Recently in Meridian Idaho I've had several people ask me if agents hold Open Houses anymore, and if they really work? 

My recent experience has been "YES, they do!" 

There are a few factors that play into the success level you will have at an Open House.

• The Weather~This is by far the biggest factor, and sadly, it's not one we can control.  Luckily, we have great weather information available to us days in advance.  So, if the weather looks good in your area this weekend, have an Open House! 
• Number of other Open Houses~People are more likely to stop when they will be able to see several homes open instead of just one.  That's why new subdivisions have such great Open House traffic.  If you have a listing in an existing neighborhood, work together with the other agents to hold a Neighborhood Open Houses!  The additional homes open will increase the traffic for all of your listings! 
• Signage~In the past I have done lots of expensive Newspaper advertising, with no results.  I have also held impromptu Open Houses with tons of signage, and gotten lots of traffic!  I think web advertising etc. is good, but nothing beats good old SIGNS! 
• Hours~ In my area, late afternoon Open Houses have always had the best traffic.  Don't sit in an empty home all morning, only to pack it up at 2 p.m. when all the traffic is about to start! 
• Information Available to Visitors~  Once you get people in the door, you need to provide them with useful information.  People are more eager to talk to Realtors than ever before!  I used to feel like the public saw Realtors as Blood Sucking Vampires, and avoided us at all costs!  These days, buyers, sellers, and the public in general are hungry for information about the Real Estate Market. Have the tools available to talk to them about the market.  Have local Housing Market Reports, and current interest rates available to show them.  I take a Laptop and Aircard, so that I have LOADS of information available at my fingertips.  The more people see you as a source of information, the more likely they will give you their contact information and/or visit your website.   

With the changing market, our information is in demand more than ever!  Let's take it to the people!