Open House Signage: The Ultimate Guide For Realtors
Discover the power of open house signage and learn how to use it to boost traffic, build your brand, and convert visitors into clients. From directional arrows to custom designs, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, placing, and optimizing your open house signs.
Open house signage might feel old-school in a digital-first world—but it’s still one of the most powerful tools in a real estate agent’s toolkit. Whether you’re trying to attract foot traffic, help buyers find your listing, or build your personal brand in the neighborhood, the right signs can make a major impact.
From directional arrows and A-frames to custom branded signs and reusable riders, real estate signage does more than mark a property—it acts like a silent salesperson working 24/7 during your open house weekend. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about open house signs: the types available, the best sizes, where to place them, where to buy them, and how to design them for maximum visibility and results.
Let’s dive in and upgrade your open house strategy—one sign at a time.
Types of Open House Signs and When to Use Them
Open house signs are essential tools in real estate marketing, helping to attract potential buyers and guide them to your listing. However, not all signs are created equal. Each type of sign serves a specific purpose, whether it’s drawing attention from a distance, guiding buyers to the property, or enhancing the viewing experience once they arrive. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of open house signs, their ideal uses, and how to make the most of each one to ensure a successful event.
Open House Directional Arrow Signs
Directional signs are the unsung heroes of open house marketing. Their job is simple but crucial: guide potential buyers from nearby intersections or main roads all the way to your listing. Used strategically, they can create a breadcrumb trail that dramatically increases foot traffic.
Where to Place Real Estate Directional Signs
Install directional signs at every decision point: main road exits, neighborhood entrances, and turns near the home. A clear path from the street to the front door can make or break your turnout—especially in subdivisions or rural areas.
How to Design an Effective Arrow Open House Sign
Choose high-contrast color schemes (like black on white or red on yellow) and a clean, bold font. Keep text minimal—“OPEN HOUSE” and a large arrow are all you need. Avoid logos or QR codes here, as drivers won’t have time to engage with them.
Typical Dimensions for Directional Open House Signs
Most directional signs measure 12" x 18", making them compact enough to be used legally near sidewalks or medians, but still visible from a passing car. Their small size also makes them easy to place in multiples without overwhelming the streetscape.
How Many Directional Signs Should You Use for an Open House?
Most agents find that 5–7 directional signs work well in a typical suburban layout. If GPS is unreliable in the area, consider using even more. Walk or drive the route in advance to identify spots where a sign would prevent confusion.
Open House Yard Signs
A yard sign is the anchor of your open house signage strategy. It marks the property clearly, signals professionalism to neighbors, and reassures arriving guests they’re in the right place. While directional signs get people to the area, the yard sign seals the deal.
Where to Place Your Open House Yard Sign
Always install the main sign front and center on the lawn, facing the direction of oncoming traffic. If the home is on a corner or curved street, consider using two signs for better visibility from both angles.
What to Include on a Real Estate Yard Sign
Your sign should highlight the event clearly: “Open House,” the date and time, and a clear call to action (such as an arrow pointing to the front door). You can also include your name, phone number, or brokerage branding—but keep it secondary to the core message.
Standard Open House Yard Sign Dimensions
Most open house yard signs are 18" x 24", a size that balances readability and space efficiency. This format works well with H-stakes or metal frames and is easy to spot from a passing car without overwhelming the yard.
Best Practices for Open House Yard Signs
Keep it clean, legible, and weather-resistant. Use corrugated plastic or metal frames that won’t warp in heat or rain. And avoid clutter—if the sign is hard to read from a car, it’s not doing its job.
Open House A-Frame and Sandwich Board Signs
A-frame signs, also known as sandwich boards, are perfect for urban or walkable neighborhoods where curb appeal and foot traffic matter. Their portability makes them ideal for quick setup and repositioning throughout the day.
Where to Place A-Frame Signs for Open Houses
Use A-frames at corners, sidewalks, or near pedestrian entrances—especially in downtown areas, condo complexes, or neighborhoods with heavy foot traffic. They’re also great for drawing attention at the driveway or right outside the home.
What to Include on a Sandwich Board Sign
A clear “Open House” message, directional arrow, and the time of the event should be front and center. Because A-frames are closer to eye level than yard signs, they’re great for reinforcing branding or including QR codes for lead capture.
Standard Dimensions for A-Frame Open House Signs
Most A-frame signs measure 24" x 36", offering ample space for bold messaging without looking oversized. This larger format is especially useful for walk-up visibility and can accommodate both text and visual elements.
Best Practices for Using A-Frame Signs
Use heavy-duty frames that won’t blow over in the wind. Chalkboard or insertable designs let you update info on the fly. Place them near the edge of walkways but not where they’ll obstruct traffic—especially in downtown or high-footfall areas.
Open House Sign Riders
Sign riders are compact, customizable add-ons that attach above or below your main yard sign. They’re a simple but powerful way to share extra information—like event times, special notes, or lead-capturing QR codes—without cluttering your core signage.
Where to Use Open House Sign Riders
Attach sign riders directly to your yard signs, either on top (with rider clips) or beneath the main panel. They’re ideal for highlighting dates, times, or a “Just Listed” message without reprinting the entire sign.
What to Include on a Real Estate Sign Rider
The most common use is to display the open house date and time—especially helpful if your main yard sign is generic. Riders are also great for seasonal messages (“Coming Soon,” “By Appointment Only,” or “Under Contract”) or promoting a website or QR code.
Standard Dimensions for Open House Sign Riders
Most sign riders are 6" x 24" or 6" x 18", designed to fit snugly above or below a standard 18" x 24" yard sign. These slim dimensions keep them legible while allowing the main sign to remain the focal point.
Best Practices for Sign Rider Usage
Keep riders short and legible—this isn’t the place for lengthy messaging. Use bold, simple fonts and make sure the rider color contrasts well with your main sign. If you’re hosting open houses regularly, consider reusable magnetic riders or dry-erase inserts.
Feather Flags and Banners for Open Houses
Feather flags and banners are designed for maximum visibility. Their size, movement, and height make them especially effective for catching the eye of drivers from a distance—ideal for homes on busy streets or in high-traffic areas.
Where to Use Open House Feather Flags and Banners
Place feather flags near the street or driveway, positioned where they’ll be most visible to passing traffic. Banners work best along fences, gates, or porch railings. These are great tools when your listing is hard to spot or set back from the road.
What to Include on a Real Estate Banner or Flag
Keep it bold and simple: “Open House” in large text, possibly with an arrow or your brokerage logo. Don’t try to cram in dates, contact info, or QR codes—these signs are meant to grab attention, not provide details.
Standard Sizes for Feather Flags and Banners
Feather flags typically range from 8 to 15 feet tall, making them visible above cars and hedges. Horizontal banners often measure around 24" x 72", giving you ample space to make a bold visual statement.
Best Practices for Using Flags and Banners at Open Houses
Choose double-sided printing for maximum exposure. Make sure the flag or banner is securely staked or mounted—wind can turn a great display into a tangled mess. These signs work best as attention-getters and should complement, not replace, your yard and directional signs.
Balloons and Add-Ons at Your Open House
Sometimes, a little extra flair can go a long way. Balloons, streamers, and small attention-grabbing props can help your open house stand out—especially in family-friendly neighborhoods or slower markets where a little movement catches the eye.
Where to Use Open House Balloons and Extras
Tie balloons to your yard sign, mailbox, or front porch railing to create a sense of occasion. You can also use them to draw attention to entry points, especially if the home has a side or rear entrance.
What to Include with These Add-Ons
Stick to simple visual cues. Use helium balloons in your brand colors or a “Welcome” message. Don’t rely on these to convey any essential information—they're purely there to enhance visibility and appeal.
Size and Usage Tips for Open House Balloons
While there’s no standard size, use 11"–18" helium balloons for the best visibility. Mylar balloons tend to last longer than latex, especially in hot weather. If you’re using multiple, keep them clustered for maximum visual impact.
Best Practices for Visual Add-Ons
Use balloons sparingly—one or two clusters is enough. Skip them entirely for luxury listings or high-end markets where they may cheapen the presentation. Always check the weather, and never let balloons become litter.
Indoor Signage for Open Houses
While outdoor signage is essential for attracting buyers to the property, indoor signage is equally important for guiding visitors through the home and highlighting its best features. Well-placed indoor signs can help buyers navigate, showcase key features, and create a seamless and professional experience during the open house.
Where to Place Indoor Open House Signage
Strategically place indoor signs in high-traffic areas or to direct guests to key rooms. In larger homes, use signs to guide visitors through different levels of the house. For example, signs near the entrance of a kitchen or basement can ensure visitors don’t miss out on these features. Consider placing directional signs leading to bathrooms, bedrooms, and entertaining areas for easier navigation.
What to Include on Indoor Open House Signage
Indoor signs should be designed to help buyers navigate the layout of the house while emphasizing its key features. Simple room labels, such as “Master Bedroom,” “Living Room,” or “Home Office,” can help guests easily identify spaces. Additionally, feature highlights like “Granite Countertops,” “Walk-In Closet,” or “Energy Efficient Windows” can draw attention to valuable upgrades. For larger homes, directional arrows can be used to guide guests from room to room or between floors, with signs indicating areas like “Upstairs Bedrooms” or “Downstairs Living Area.”
Standard Dimensions for Indoor Open House Signage
Indoor signs are typically smaller than outdoor signs to avoid overwhelming the space. Sizes like 6" x 9" or 8" x 10" are common for room labels or feature highlights. For larger areas like hallways or entryways, a 12" x 18" sign may be appropriate for greater visibility.
Best Practices for Using Indoor Open House Signage
To create a cohesive experience, indoor signage should match the branding and style of your outdoor signs, including consistent use of fonts, colors, and design elements. It's important to keep the signs minimalistic, ensuring they are easy to read by using high-contrast colors and simple fonts for clarity. Placement is key—signs should be positioned on easels or stands where they’re visible without disrupting the flow of the tour. For room labels, consider using tabletop signs or adhesive stickers on walls near doors or entryways for a seamless look.
Where to Place Open House Signs
Strategic placement of your open house signs is just as important as choosing the right type of signage. Well-placed signs guide potential buyers smoothly to your listing, increase visibility, and ensure no one misses out on attending your open house. In this section, we’ll cover the key locations where signs should be placed to maximize their effectiveness and drive more foot traffic to your event.
Know Your Local Sign Ordinances and HOA Rules
Before placing signs anywhere, check your city’s real estate sign laws and any HOA regulations that apply to the neighborhood. Some areas limit sign sizes, restrict placement near intersections, or prohibit signs in public medians.
The Best Locations to Place Open House Signs
Focus on visibility and direction. You want your signs to guide potential buyers from main roads all the way to your listing, while also catching the attention of curious neighbors.
Urban vs. Suburban Open House Sign Strategy
Placement strategy changes depending on where your listing is located. What works in the suburbs may not be legal or effective in a city.
Map Your Route Before You Place Signs
Take 10 minutes before every open house to drive or walk the area. This gives you a feel for traffic patterns, visibility angles, and potential obstacles like parked cars or tree coverage.
Where to Buy Open House Signs
Finding the right place to purchase open house signs can be just as important as choosing the right design. Whether you're looking for affordable, ready-made signs or high-end, custom-made options, knowing where to buy them is key to getting the best deal and ensuring quality. In this section, we’ll explore the most popular and reliable sources for purchasing open house signs, from big-box retailers to specialized online stores.
Home Depot: Affordable Basics and Quick Pickup
Home Depot is a go-to for many agents who need signs fast. You’ll find standard corrugated plastic signs, metal stakes, and reusable frames at reasonable prices.
Best for: basic yard signs, arrow signs, and rider holders.
You can also find blank signs to customize with vinyl lettering or dry-erase markers.
Amazon: Bundles, Directionals, and Fast Shipping
Amazon offers a huge selection of pre-made open house sign kits, often bundled with arrows, riders, and stakes. It’s great for agents who want a plug-and-play solution.
Best for: full signage kits, bulk directional signs, and fast delivery.
Read reviews carefully—quality can vary between sellers.
DeeSign: Custom Real Estate Signage
DeeSign is a long-standing provider of real estate signs and specializes in custom options. If you want branded signage that lasts, this is a solid option.
Best for: personalized signs with your name, logo, or brokerage colors.
Durable materials like metal, PVC, and high-gloss finishes.
Market Dwellings: Stylish and Modern Signage
Market Dwellings offers eye-catching designs for agents who want their marketing to feel more boutique than basic. Their open house signs are trend-forward and professionally branded.
Best for: agents focused on aesthetics and cohesive marketing materials.
Includes matching flyers, door hangers, and more.
Local Print Shops: Fast Turnaround and Personalized Service
If you’re in a pinch or want hands-on support, don’t overlook your local print shop. Many offer same-day printing and can help customize your design or match it to your branding.
Best for: last-minute orders, local pickup, or specialty materials.
Often more flexible on sizing and one-off orders.
Open House Sign Templates You Can Customize
For agents looking to save time while maintaining a professional look, open house sign templates are an ideal solution. These pre-designed templates can be easily customized to fit your branding, messaging, and event details, helping you create consistent, high-quality signage without the need for graphic design expertise. In this section, we’ll explore the benefits of using templates, where to find them, and how to make them work for your open house events.
Why Use Templates for Open House Signs
Templates save time, reduce design mistakes, and ensure your marketing materials stay consistent. They’re especially helpful for newer agents who want to look polished without hiring a designer.
You get a proven layout that’s already optimized for readability and space.
Templates are easy to edit in tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or Microsoft Publisher.
Many include coordinated sets—for signs, flyers, social media posts, and more.
What a Good Open House Sign Template Should Include
A strong open house sign template strikes a balance between clarity and branding. It needs to be functional, but also represent your brand well in a crowded marketplace.
A large, bold “Open House” headline
Clear date and time section
Directional arrow or space to add one
Optional: your name, logo, brokerage, or a QR code
Where to Find Open House Sign Templates
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are several online platforms where you can find open house sign templates designed for real estate pros.
Canva – Offers free and paid real estate templates, ideal for beginners.
Creative Market – Designer-created, print-ready templates with a polished look.
Etsy – Budget-friendly downloadable sign designs from small creators.
Real estate Facebook groups or agent forums – Often overlooked, but agents frequently share free templates.
Keep Your Sign Design Consistent Across Platforms
Your open house signs should align with your other marketing materials—flyers, Instagram posts, email templates, etc. Using templates helps you create that visual continuity and build a brand that sticks in buyers' minds.
Use matching fonts, colors, and layouts across your print and digital content.
Keep a library of templates for various scenarios (e.g., open house, just listed, under contract).
Always double-check print dimensions before ordering or uploading to printers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open House Signs
How many open house signs do I need?
Most agents recommend using at least 5 to 10 signs per open house, depending on the layout of the neighborhood. Use more signs if the home is in a large or spread-out area to ensure visibility from all angles.
What are the best types of open house signs to use?
The most common types include yard signs, directional arrow signs, A-frame sandwich boards, and sign riders. Each has its place, depending on the location and visibility of your property.
What should I include on an open house sign?
At minimum, your sign should include "Open House," the date and time, and possibly an arrow pointing to the entrance. Additional details like a QR code or branding can be added, but don't overwhelm the sign with too much information.
Where should I place my open house signs?
Place your signs at intersections, major roads leading to the home, neighborhood entrances, and right in front of the property. Ensure they are visible from a distance, avoiding areas blocked by trees or parked cars.
Are there any restrictions on where I can place open house signs?
Yes, different cities and HOAs may have rules regarding sign size, placement, and how long they can be left out. Always check local ordinances to ensure you’re in compliance and avoid fines.
Can I use open house signs in gated communities?
Yes, but you may need special permission. Gated communities often have stricter HOA rules, so it's important to confirm with the community management before placing signs. Make sure to follow any guidelines for sign placement and visibility.
What are the best materials for open house signs?
Corrugated plastic is the most common and cost-effective material for outdoor yard signs. For more durable or professional signs, consider using metal or PVC. For A-frames, choose sturdy wood or aluminum to ensure they can withstand the elements.
Should I include my contact information on the open house sign?
It's optional but recommended. Including your phone number, email, or website can make it easier for interested buyers to reach out immediately. However, don't let your contact info take away from the main message—keep it subtle and secondary.
What’s the best time to put open house signs out?
It’s best to place your signs 2-3 hours before your open house begins to ensure that they’re visible to potential buyers as they approach the area. Some agents also place them the evening before, especially for early morning open houses.
Can I use QR codes on my open house signs?
Yes, QR codes are an excellent way to capture leads. They can link directly to property details, virtual tours, or sign-in sheets. However, ensure the QR code doesn’t dominate the design and that the rest of the sign is still easy to read.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Open House Signs
Not Using Enough Open House Signs
One sign in the yard isn’t enough to drive traffic. Ideally, you should be using five to ten open house signs per event—more in spread-out or winding neighborhoods. Every turn or entry point is a chance to guide a buyer to your door. Skimping on signage limits exposure, reduces trust, and increases the chance of missed visits.
Placing Signs in the Wrong Locations
Even a beautifully designed sign won’t help if it’s poorly placed. Your signs need to work together as a guided path—not a guessing game. If signs are hidden behind trees, blocked by cars, or in a position where drivers can’t safely read them, they’ll be ignored. Always test your sign placements beforehand to ensure maximum visibility.
Designing Hard-to-Read Open House Signs
Trying to fit too much information on your signs can result in cluttered designs that are impossible to read from a passing car. At 30 mph, you only have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention. Focus on the most important details—“Open House,” the date and time, and an arrow (if necessary). Stick to bold, simple fonts and high-contrast colors.
Relying Only on GPS Instead of Physical Signage
GPS can be a useful tool, but it’s not a replacement for solid, visible signage. Many buyers still rely on visual cues, especially in neighborhoods where street layouts are confusing or addresses aren’t well marked. Even if a buyer found the home online, your signs act as confirmation they’re on the right path. Always use directional signs to back up digital navigation and reduce friction.
Conclusion: Let Your Open House Signs Do the Heavy Lifting
Open house signs do more than direct traffic—they build credibility, drive interest, and showcase your brand. When designed and placed with intention, signage becomes one of the most reliable tools in your marketing toolbox.
Treat your signs as an extension of your brand, not an afterthought. With the right layout, strategy, and materials, your open house signage can quietly do the work of attracting buyers—even before they walk through the door.
