A set period of time that the Realtor opens the house to the public for viewing. Open houses are often publicized in newspapers, signage, and other means to bring in as many people as possible. Normally interested persons need to make an appointment to view the house, but all visitors are encouraged during an open house. This allows for a casual atmosphere and increases the quantity of viewers in a short period of time. Owners typically schedule the time on a weekend when it is more practical for them to be gone from the house as well as to bring in a greater likelihood of potential buyers. This marketing tool is useful for increasing the visibility of the house on the market but often needs to be used in conjunction with other tools to locate serious and quality potential buyers.
