (7’) for $78.44 | 3 for $108.86 |
| N/A | 1 for $21.47 | $38.39 | 1 for $21.47 |
| $101.95 | 3 for $29.15 | $58.85 | 5 for $25.30 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 5 (18x24) for $72.65 |
| $111.47 | $53.22 | $112.05 | $62.56 |
| $95.19 | $9.81 | N/A | 5 for $24.05 |
Bottom Line
Using these real estate signs effectively is an important part of the branding and real estate marketing. Choosing the right real estate yard sign for your listing or event doesn’t have to be complicated, but you should have a general understanding of the location, the ideal audience, and the sign size and design. With the tips above, you can use these real estate sign ideas as an integral part of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whether for an open house or a listing, a real estate for sale sign should be placed where both the sign and text can be seen. Typically, it is placed in the front yard close to the road. If it’s a directional sign, the arrow points toward the property. In neighborhoods without a lot of traffic, strategically place additional signs where there is more traffic.
Real estate signs are made from various materials, such as corrugated plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and aluminum. They are all popular sign materials and are best suited to specific applications. Open house signs tend to be plastic, whereas for sale signs that are out in the elements for longer periods are more durable. In that case, aluminum or sturdy plastic is a popular option.
The most important element of great real estate signs is visibility. You can have a colorful, fancy sign on a high-end post, but your money and efforts are wasted if it’s not readable from a car. You want your signs to stand out and be readable at a distance. Including your headshot adds a personal touch and helps you become a familiar face. Your contact information also must be on the sign. If there isn’t enough room for all the information you want on the sign, you can attach sign riders with your name and contact information.
