I don't do them unless the homeowner specifically asks! They are a waste of time! Granted, it makes the homeowner feel like you are doing something, but there are other ways! I run ads in the weekend flyer for homes for sale. In addition to this, I market my listings on the internet and our broker has a Saturday morning radio talk show that I call in to and get some free advertising done!! If the homeowner makes a big deal of it, I will do an open house, but let's face it, they are usually a BIG waste of time! I would rather spend that time working my leads and taking potential buyers to see homes! Naturally, in house homes get shown first!

We have been getting activity by postings on Craigslist. Best of Luck next weekend.

Jill

There's potential to supercharge your Open Houses if you market them aggressively.

Donna,

The best ideas we have used are: fliers mailed to 100-200 of the closet neighbors inviting them to visit, email the open house announcement to those agents who are actively pulling homes in this price range for their buyers.

Jack

I have had 3 open houses recently and 2 couples came to each. They are just looking and said they are working with agents. My listings haven't sold, but the sellers feel that I am doing whatever I can do.

I agree with Sunday opens, and I would NEVER advertise in the newspaper.  Check my blog entry A new kind of Open House for something that works on the West Coast and in Wichita (now that we've started it).

Just some stats for you - top 3 ways people for THE  home they purchase according to NAR - 33% from buyers agents, 24% from internet, 15% from signs.  73% found the home they purchase, without newspaper.  83% used the internet, only 52% or so used the newspaper in looking for homes.  I've quit ALL newspaper advertising except for new home subdivisions.

I had a very experienced realtor tell me she quit doing open houses a long time ago.  They are a waste of time and money and she said very rarely did anyone come.  I just held an open house on a beautiful day and it was advertised in the paper three times before the actual open house date.  I sent out a flyer to all agents within my MLS and thought surely, some of the agents I've worked with and even sold their homes for them and try to show their listings when I can would come out.  Nada!  No one. I was let down moreso by the few agents that I was sure would come out just for moral support.  I doubt that I will do anymore.