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When it comes to selling or leasing commercial real estate, you may only have a split second to get your property noticed by people driving by. That’s where the right signage comes in. A well-designed commercial real estate sign doesn’t just share information; it creates visibility, builds credibility, and helps brokers connect with the right buyers or tenants.

At Port City Signs & Graphics, we combine years of hands-on experience with local knowledge to deliver custom commercial real estate signs across Wilmington and Southeastern NC. We know the terrain, the market, and the unique challenges of installing signs in this region, and we make the process seamless for our clients.

Types of Commercial Real Estate Signs We Provide

Every property is different, so we tailor signage to match both the listing and the location. Some of the most common options include:

• Site and yard signs: These signs go in the ground and can be made in any size. The most common in commercial real estate is the standard 4x4 panel, which gives brokers a highly visible, professional way to showcase listings. Firms like our client Cape Fear Commercial use these consistently to highlight new or “coming soon” properties. 
• Riders: These customizable add-ons are typically placed just below the main panel on a property sign. They’re used to provide property-specific details, such as square footage, “For Lease,” or a broker’s direct contact info, while keeping the main sign consistent. For example, Intracoastal Realty’s commercial division often reuses standard 4x4 panels but swaps out riders to update property details quickly and cost-effectively.
• Parking lot frames (sled signs): Sometimes, digging into the ground isn’t an option for a variety of reasons such as underground utilities, construction or right-of-way set-backs. In these cases, sled-style frames weighted with sandbags make it easy to place signs securely and move them as needed.
• Banners: Flexible and cost-effective, banners are a smart choice when a quick, temporary sign is needed. Swain & Associates has used this option to attract attention in high-traffic areas while waiting for permanent installations. 
• Vehicle magnets, vinyl wraps, and window graphics: Extending visibility beyond the property itself, these solutions help brokers build brand awareness and make it easy for prospects to identify available spaces within larger complexes.

While these are some of the most common types of commercial real estate signs we produce, we always work to make signage customizable based on each client’s specific needs.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Signage

Deciding on the best type of sign starts with understanding the property and its audience. Some things commercial real estate brokers should keep in mind include:

• Contact preferences: Do you want potential buyers or tenants to call the company’s main number or reach out directly to the listing broker? That choice determines what information goes on the sign or rider.
• Less is more: It’s tempting to include everything, but the most effective signs keep details short and easy to read at a glance. Remember, a potential client may only have a few seconds to take in the information while driving by in a car.
• Property type: Different listings call for different approaches, and it comes down to deciding what information will be most useful to the potential buyer or tenant. For some properties, a simple rider that says “For Sale” or “For Lease” may be enough. For others, being more specific, such as noting “Office Space” or even listing exact square footage like 38,602 square feet, can help catch the right prospect’s attention. For instance, Maus, Warwick, Matthews often includes specific square footage on riders when marketing industrial spaces, since that detail is critical to potential tenants.

Ultimately, the goal is to put yourself in the shoes of the prospect. What would make them stop, take notice, and reach out?

Common Challenges and How We Solve Them

Signage may look simple, but plenty can go wrong if it isn’t handled with care. Some of the most common challenges we see include:

• Design pitfalls: Signs overloaded with text, difficult-to-read fonts or colors. Our design team helps clients simplify messaging and ensure colors match brand standards. 
• Environmental factors: Southeastern NC comes with its own challenges such as high winds, sandy soil, or properties located near the water where signs need to be visible from boats as well as cars. Our local knowledge helps us recommend the right installation method for each property, so signs stay secure and effective no matter the conditions.
• Logistical hurdles: Before any post goes into the ground, we have 811 utility locators mark underground lines to protect our installers, the property, and the community. When there are utility locating delays, we can provide temporary solutions to get a sign up when the listing is live.

Timelines: How Long Does It Take?

Most standard panel and rider orders can be installed within a week. For some high volume, repeat clients, we have shortcuts in place to allow even quicker turnarounds.

The one variable outside of our control is 811 utility clearance. When there are unexpected delays, we always communicate clearly with clients and suggest practical options to keep their properties visible until the primary sign is complete.

What Working With Us Looks Like

For brokers, we have a straightforward process for ordering signs. We just need a few details up front to then handle everything from design to installation.

Here’s what we need to get started:

1. Location details: An aerial map with the placement marked, plus a photo or screenshot of the property. If a stake can be placed on-site, that’s even better.
2. Sign content: Broker information, logos, and property specifics like square footage or availability.
3. Leave the rest to us: From design to installation, we manage the entire process.

For our high-volume, repeat clients, we’ve built a system to standardize their orders. Their 4x4 panels always use the same graphics and materials, so every request is handled like a “click-and-go” order on our end. The only thing that changes is the rider's information. That means when they send us a request such as “one standard 4x4 and a rider or two,’ we can usually turn around a quote within a day and have the signs produced and installed within the same week. 

Ready to Get Your Property Noticed?

In commercial real estate, visibility can make or break a listing. The right sign can spark interest, drive inquiries, and positions brokers as trusted professionals.

At Port City Signs & Graphics, we combine local expertise, years of experience, and a turnkey process to deliver commercial real estate signs that get results. We offer a wide range of proven sign types, yet every project is customizable to meet each client’s unique needs. If you’re ready to make your listings stand out, we’d love to help. Contact us at 910-294-9402 or request a quote today to get started.