here is an article on open houses. We of course believe the internet is fast making old methods in real estate outdated or even obsolete. However, we do like that our buyers have the ability to gain easy access to properties on those saturdays and sundays that they are driving around. Daily Real Estate News | October 15, 2007 Is the Open House What It Used to Be? While 80 percent of home buyers used the Web to search for properties, only 42 percent visited open houses last year, reports the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. But does that mean open houses are a waste of time? Depends on whom you ask. Broker John Hodnett, of Lilia Delman Real Estate in Coastal Rhode Island, has only held one open house in his 16-year real estate career. He says serious buyers tend to view properties online and make appointments to tour the specific properties that truly spark their interest. On the other hand, open houses often are frequented by people who simply want to see what a home looks like with no plans of making a purchase. However, Hodnett notes that some sellers demand open houses because they want to know their agent is working hard to sell the home. Real estate practitioners who believe in the benefits of open houses say they allow buyers to view properties without having to make an appointment or work with a real estate agent. In a modern twist, some agents are scheduling the events at nontraditional times, tantalizing prospects with refreshments, and working with competitors to organize multi-agency tours. Advocates say this marketing tool also provide a means for agents to develop relationships with prospective buyers, who often go on to work with them to purchase a different home.