Open, I did a lot of A/B split testing on this and found that you get a lot more sign ups with real emails, phone numbers etc. if you let them contact you on their terms.

I allow three searches and ask for a registration.  After another three it's register or leave.  I get far more leads with this than with an open system.

The system is set up that they can check out 3 properties but after that they have to sign up. I am totally okay with that balance. 

David,

"forcing" is not a good word.  You can click away to another site and get the same info without being forced.  A

I let people search openly with no tracking.  I want them to stay on my site for a long time and continue to return to it.

I allow them to experience success! If they want success that will prove to be more meaningful, they need to register.

For access to the invisible inventory, they give email and telephone.

For strategy data, they will give email. tele and address.

In essence, demonstrate you have what they want, but since this is a business for you and not a hobby, something will be required of them. They then are able to make a decision based on the VALUE you represent.

I let them browse as much as they like.  When they are ready then they will create an account or request info with a real email address.  I look at it the same way I am as a consumer on a site.  If I am required to create an account or supply my email address I just go to another site.

I offer both.  People can look at homes on my site until their eyes fall out or they can give me their email address and get the benefit of "saving their search, getting new homes in their selected search and asking questions and getting an agent assigned to help them"  That being said about 90% opt for the later.

I hate those sites and steer clear. I'm a reverse mortgage loan originator. I don't have access to MLS and rely on websites that don't make me input my info. I also work with seniors who refuse to do this. 

No.  Course, I dont have a website. 

Right now mine is set up to let people search properties but they need to register to view property details. I'm waiting a little longer before I decide if that's working for me. Someone please correct me if I'm not looking at this the right way but the way I see it is I pay good money for accurate MLS details, I don't think it's unreasonable for them to register on my site to view those details.