Blue balloons should begin flying tomorrow in recognition of the National Realtor© Open House weekend and to point folks to those properties participating in the event all across the country. Not only is this a good time to showcase listings, but I’ve armed my actively searching Buyer clients with handfuls of business cards so that they can be comfortable touring homes, as well.

Which brings to mind the question of the real purpose of open houses. Of course, ideally an open house event might spawn a buyer for the featured property. At the very least, open houses can be a dynamite way to pick up a new client or two.

In the most recent couple of years, however, I’ve backed off doing open houses. Yes, I still do them periodically, but not nearly as often as I used to. Why? Because no matter how well prepared I try to be – advertising the event, bringing the cookies, doing the homework, preparing the give-aways – the hours almost always go by with little more than a nod from a passing looky-loo.

5621 S 232nd Street, Kent, WA -- Open 1-3pm Saturday 6/4/11

This should be an interesting event. In our area … at least for me … this Spring season has been busy busy with new Buyers and listings. So I’m sincerely hopeful that the increase of activity will manifest itself over the weekend. It’d be fun (yikes!) to be slammed with folks looking to buy, wouldn’t it?

I curious as to whether you’re participating as well. What do you expect to see this weekend?

If you’re in the downtown Kent Washington area tomorrow afternoon, drop by to see me at 5621 S 232nd Street. I’ll bring the snacks, you bring the questions!

Zero down and free closing costs from Preferred lender. FHA Approved! Looking for a change under $100k. Why rent when you can own. Great condo with a mountain and sound view. Kitchen boasts oak cabinets, title counters, dual sink & appl stay w/built in microwave. Fireplace w/tile mantel, huge bath w/titled counters & surround. Perfect for communters. Seconds to I-5 & 99. Guest parking & carports available. NOT a short sale!

Courtesy of Lorene Bennett, RE/MAX Select R.E.

Puget Sound View

WOW! Zero down & FREE closing costs with preferred lender & FHA & VA approved!

Unit 110 is a gorgeous VIEW Condo with fresh interiors & beautiful plush, Frieze carpets. Kitchen boasts tiled counters, dual sink, stainless appliances with built-in microwave. Designer paint, fireplace with tile surround and big white mantel. Huge bath with tiled counters & surround accessible from master bedroom and hallway. Really generous master bedroom includes walk-in closet.

Perfect for commuters! Seconds to I-5, 99 (Pacific Highway) & busline. One assigned parking, plus loads of guest parking; Covered carports available.

Get the 8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit. This is NOT a short sale or bank-owned property!

Three additional units are also available:

Unit 108, priced at $149,999, is also 2-bedrooms with a gorgeous view. Similar to unit 110, it features granite tile counters and stainless appliances in the kitchen.

Unit 107, priced at $137,500, is located on the front of the building and is just steps away from parking. It features a tiled kitchen and white appliances.

Unit 206 on the second floor, is a one bedroom unit with a VIEW priced amazingly at only $119,999! WOW! Tile counters and white appliances.

Call me @ 206.300.8421 to make an appointment to see all of these units — or your own agent, of course. Units are open most weekends from 1-5pm.

Courtesy of Lorene Bennet, RE/MAX Select R.E.

Drive to the end of a culdesac and in to your attached two-car garage—then walk straight in to your new home. There are no stairs at any entrance! Even better, these easy-care duplex-style condos are just up the path from the private Lake Meridian Village beach with its tennis court, cabana, and picnic tables.

Once inside, the huge high vaulted ceiling and new vinyl windows bathe the living and dining areas with natural light; even the kitchen is light, bright and open!. Quiet mornings can be spent in the beautifully landscaped and fenced backyard with its soothing pond and patio. Three bedrooms, 2 baths and laundry area round out the essentials.

Lake Meridian Village provides the best in comfortable living! Well maintained and managed, the siding, roofs, and windows have all been recently updated. Make an appointment to see what the best in lakefront living is all about!