Real Estate Signage Checklist

Do not order or install signage before the exclusive right to sell is fully executed. Installing on a verbal agreement exposes the brokerage to a license-law citation if the seller later disputes representation.

Pull the HOA estoppel or covenants for sign restrictions: dimensions, placement (yard vs. window-only), rider limits, and whether riders like "Open House" are permitted. Some communities prohibit yard signs entirely and require a community directory listing instead.

Most residential yard signs are exempt under local zoning, but some jurisdictions cap dimensions (commonly 6 sq ft) and prohibit placement in the public right-of-way. Confirm directional/open-house sign rules separately — these are the most-cited violations.

Quiet listings, relocation listings, and tenant-occupied properties often have no-sign requests. Document seller's preference in writing — verbal "no sign" agreements that get installed anyway are a common complaint at file review.

Submit the brokerage-approved template to the sign vendor (Dee Sign, Oakley, Lowen, or local). Confirm UV-resistant inks and aluminum or coroplast panel per the brokerage's standard. Lead time is typically 3-5 business days plus shipping.

Most state license laws require the brokerage's legal name in type at least as large as the agent's name, plus the agent's license number in some states (e.g., FL, NC, TX). Team names must include the word "team" or "group" and identify the supervising brokerage. Fair-housing logo placement is required on signage in many jurisdictions.

Standard rider set: "Coming Soon," "Open House," "Under Contract," "Sold." The QR rider should resolve to the syndicated listing URL or a property-specific landing page in the brokerage CRM (Follow Up Boss, kvCORE) so leads are captured and routed.

Most markets use a third-party install service (Dee Sign, NextDay Sign Service, local). Schedule for the day before MLS go-live so the sign and the listing activate together. Confirm the service has gate codes, key-box info, or yard-access notes.

For post signs, call 811 ("Call Before You Dig") at least 2-3 business days ahead per state requirements. Hitting a utility line is the single most expensive sign-installation mistake; the brokerage is liable.

Place the sign on the seller's property, set back from the curb behind the right-of-way (typically 10-15 ft from pavement, varies by municipality). Signs in the right-of-way are routinely confiscated by code enforcement and the brokerage is fined.

Photo confirms install location, panel condition, and rider configuration. Attach to the transaction file (Dotloop, SkySlope) as proof of installation date. Useful evidence if the sign is later reported missing or damaged.

Storms, lawn services, and vandalism are the common causes of damaged or missing signs. Verify the panel is upright, riders are present, and the QR code still scans. Replace faded or weather-damaged panels promptly — a tired sign signals a tired listing.

Swap to the "Under Contract" rider within 24 hours of contract ratification, matching the MLS status change. MLS rules typically require status updates within 24-48 hours; signage should match to avoid buyer/agent confusion and inbound calls.

Order pickup for the day after closing, or sooner if the buyer takes early possession. Leaving signs up post-closing irritates the new owner and creates lingering inbound lead calls that no longer have a property to sell.

MLS rules typically require closed-status entry within 48-72 hours of recording. Update the sold price, closing date, and concessions accurately — bad comp data hurts every agent in the market and triggers MLS fines for the brokerage.

Note any damage on the returned panel — bent corners, faded ink, missing riders. Log condition in the brokerage sign-inventory spreadsheet so reusable panels are available for new listings and damaged ones are reordered before they're needed.