The open house checklist.

A week before

• Confirm the seller's consent for signs on the property (NAR Code of Ethics SOP 16-19).
• Look up the city's sign rules. Is it in the City of LA, a separate city, or unincorporated County? See sign rules by city.
• In Beverly Hills, buy the city sticker for the for-sale sign ($33, City Hall). In Burbank, make sure your open house sign permit and insurance are current.
• In an HOA or gated community, get written permission for signs on common areas.
• Book sign setup and storage pickup. We can handle it.
• Make sure every sign shows your DRE license number and broker (C.A.R. Quick Guide).

The day before

• Line up a partner to host with you, and check cell service at the property (NAR safety tips).
• Tell a neighbor about the open house (NAR).
• Prep the curb: walkway, porch light, and the for-sale sign straight and clean, with the Open House rider on.
• Get written consent from any neighbor whose lawn you'll use for a directional sign (Penal Code 556.1), where the city allows it.

Open house day

• Put out directional signs only within the city's hours, for example 8 a.m. in Glendale or 11 a.m. for off-site signs in West Hollywood.
• Keep sidewalks clear and stay off PCH and freeway ramps.
• Have every visitor sign in (NAR).
• Take directional signs down on time: by 7 p.m. in Glendale and West Hollywood, by 6 p.m. or dusk in Burbank, and the same day in Calabasas and Malibu.

After

• Follow up with visitors within 24 hours.
• Swap riders as the listing moves: In Escrow, then Sold (only 30 days for Sold in Beverly Hills).
• Schedule the post removal when it closes. Malibu requires removal within 7 days, and most cities require removal at sale or the end of the listing.

Why bother with signs at all? In NAR's 2025 Profile, 48% of buyers used open houses and 32% used yard signs as an information source (NAR 2025 Profile).

Questions