Choosing the right real estate sign installer is one of the most time-sensitive decisions in a Twin Cities transaction. As a transaction coordinator, I treat yard sign installation as a compliance deadline, not a marketing detail. Sellers adjust go-live dates, photography schedules change, and timelines shift quickly. When a sign is installed too early, agents risk MLS fines. When it is installed too late, sellers lose confidence and listings lose market exposure. This guide explains how a real estate sign installer operates, how companies compare on pricing and timing, and what matters most when dates change.
In the Twin Cities, go-live dates move. Sellers repaint. Photos get rescheduled. That’s normal. What’s not negotiable is timing. A sign installed too early can trigger MLS fines. A sign installed too late creates frustration and missed momentum. This guide explains how to evaluate a real estate sign install company serving the 13-county metro, with clear comparisons on pricing, process, and—most importantly—time from order to install.
How a Real Estate Sign Installer Works
A real estate sign install company installs, removes, and sometimes stores yard sign posts for active listings. These companies coordinate with utility locates, schedule crews, and manage changes when listing dates shift.
From a TC perspective, the value of a real estate sign installation company lies in predictability. I need to know how far in advance to order, what happens if the dates change, and what extra fees apply if the plans shift.
Real Estate Sign Install Company Options in the Twin Cities Metro
The companies below actively serve the Twin Cities 13-county area. This list focuses on dedicated real estate installers, not general sign manufacturers.
Express Post MN
Express Post MN specializes in real estate sign post installation, removal, and storage. Orders are placed online, and the company focuses exclusively on listing signage.
Process: Online ordering with scheduled installs after utility clearance.
Pricing: Public price list on their website based on service area. Starting at $87 with removal
Timing: Express posts is required by law to have Gopher State One mark all underground utilities. Once the order is placed, it takes 2 business days to have the utilities marked. Your sign will be installed within 48 hours of the utilities being located.
Continental Post Services
Continental Post Services is a long-standing real estate sign install company in the metro area.
Process: Orders are placed in advance, and installs occur after Gopher One utility locates clear.
Pricing: Installation and removal are billed separately. Prices are published online. starting at $90 with removal.
Timing: Your post will be removed or installed within 3-5 business days after an order is received through our website. Orders received after 2:30 pm will be processed the next business day. Gopher One is contacted to mark the location of all underground electrical or gas lines, etc., prior to post-installation. Gopher One typically requires 72 hours to complete their inspection and site marking. The 72 hours are included in the 3-5 business day commitment. Luxury Dual Posts, Extended Area, and Holidays could increase the time required to complete the work order. August 2024 Install Notice.
Realty Sign Post Services “Keeping You Posted”
This company publishes a detailed price list and service area map for the Twin Cities and nearby regions.
Process: Clear ordering steps with defined metro pricing zones.
Pricing: Public price list by service area. Starting at $59 with removal
Timing: Installation timelines are not published and must be confirmed at the time of the order. FAQs
Solar Signs Minnesota
Solar Signs focuses on illuminated real estate sign posts and traditional installs.
Process: Direct ordering with a smaller local team.
Pricing: Standard post pricing is published. Starting at $75 with removal.
Timing: Not formally guaranteed, but commonly used for quicker local turnaround.
How a Real Estate Sign Installer Handles Schedule Changes
Pricing Transparency
Some companies publish price lists. Others require accounts or quotes. From a TC standpoint, the risk is not the base install fee—it’s the add-ons.
Ask every real estate sign install company about:
- Separate removal charges
- Fees for rescheduling
- Charges for same-day or rush changes
A low base price can quickly exceed expectations if changes are frequent.
Time from Order to Install
Timing is the biggest operational risk. A real estate sign installer company cannot install until utilities are marked. That step alone can add multiple business days.
Best practice in the Twin Cities:
- Order installs at least 7 business days before the planned go-live.
- Build buffer time during the peak spring and summer seasons.
- Confirm whether the company installs on weekends.
Change and Reschedule Fees
Listings change. Photos move. Go-live dates slide. Not every real estate sign install company handles changes the same way.
Some allow one free change if caught early. Others charge for every adjustment after scheduling. As a TC, I confirm change policies before placing the first order.
Why a Sign Install Company for Real Estate Agents Must Prioritize Timing
Timing mistakes are expensive. An early install can violate MLS rules and result in fines. A late install creates seller dissatisfaction and missed exposure on launch day.
A reliable real estate sign install company reduces risk by:
- Communicating clearly about utility delays
- Confirming install completion promptly
- Setting realistic expectations up front
This is not about speed alone. It is about accuracy.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Sign Install Company
Choosing a real estate sign install company is an operational decision, not a branding one.
I recommend evaluating companies using 7 questions:
- How far in advance do they require orders?
- What fees apply when dates change?
- How do they confirm install completion?
The company that answers these clearly is usually the safest choice.
Here’s Our Recommendation for Working With a Real Estate Sign Installer
From a transaction coordination standpoint, managing seller expectations is just as important as choosing the right real estate sign installer.
The biggest frustration I see is not the install itself. It is the expectation gap. Sellers often assume the sign can appear immediately if they decide to move the go-live date up. However, utility locates and scheduling windows do not move instantly.
Here is the mindset I recommend:
Plan for at least seven business days from order to installation.
In many cases, installation happens sooner. However, setting a seven-business-day expectation protects the agent, the seller, and the listing timeline. It prevents last-minute disappointment if a sign cannot be installed immediately due to utility clearance requirements.
At the same time, earlier planning creates flexibility.
When we submit the install request well in advance and provide a firm go-live date, utility companies can often schedule locates so the real estate sign installer is cleared to install on the exact target day. The earlier the date is locked in, the more precise the install timing can be.
Therefore, I communicate this clearly to sellers:
- We order the sign as soon as the listing agreement is signed.
- We plan for a seven-business-day window.
- If timelines shift earlier, installation may not be able to accelerate.
- If timelines stay firm, we can often hit the go-live date exactly.
This approach removes surprises.
It protects MLS compliance.
It protects seller expectations.
And it allows the real estate sign installer to do the job correctly and legally.
Clear communication up front eliminates most sign-related stress later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Sign Install Companies
A real estate sign install company installs and removes yard sign posts for property listings, often coordinating with utility locates and MLS timing requirements.
Order at least 7 business days before go-live in the Twin Cities. Utility locates and seasonal demand can extend timelines.
No. Policies vary. Many charge for reschedules or same-day changes. Always confirm change fees before ordering.
Most signposts require ground penetration. State law requires utility clearance before digging, which can delay installation.
Not always. A slightly higher fee may include better communication, fewer surprise charges, and more reliable timing.
Final TC Takeaway
A real estate sign install company plays a quiet but critical role in a successful listing launch. When timing, pricing, and change policies are clear, everyone wins—the agent, the seller, and the transaction team.
As a transaction coordinator, I look for consistency over speed, transparency over discounts, and communication over promises. That approach prevents fines, protects client relationships, and keeps listings compliant from day one.
Need a Transaction Coordinator?
Stop stressing over contracts and compliance. ProFileTM is a trusted transaction coordination company helping real estate agents nationwide close deals smoothly. Our professional transaction coordinators handle deadlines, communication, and file management — so you can focus on clients.
Learn more about our transaction coordination services.»
Written by Kelly Zwilling About.me, Founder & Lead Transaction Systems Strategist at ProfileTM. With 20+ years in real estate operations and national TC management, Kelly helps agents grow sustainable, balanced businesses. LinkedIn