Blue balloons should begin flying tomorrow in recognition of the National Realtor© Open House weekend and to point folks to those properties participating in the event all across the country. Not only is this a good time to showcase listings, but I’ve armed my actively searching Buyer clients with handfuls of business cards so that they can be comfortable touring homes, as well.

Which brings to mind the question of the real purpose of open houses. Of course, ideally an open house event might spawn a buyer for the featured property. At the very least, open houses can be a dynamite way to pick up a new client or two.

In the most recent couple of years, however, I’ve backed off doing open houses. Yes, I still do them periodically, but not nearly as often as I used to. Why? Because no matter how well prepared I try to be – advertising the event, bringing the cookies, doing the homework, preparing the give-aways – the hours almost always go by with little more than a nod from a passing looky-loo.

This should be an interesting event. In our area … at least for me … this Spring season has been busy busy with new Buyers and listings. So I’m sincerely hopeful that the increase of activity will manifest itself over the weekend. It’d be fun (yikes!) to be slammed with folks looking to buy, wouldn’t it?

I curious as to whether you’re participating as well. What do you expect to see this weekend?

If you’re in the downtown Kent Washington area tomorrow afternoon, drop by to see me at 5621 S 232nd Street. I’ll bring the snacks, you bring the questions!