Finding that perfect new home is only half the battle: the rest is selling your current home. In years past, your real estate agent would suggest an open house. But are open houses as effective as they used to be? Is it even necessary to have an open house in a popular community like Scottsdale? Open houses are now a much debated part of the real estate business.

Ten years ago, it was considered a necessity to attain good exposure. Nowadays, most real estate agents will tell you that your chances for a quick sale are better if your home is listed on an internet site with a virtual tour. Surveys conducted by the National Association of Realtors, tell us 77% of home buyers shop online to find a home. But does that mean that open homes have gone the way of the dinosaur? Actually, there are some really valid reasons for having open houses. Open houses give feedback about a home: let's assume you aren't sure what needs to be updated in your home.

Sometimes you are so close to the home that you miss the obvious. An open house gives you feedback from prospective buyers. Based on their ideas, you'll learn how to make it more sellable.

Open houses highlight your community: if your neighborhood is a hidden gem, if it has features people might not be aware of. An open house exposes potential buyers to it. Open houses give "see it to believe it" homes exposure: for those homes that don't necessarily sparkle in a photo; the open house may redeem it. How many times have you seen "must see to believe it" listed on real estate sites? The open house shows it off without all the pressure of making an appointment, etc.

An open house won't necessarily generate an immediate offer, but it does get people looking at it. Sometimes it will start a buzz about the house: potential buyers discuss the property with their agent, family and friends. Even with no offer, it can be a great publicity event. Discuss your home and sales strategy with your agent.

If you hold an open house, don't over expose it with too many of them. If you do, your home may seem unwanted and desparate. Before your open house, clean and organize. Your agent will have tips that make it more attractive to the attendees. In general nothing turns off buyers more than a cluttered or unkempt home. Putting time into your open house may generate a great offer, giving you lots of opportunity to move quickly into your new Scottsdale home.

Go to Central Arizona Homes and get a free copy of our 2005 Housing Appreciation Report. Search the Scottsdale MLS.