In the competitive world of real estate and business marketing, signage remains one of the most powerful tools for attracting attention and communicating key messages. Among the most recognizable temporary marketing tools is the open house sign, while in the broader signage industry, refacing old signs has become a practical and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to refresh their image. Both strategies—using open house signs effectively and refacing outdated signage—play important roles in maximizing visibility, maintaining brand consistency, and controlling costs.
Open House Signs: Driving Traffic and First Impressions
An open house sign is a temporary promotional sign used primarily in real estate to inform potential buyers that a property is available for viewing. Though simple in concept, it serves as a highly effective directional and marketing tool.
Purpose and Importance
In real estate, visibility is everything. Even in the digital age—where listings appear on platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com—physical signage continues to drive significant foot traffic. Many prospective buyers discover open houses while driving through neighborhoods. A strategically placed open house sign can capture the attention of these passersby and convert curiosity into attendance.
Open house signs serve several important purposes:
Announce the event clearly
Guide visitors from main roads to the property
Reinforce the agent’s or agency’s brand
Create a sense of activity and urgency
Without clear signage, even a well-advertised open house can suffer from low turnout.
Types of Open House Signs
There are several common types of open house signs:
1. Yard Signs
Typically placed on the property lawn, these signs display “Open House” along with the date and time. They may also include the agent’s name and contact details.
2. Directional Arrow Signs
These smaller signs are positioned at intersections and corners to guide visitors step-by-step to the location.
3. A-Frame Signs
Also known as sandwich board signs, A-frames are portable and ideal for sidewalks or driveways. Their sturdy structure makes them suitable for windy conditions.
4. Branded Panel Signs
These include company logos, color schemes, and professional graphics to enhance credibility.
Each type serves a strategic role in creating a smooth visitor journey from the main road to the front door.
Design Considerations
An effective open house sign must be bold, legible, and simple. Key design principles include:
Large, easy-to-read fonts
High-contrast color combinations (e.g., black and yellow, red and white)
Clear directional arrows
Minimal text to avoid clutter
The goal is instant readability. Drivers often have only a few seconds to notice and process the information. Overly detailed signs reduce effectiveness.
Material and Durability
Open house signs are usually made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials such as corrugated plastic, aluminum, or PVC. Since they are often reused for multiple listings, durability is important. Waterproof inks and UV-resistant coatings help maintain color vibrancy over time.
Metal stakes and frames add stability, especially in outdoor environments exposed to wind or rain.
The Marketing Power of Open House Signs
Although digital marketing plays a major role in modern real estate, physical signage complements online exposure. A visible open house sign:
Builds local awareness
Creates trust through physical presence
Reinforces branding consistency
Encourages spontaneous visits
For new or lesser-known agents, well-designed signage also increases name recognition within the community. Consistent branding across signs, business cards, brochures, and social media helps establish professional identity.
Refacing Old Signs: A Cost-Effective Refresh
While open house signs are temporary, many business signs are long-term investments. Over time, however, signs may fade, become outdated, or no longer reflect the company’s brand. Instead of replacing the entire structure, businesses often choose to reface old signs.
Refacing involves updating the visible surface of a sign while keeping the existing frame, cabinet, or support structure intact.
Why Reface Instead of Replace?
There are several advantages to refacing old signs:
1. Cost Savings
Replacing a complete sign structure—including framework, electrical components, and installation—can be expensive. Refacing allows businesses to update the appearance at a fraction of the cost.
2. Faster Turnaround
Since the base structure remains in place, refacing typically requires less labor and time than full replacement.
3. Environmental Benefits
Refacing reduces material waste, making it a more sustainable option.
4. Brand Updates
When a company changes its logo, color scheme, or messaging, refacing ensures signage aligns with the new brand identity.
When Should a Sign Be Refaced?
Not every sign is suitable for refacing. The structural integrity of the existing sign must be evaluated. Refacing is ideal when:
The frame and supports are still strong
Electrical systems (for illuminated signs) are functional
Only the face panel or graphics are outdated
The business has undergone rebranding
However, if the structure is damaged, rusted, or unstable, full replacement may be necessary for safety reasons.
Methods of Refacing
Refacing methods vary depending on the type of sign.
1. Replacing the Face Panel
For cabinet signs or lightbox signs, the acrylic or polycarbonate face panel can be removed and replaced with a new printed or vinyl-applied surface.
2. Applying New Vinyl Graphics
Vinyl overlays can be applied directly onto existing flat sign surfaces. This method is cost-effective and allows for vibrant, high-resolution designs.
3. Repainting and Relettering
For metal or wooden signs, sanding, repainting, and adding new lettering can restore a fresh appearance.
4. LED Upgrades
For illuminated signs, refacing may include upgrading internal lighting from fluorescent to energy-efficient LED systems. This improves brightness and reduces operating costs.
Branding and Modernization Through Refacing
Businesses evolve over time. Logos are redesigned, taglines change, and visual identities are refined. Refacing old signs ensures that physical branding reflects current marketing standards.
For example, if a retail store modernizes its logo with cleaner typography and updated colors, keeping an old sign creates inconsistency. Refacing aligns storefront appearance with websites, packaging, and advertising campaigns.
Consistency across all touchpoints builds trust and recognition.
Combining Temporary and Permanent Signage Strategies
Open house signs and refaced business signs represent two ends of the signage spectrum—temporary and permanent. Yet both require thoughtful design and strategic planning.
Real estate agents may use branded open house signs that match their office signage and business cards. Meanwhile, established businesses can reface aging storefront signs to maintain a polished appearance while controlling costs.
In both cases, visibility and clarity remain top priorities.
Practical Tips for Maximum Impact
To get the most value from open house signs:
Place signs at high-traffic intersections
Use multiple directional signs to create a clear route
Keep messaging simple and bold
Ensure compliance with local signage regulations
For refacing old signs:
Conduct a structural inspection before starting
Work with experienced signage professionals
Choose weather-resistant materials
Align updated designs with current branding
Conclusion
Open house signs and refacing old signs are practical, cost-effective strategies for maintaining strong visual communication. Open house signs attract potential buyers, increase property visibility, and strengthen agent branding. Refacing old signs allows businesses to modernize their appearance without the expense of full replacement.
Both approaches demonstrate that effective signage does not always require starting from scratch. With smart design choices and strategic planning, even small updates can deliver significant impact—enhancing visibility, reinforcing brand identity, and improving overall customer engagement.
