Weekends in real estate often mean open houses—prime opportunities to showcase new listings and welcome potential buyers. These events highlight the property, allow agents to answer questions about the home and area, and streamline showings. In addition to this, open houses offer valuable opportunities to expand your professional network.
The key question is: how do you draw passersby in? The answer lies in effective open house signage. An eye-catching open house sign is one of the most effective tools to capture attention. Whether placed in the yard or strategically throughout the neighborhood, signs clearly indicate that the property is available. In turn, this encourages people to stop in.
While only about 4% of real estate sales directly result from open houses, these events still serve a strategic purpose. Therefore, to help you maximize results, we will explore the best practices and guidelines for open house signs. Additionally, we will also discuss what makes signage effective and provide a few examples you can use to attract more visitors.
What Are Open House Signs for Realtors?
Open house signs are designed to promote a property showing in the area, providing details about the listing and the event time. Including your name and contact information is a smart addition—this way, interested buyers who can’t attend still know how to reach you. Sign riders, which hang below the main sign, are an effective way to display this extra information. When designed and placed strategically, open house signs can attract interested buyers, speed up the sales process, and generate new client leads.
Curious to learn about other ways to expand your client network? Check out our posts, How to Find Buyers for Real Estate and Real Estate Lead Generation Ideas.
How to Make Open House Signs for Realtors
Keep it simple.
Your open house signs must be clear, professional, and easy to read. Within just a few seconds, viewers should be able to see exactly where and when the open house is taking place.
Steer clear of blurry text, overly decorative fonts, or cluttered graphics that make the message hard to read. With open house signage, simplicity is key. Clean design and bold details are far more effective at drawing attention and guiding potential buyers to your property.
Use high-contrast colors.
Effective open house signage also relies on strong color contrast to ensure visibility and readability. Florida’s strong sunlight often creates glare, which can make signs difficult to read if they use softer color palettes. High-contrast combinations—such as red and white, blue and yellow, or black and neon green—help ensure your message stands out clearly.
To maintain a polished, professional look, limit your real estate sign to two or three colors. This balance keeps your sign eye-catching while reinforcing a high-quality presentation.
Include directional arrows.
Most people will notice your open house signs while driving through the neighborhood, making directional arrows essential. When strategically placed, these indicators guide potential buyers directly to the property, increasing the likelihood they’ll stop in.
For best results, place multiple signs along the route from main roads to the home. Start with a sign at the neighborhood entrance, then position additional signs at key turns. This step-by-step approach makes it easy for visitors to find the property without confusion.
Leverage your branding.
Branding is one of the most effective marketing tools for Realtors to build recognition and expand their network. From selecting signature colors to creating a professional logo, consistent branding helps establish your presence in the community.
Your open house signs should reflect that same branding. Adding your photo or logo on a sign rider beneath or above the open house details is a simple but powerful way to reinforce your identity. The more frequently people see your name and image, the more likely they are to remember you when it’s time to buy or sell a home. This brand familiarity is a cornerstone of successful marketing.
Add a QR code.
Incorporating a QR code on your open house signs is an effective way to reach more potential buyers. By linking to the property’s online listing or a virtual tour, you make it easy for people to learn more. This helps both those unable to attend in person and those curious as they pass by.
This added convenience not only broadens exposure for the listing but also positions you as a tech-savvy agent who provides accessible options for today’s busy buyers.
Opt for Prominent and Bold Designs
When it comes to open house signage, the sign size and visibility matter. In Florida, where coastal winds and busy streets are common, larger and sturdier signs help ensure your message gets noticed. A-frame signs are a smart choice—they sit at eye level, are less likely to tip over, and provide a strong visual presence.
For real estate yard signs placed in front of the property, the standard size is 24 inches by 36 inches. This design gives realtors plenty of space to display key details. Secondary directional signs, such as arrows guiding visitors to the home, are typically 18 inches by 24 inches. Make sure the words “Open House” are the most prominent text on every sign, with all other details kept secondary for clarity.
Expert Advice: Choose double-sided signs. This ensures drivers approaching from either direction can see the information clearly.
What to Write on Open House Signs for Realtors
Your open house signs should include clear, concise details that make it easy for potential buyers to take action. Be sure your signs include:
- “Open House” Wording – prominently displayed as the central message
- Directional Arrow – guiding visitors to the property
- Date and Time – so people know exactly when the home is open
- Property Address – for easy navigation
- Your Contact Information – phone, email, or both
- QR Code – linking to the property listing or virtual tour
- Property Highlight (one line) – a key feature that makes the home stand out
These elements work together to ensure your signs are not only eye-catching but also informative, actionable, and effective.
Open House Sign Ideas for Realtors
There are many types of signs available for promoting an open house, each with its own advantages. Below are a few options to consider for your next listing.
Bold and Classic Arrow Open House Sign
This open house sign is designed to capture attention with bold white lettering on a striking red background. The large “OPEN HOUSE” text ensures visibility, even for drivers passing at speed.
A discreet QR code in the corner provides quick access to property details while keeping the overall design clean and uncluttered. Ideal for high-traffic intersections, it delivers a clear, simple, and highly effective way to draw visitors to the property.
Luxury Listing Open House Sign
This open house sign conveys a polished, upscale look with its sleek black background and clean gold or white lettering. The primary text, “Open House Today,” is paired with a concise property highlight such as “Waterfront 4BR – Pool – Dock,” giving buyers a snapshot of the home’s most attractive features.
Additionally, a professional headshot and brokerage logo at the bottom reinforce branding and credibility. Designed for high-end neighborhoods, this style combines sophistication with clear messaging to attract serious buyers.
Neighborhood-Focused Open House Sign
This neighborhood-focused open house sign features a bright blue and white color scheme that is both trustworthy and easily visible from a distance. The bold headline, “Tour This Home in Lakeview Estates Today!” connects the property directly to the neighborhood, appealing to buyers who value community.
A clear directional arrow ensures simple navigation, while the line “Hosted by [Your Name]” adds a personal, welcoming touch. Well-suited for master-planned communities, this design emphasizes neighborhood pride while guiding buyers directly to the home.
Modern Minimalist Open House Sign
A sleek, modern open house sign with a clean white background and bold black lettering is polished and effective. A large green arrow ensures the direction is impossible to miss, making it highly effective in busy urban settings.
A neatly placed QR code labeled “Scan for Details” adds convenience, appealing to younger, tech-savvy buyers. Ideal for contemporary or trendy neighborhoods, this design combines simplicity with innovation to capture attention and drive foot traffic.
Fun and Playful Open House Sign
This open house sign stands out with a bright yellow background and bold black text that’s easy to read, even from a distance. The headline, “Cookies & Lemonade Inside – Open House!” creates a warm, inviting feel that encourages visitors to stop in.
A small cookie and lemonade icon adds a touch of personality without overwhelming the design. Perfect for family-friendly neighborhoods or starter homes, this sign sets a welcoming tone that makes the event approachable and memorable.
Where to Put Open House Signs for Realtors
A proven approach is to set out signs a day or two before the event. To increase attendance, use directional signs with arrows throughout the neighborhood to guide traffic toward the property. The main focal point should be a prominent open house yard sign placed directly in front of the listing, ensuring maximum visibility and impact.
Do you have a sign design or placement strategy that works especially well? Share your insights in the comments and see how other real estate professionals are using signage to generate leads and close more sales.
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