I'm not sure why it seems that real estate agents don't like to do open houses. Sure, there may be times when you don't have anyone at the house, but when you do, it gives you time to speak one on one with a potential home buyer. Maybe they won't make an offer on that house, but you have had a chance to talk with them and get some insight on another house that may be better suited to their wants and needs. You will occasionally get a neighbor or two who are "just curious" about what the house looks like. That's okay too. They may know someone in the near future that needs to buy or sell a house. They may pass on your name! As for the down time, when no one is at the house, use it to catch up on reading, correspondence, or reorganizing the contact list in your blackberry!