Every house isn't an open house candidate.  If it makes sense for your listing, the location or some other reason then do it.  The point is to let our clients know the truth about open houses and make sure they understand that it is not the solution to an overpriced listing.

You know this is an interesting topic.  I think that every home should have at least one Open House so that you can test the waters.  Many use the open house to prospect buyers as well as sell their listing.  It should never be disimissed as a tool in my opinion.

Open Houses can be viewed either way! though let seller know what to expect from open houses! So they understand what's going on.  I think they are necessary even if you have done just one. I think it's a great way to get sellers and some buyers!

Although we know that open houses' usually don't sell the subject home. They may bring in leads for the rest of the inventory we may have. With buyers so few and far in between, that may not be a bad thing in this buyer's market!

Good question.

Everyone can use an open house in the there business plan somehow.  Whether it is for personal exposure, buyer prospecting, seller prospecting, owner satisfaction, or leads.  To everyone their own.  A tool in our box. Use it as you may.

Personally, I do not like open houses. 

Funny - The 2 homes I bought prior to being an agent - I found and bought due to Open Houses!  In DC - Open Houses in the right neighborhoods are fantastic.

Different marketing strategies work differently in different markets.  When I was in So Calif, 20 groups of people would come to my open houses.  Now I'm in Reno and I'm lucky to get 2 groups of people.   If it works for you, do it.  If not don't.

In our area open houses can be very lucrative.  A lot depends on the weather, but overall it's a great way to meet and talk with people that are searching for a home, get leads on listings and promote a property all at the same time.