"Holding an

open house is just one phase of your marketing

strategy but not the only one," says Richard

Roll, president of American Homeowners

Association

"The Multiple

Listing Service, buyer referrals from real estate

agents, yard signs, advertising and other

techniques all contribute to a successful selling

strategy."

So is it worth

having an open house at all? Yes, it's a way to

build awareness among home buyers and brokers

about your home. One technique is called the

"targeted" open house. It's designed

just for real estate agents or other invited

guests only. You showcase the listing to other

brokers, preferably when the house first goes on

the market.

What else works?

Price your home

competitively.

Decorate so your

house "shows" well: consider hiring a

decorator who specializes in low-cost home

primping for real estate sales.

Provide

comprehensive information, including as much

detail as possible about your home's construction

and features, and neighborhood information on

schools and community services.

Highlight your

home's unique features. For example, if it's

energy efficient, be sure to trumpet that virtue

along with the annual savings on utility bills.

For information on

any aspect of buying or selling a home, go to https://www.ahahome.com , the web site for American

Homeowners Association.