RealTown's RealTalk

Here in my area of Connecticut, Broker tours are caravan tours that yo have to sign up for and follow along with the caravan.  I find it inefficient.

When I was selling in Northern California, each area (of several towns each) had its own day for Broker Opens.  These were held as open houses, usually from 10am-1pm or some variant of that, with open house signs.  They were listed in the MLS.  We could pick and choose which ones to attend, and you were then able to view the homes most important to you/your clients.  It was a great way to view the market that you personally needed to view.  And, residents of the area knew about these broker opens, and would often follow the open house signs, so we also got to meet prospective buyers and sellers, too.

Don offered:  "each area (of several towns each) had its own day for Broker Opens.  These were held as open houses, usually from 10am-1pm or some variant of that, with open house signs.  They were listed in the MLS.  We could pick and choose which ones to attend, and you were then able to view the homes most important to you/your clients."
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That's pretty much how it works here in my part of NJ as well.  As the listing agent, you have some flexibility as to what time works best for you & your listing.  As a touring REALTOR, I'd find it horribly inefficient if I had to sign up in advance, or follow along with some large group.  I go out with a group small enough to fit in one car, and we move faster than most, so we can see anywhere from 5 to 20 houses in a 3 hour tour, depending on locations & specific houses.