DALLAS, Nov. 5, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Expanding on its goal of simplifying the buyer's search for open houses, Open House USA, Inc. has released the latest update at www.openhouseUSA.com, and now provides links to more than 70 REALTOR(r) association Web sites in ten states. Additional links will be offered in the future.
In addition to the promotion of Web sites developed by REALTOR(r) associations, the site also promotes company Web sites from advertising partners and "Featured Ads" from member REALTORS(r).
"While REALTOR(r) associations and their members increasingly offer the public Internet access to open houses, many prospective buyers remain unaware of the specific Web address of the association, or even the association's name and its geographic area," said Karen Meyers, Dallas Broker and co-founder of Open House USA, Inc.
"OpenhouseUSA.com offers one, easy-to-use Web site for buyers to begin their customized search for homes, neighborhoods, REALTORS(r) and real estate companies -- translating the REALTOR(r) and association lingo into things that buyers care about: Tell me where. Tell me when. Tell me how to get there. Give me some notice."
Meyers also mentions that, in addition to associations, many real estate companies and independent agents have invested significant resources in developing their own on-line presence, promoting their brand and their custom services. OpenhouseUSA.com allows these companies and individuals to maximize their advertising dollars by promoting their existing investment.
Co-founder and General Manager Rhett Damon said, "Not only do we offer a network of information from REALTOR(r) associations and real estate companies, our latest site features introduce a new way for REALTORS(r) to advertise and buyers to find open houses. `Quick Submit' allows member REALTORS(r) to submit color-photo ads in a fast and easy form. And `Notify Me!' allows buyers to set preferences for the open houses they want to see in the future.
"No more waiting for the Sunday paper or driving around looking for open house signs," Damon said. "Now, buyers are alerted well in advance when REALTORS(r) advertise their open houses. Buyers save time and REALTORS get better prospects."
Open House USA, Inc. is a private firm established to serve homebuyers and the real estate industry by providing real time information on residential open houses hosted by REALTORS(r). The company was founded by Meyers, Damon and Wieck Media Services, an 11-year-old company which operates and maintains www.openhouseUSA.com, as well as media-related Web sites for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; The Coca-Cola Co.; DaimlerChrysler; Ford Motor Co.; General Motors; HIT Entertainment; Kyodo News Service; The New York Times Syndicate and News Services; and Toyota Corporate Services.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A graphic to accompany this story is available at Wieck Media Services, 972-392-0888. First-time users should go to the www.wieck.com Media information area and register for login access.