I've had some limited success with open houses.  Two of my sales were a result, indirectly, of open houses so the strategy still has has some validity.  I like open houses to gain face/name recognition.

Honestly, I see open houses as a viable means to market a home provided two things:

1) the holding of the house open does not create a hardship on the homeowner (in other words, those with small children that have to go find something to do during a normal naptime should not be displaced!)

2) you and your sellers are very well aware of the fact that the open house has a VERY small percentage chance of selling during the open and that the reason you are holding it open is for additional traffic and a little more visability from neighbors who might know someone thinking of moving into the area.

Other than that, open houses are great!

Did you say Rockies or rookies?  Okay, just because you live in God's country does not mean you have to rub it in because you have a team that does well.  Anyway, thanks for the good blog about open houses.  We do them a lot and I try to tell the seller thank you so much for allowing me to use their home to pick up new business.  It never fails that I pick up a new buyer or seller (or lucky me, both) when we have them.  Sure do love to see people smiling.  It must come from living in God's country.

If you ever need to talk with a great agent in Denver, contact Gary Michael Marchese at gmi@denhc.com  or look at his web site:  www.denhc.com   He is one of the best in the business and is a Re/Max Broker to boot.

Or maybe you are looking for a good travel agent.  Steve Tobin can assit you with all you plans.  Contact him at steve@travlersedge.org  or his website is:  www.travlersedge.org

Again thanks for the smile.

Open houses in general are not popular in this area. However, the very first open house I ever held - I sold the house - imagine that!

So.... L. Wayne... advertising another Denver real estate agent on MY blog? tsk tsk

Debbie- good for you!

Ron - agreed... I just think we need to make sure we're not talking our sellers out of opens 'cause we don't want to do them!

Dalia - Can't hurt!

Good stuff...This will be passed on.

I am writing this comment from an open house (vacant new home).  In the last three hours I have picked up three new buyers and had a buyer that is considering purchasing this home (as soon as theirs sells) return to look at it. 

Open houses are the least expensive way I know to pick up new buyers other than personal referrals......

I held an open house a week ago and had 20 people.  A couple, with their real estate agent, has come back for a third time today.  It would have been great had they come back with me, but my goal is to expose the home to as many people as possible and get a contract.  Let's hope the contract comes in soon!

I started in real estate in 2005.  I had no connections, no listings, no buyers, therefore I just sat open houses.  I've sold quite a bit of homes since then and presently, it is an excellent referral business.  I still sit open house every day of the week.  It is an excellent way to meet potential buyers.  It's just me, my laptop and my wireless card - I get lots of work done.