“Have you ever noticed that when one house comes on the market that another house in the same block comes on a few weeks later? When we list a home we usually put it in the computer on a Friday or Saturday with agent remarks saying no show or preview until Sunday Open House 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Then on Saturday we go out and knock about 25 to 30 neighbors doors and give them a flyer on the house inviting them to come to the open house.

“Two things happen: 1) We meet other people on the street that are thinking of selling, and often are able to list their house as well. 2) We get a large number of the neighbors to attend the open house. If other agents bring clients it creates an atmosphere that ‘We better hurry and buy this before someone else does. Look at how many people are here.’ It works, and we sell many houses in one day.”

“When holding an open house we always put out open house direction signs, especially at corners. Most agents don’t ask permission to place these signs.

“I find that when I ask, many tell me they have lived on this corner for decades and I am the first to ask permission. When I do this, my signs never get removed, and the property owner looks at me as unique and considerate. When it comes time for them to sell, they often remember and call me first.

“When the property owner is not home I leave a special card that tells them how to find me if my sign offends them. I have never received a complaint. Be considerate! You wouldn’t want someone putting their advertising in your yard without asking.”