Most MLS systems also have an open house calender that is quicker, and cheaper than mailing flyers. eFlyers and emails to the agent base would probably be more cost effective that these other methods that you are describing. Instead of a selected, few agents, call the top producers that are selling in the same area with a personal invitation; email all the rest. One of the emails may go to an eventual top producer or have an immediate buyer for you so that you can put it under contract immediately and make an open house unnecessary.

Most MLS systems also have an open house calender that is quicker, and cheaper than mailing flyers. eFlyers and emails to the agent base would probably be more cost effective that these other methods that you are describing. Instead of a selected, few agents, call the top producers that are selling in the same area with a personal invitation; email all the rest. One of the emails may go to an eventual top producer or have an immediate buyer for you so that you can put it under contract immediately and make an open house unnecessary.

From the NAR 2009 member survey....

Business Activity
Brokerage specialists averaged 7 transactions in 2008 and averaged 8 in 2007.
40% of Realtors transacted at least one property in foreclosure.
23% of business of Realtors licensed 16+ years originated with referrals from past clients.
39% of Realtors generated “some” business from holding an open house.
Just thought you'd be interested in the Last line....

The old saying "It can't hurt to try"

Posting on Realtor.com ... Try this.. http://www.owners.com/For-Sale-By-Owner/Sell-House.aspx?src=…

It doesn't really cost that much and it does put you out there a little more. Realtors suggest using Realtor.com and it just might be worth it.

You might also enjoy this... http://agentgenius.com/g-rants-insanity-more/realtors/realto…

Good luck with the open house, Dunes

Roger,
One of the first things we learn in real estate school is that only 1% of all houses held open will actually sell that way,so your chances of selling at the open house are slim at best. As a realtor I personally would not attend an open house held by a homeowner. I can see no advantage for me unless it specifically mentioned in your advertising that you are willing to pay 3% ( the figure mentioned below) .Everyone wants to pocket as much money as possible when they sell their home but it's been my experience that people who try to sell their own homes almost always over-price. They either owe too much, have put more $ into the home than the neighborhood will support or they do so out of ignorance of the market. I wish you well on your sale. Let us all know if you are the exception to the rule.

REALTOR.COM....There are so many more sites to work on, but from what we've seen, Relator.com responce is about 80% of our internet traffic. We are also invloved with over 75 other sites, but see that 80% is derived from Realto.com, & there open house feature grabs the attention of the browser. Lots of signs.

REALTOR.COM....There are so many more sites to work on, but from what we've seen, Relator.com responce is about 80% of our internet traffic. We are also invloved with over 75 other sites, but see that 80% is derived from Realto.com, & there open house feature grabs the attention of the browser. Lots of signs.

I think you should focuse more on the internet. The internet is the first place for a buyer and.or a seller to look for help.
Search engines(google), craigslist.com, trulia, realtor, backpage.com, kijiji.com and many other more sites.

Good Luck.

Suggest you cooperate with buyer brokers at a rate higher than they would earn on properties listed in the local mls (advertise it on the fliers you send out). That should get their attention and create a buzz. Dont forget to call each visitor after the open house for feedback. Have visitors sign in with name and phone # at least and leave cards if they are realtors. Take license plate info if you get a bad feeling about someone. You may want an extra person on hand for safety reasons and to keep an eye on wandering "buyers" Remember to remove valuables, guns, prescription meds etc.

I am hoping to attract many agents to the Open House. Of course, I would like to have many clients come with or without Agents. If the Agents want to sell me thats fine, but expect to be sold. If I get them there maybe I can get some buzz going about the house in the agent community. I guarantee once they see the house it will stick in their heads. I am not just a dotting owner, this is a commodity to sell and we have put it in the best possible light to SELL. Come to the Open House and if there is something I can do to make it an easier sell to your client then I am all ears. It increases your chance of 3% and my chances of selling.
Again any other ways I can get the word out there about an Open House? Refer to the opening questions about what I am trying already.
Thanks - I have learned a few things on here.

Send your postcards to the attention of the Broker/Manager of the real estate office and ask that they make an announcement at a meeting, or post it on a bulletin board for all agents to see.

Your best option for selling is to reach buyer agents. Most buyers are working w/ agents.

Open house traffic is also generated by signs or directional’s. Check your local ordinances for the rules.

Few open house attendees actually buy the open house they visit. While it does happen, it is statistically minimal.

In your interactions with agents, expect several to discuss the benefits of representation with you. It's actually a great oppty for you to evaluate potential Realtors. Chances are you may end up hiring representation, so utilize this oppty to check out your options.

Have a great open house.

Deborah Madey - Broker
Peninsula Realty Group - New Jersey

Roger, so you are selling by owner, without professional representation.
Just so you know, open houses to not sell homes.
A CAR study shows that 90% of the time the buyer first sees the home they buyer with a Realtor. So you are effectively excluding 90% of the buyers. Of the remaning 10%, 5% know the seller directly, so you are left with 5% of the buyers.

Homes sold direct sell on averate for 16% less than Realtor-sold homes (no wonder , with only 5% of the buyers). Also, note that 85% of owners eventually list.
If you need to sell to net top dollar, at least TALK with a Realtor. We don't bite and you might learn that there is a reason that we have been around for hundreds of years.