Real Estate Yard Signs for New Agents: What to Order First
Share
Every new real estate agent needs yard signs to promote listings and build a professional brand. The first yard signs you order should cover your most common needs, be easy to install, and help you look established in your neighborhood quickly. Choosing the right sizes, materials, and quantities now saves time and prevents waste later. This guide explains exactly what new real estate agents should order first, practical placement tips, and how Legit Fast Printing can help you start strong.
What Are Real Estate Yard Signs?
Real estate yard signs are custom-printed panels placed on a property’s lawn or curb to advertise a home for sale, upcoming open house, pending sale, or other status. They are crucial for agent visibility and local marketing, often serving as a first impression for neighbors or passing buyers.
Step 1: Pick Your Main Sign Size
For most new agents, the best starting point is the 18 x 24 inch horizontal yard sign. This size is industry standard for residential for sale signs and is easy to see from the street. At Legit Fast Printing, we recommend starting with this size because:
- 18 x 24 inch signs are permitted in most neighborhoods and fit most metal H-stakes or frames.
- This size balances visibility and ease of installation for typical lawns.
- It is large enough for a brokerage logo, your name, phone, and a clear call to action.
If your area allows, you can add larger signs such as 24 x 36 inches for high-traffic locations, but most agents should start with the standard size to stay compliant with local and HOA rules.
Step 2: Choose Your Sign Material
The best material for new agent signs is corrugated plastic. Corrugated plastic yard signs are:
- Weather-resistant and durable for outdoor use
- Lightweight and easy to carry, even in bulk
- Cost-effective, so you can order a small or large batch
At Legit Fast Printing, all custom yard signs are made from 4mm rigid corrugated plastic for strength and durability. This keeps your printed signage looking vibrant, even after rain and sun.
Step 3: Decide How Many Signs to Order
As a new agent, you want enough signs for several listings, a few open houses, and sign riders to update status ("Sold", "Pending", etc). We recommend this starter quantity:
- 6 to 10 main yard signs (18 x 24 inches)
- 12 to 20 rider signs (6 x 24 inches) for status updates
- 4 to 8 open house signs (also 18 x 24 inches with arrows or "Open House" text)
This setup covers three to five active listings at a time and allows you to market weekend open houses on multiple corners. Riders help you reuse the same signs across listings.
Step 4: Focus on Simple, Clear Design
Clarity matters more than flashy graphics. Follow these rules for your first order:
- Use legible, bold fonts that are easy to read from the street
- Stick to high-contrast color combinations (dark text on light backgrounds)
- Keep the sign clean—feature your brokerage logo, your name, phone number, and a short headline like "For Sale"
- Include your phone number as the largest text besides the headline
Many buyers scan signs quickly while driving, so avoid clutter and keep your message direct.
Step 5: Placement Tips for Real Estate Yard Signs
- Position signs where they’ll be seen for at least three seconds by passing traffic
- Center your sign 24 to 30 inches above ground for maximum eye-level visibility
- Angle the sign slightly toward oncoming traffic if possible
- For open house signs, place at every intersection and major turn leading to the property
Make sure you follow all neighborhood, HOA, and city rules about sign placement. Always ask listing clients for HOA documents if you’re unsure.
What to Include With Your First Order
- Main yard signs (18 x 24 inches): horizontal layout, corrugated plastic, H-stakes included
- Sign riders (6 x 24 inches): "Sold," "Under Contract," "Open House," property features
- Directional/open house signs (18 x 24 inches): with arrows and clear event details
You can find ready-to-customize options and upload your own artwork right at Custom + Personalized Horizontal Yard Sign - Upload Your Design.
Sign Rider Options
Sign riders are smaller panels that mount above or below your main sign. They help get more value from each yard sign and let you change messages for each property, like "Sold," "Open House," or "New Listing." You can order custom printed riders at Custom Printed Plastic 18" x 6" Rider Signs.
Simple Ordering Framework
- Decide your broker’s required layout and colors
- Pick your main sign size (start with 18 x 24 inches)
- Choose durable materials (4mm corrugated plastic is best for most situations)
- Order 6–10 main signs, 12–20 riders, and 4–8 open house signs
- Upload your design or get free help from the Legit Fast Printing team to finalize your artwork
If you want to learn more about design and visibility, visit our past post Yard Sign Font Size Guide: What Actually Stays Legible From the Road.
Why Choose Legit Fast Printing for Real Estate Yard Signs?
- Fast turnaround: Most orders are shipped within 1–2 business days after approval
- Weather-resistant corrugated plastic signs for long outdoor use
- Bright, fade-resistant inks for high visibility
- Competitive pricing for both small and large batches
- Free design help and personalized support
- Easy uploading of your artwork or use of simple, ready-made templates
- Each sign ships with durable H-stakes for quick installation
Our quality and service are trusted by thousands of small business owners, event organizers, and real estate professionals—see verified reviews on our website for proof of fast shipping and dependable signs.
Best Practices for First-Time Sign Ordering
- Double check spelling, phone numbers, and website links on your design before approving your order
- Keep your message focused on essentials: brokerage, your name, contact, and a short call to action
- Use a simple color palette that stands out—readability first
- Store extra signs flat and in a cool, dry place when not in use to extend their life
- Clean your signs gently with a damp cloth, especially before open house weekends
- Check your area’s sign placement and size rules to avoid fines or removal
Tip: for more placement and installation strategies, see our post on installing yard signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size yard sign should new real estate agents order first?
Most agents start with 18 x 24 inch horizontal signs. This is standard in the industry and permitted by most local rules and HOAs.
How many yard signs does a new agent need to start?
We suggest ordering 6 to 10 main yard signs and 12 to 20 rider signs, plus 4 to 8 open house signs. This covers several listings and event promotions at once.
What material works best for real estate yard signs?
Corrugated plastic is the most practical for new agents because it's weatherproof, lightweight, and affordable.
Do signs come with stakes or hardware?
At Legit Fast Printing, all yard signs include metal H-stakes so you can install them right away.
Can I use the same yard sign for multiple properties?
Yes. Print your branding and contact info on the main sign and change the status with detachable rider panels like "Sold," "Pending," or "Open House."
How do I get help designing my first real estate sign?
You can upload your own artwork or email Legit Fast Printing for free design assistance. Our team is ready to help new agents with layout and formatting.
How do I know if my sign follows local rules?
Check with your broker, local MLS, city, and the property’s HOA. 18 x 24 inches is generally safe, but always confirm before your first order.
Are signs double-sided?
Yes. Double-sided printing is available for all standard yard signs, making your sign visible from both directions.
Conclusion
Ordering the right real estate yard signs is one of your first investments as a new agent. Focus on standard sizes, durable materials, and clear design. Start with enough signs for multiple listings and open houses. Take advantage of personalized support and fast printing from Legit Fast Printing—your go-to source for custom yard signs and printed signage. Whether you need one sign or a full batch, you’ll get reliable results and practical guidance every step of the way.
If you’re ready to get started, browse our custom real estate yard sign options and use our easy upload tool for your design. Have questions? Our team is always here to help you launch your real estate brand with confidence.