Do you take full advantage of open houses on weekends? Great way to compare possibilities!

I agree, open houses are a great way to familiarize oneself with the market and to look for potential properties.  I don't know about your area, but in my area open houses need better advertising to be fully effective, most of them rely solely on neighborhood signs during the open house.  I suspect they would be much more effective at attracting prepared potential buyers if they would advertise them online on as many sites as possible starting Tues. or Wed. of the week preceding the open house.