New open house tool available to realtors. (Technology: Update).

Open House USA, Inc. has developed a powerful new service for REALTORS(r) and builders nationwide to advertise open houses: openhouseUSA.com.

Headed by Dallas real-estate broker Karen Meyers and sales & marketing executive Rhett Damon, the Internet service is designed to connect REALTORS(r) and builders with buyers in major metropolitan areas for the real-time access of information on open houses across the United States.

It is powered by Wieck Media Services, an 11-year-old company that provides database management and Web distribution of photos, graphics, video, text and multimedia files for its clients.

The site was designed for speed and ease of use for both the homebuyer and the REALTOR(r) or builder. For the buyer, the site provides real-time information about open houses in specific areas. Site features include quick loading Web pages, easy-to-use searches, property mapping and agent contact functions.

Site features include personalized ads, easy-to-follow submission process, agency branding, email notifications and online payment options. Builders can also advertise new development site plans, community features, floor plans and interior and exterior designs. Future site revisions will feature, "Map My Route," "Notify Me," "My Open List," "Virtual Search Agent," expanded Photo Galleries, and school searches.

For the REALTOR(r), the site provides a powerful and inexpensive listing tool that effectively manages the Open House process. Meyers said enthusiasm from the REALTOR(r) community quickly spread after the site was launched.

"One can always tell the top producers in large metropolitan markets because they respond quickly to innovative marketing tools," said Meyers. "This tool allows real estate companies to maximize their open house advertising dollars, while effectively communicating information about open houses with their sellers and buyers.

"One of the most popular features of our site is the email notification to the sellers, notifying them that their REALTOR(r) has advertised their open house," she said. "Sellers are excited to learn that their open house is online and REALTORS(r) benefit from assistance the site provides through friendly reminders and email notifications. After all, scheduling an open house requires a lot of coordination. This tool allows everyone to more effectively advertise and manage the open house process."

Among Wieck's clients are Agence France-Presse, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., American Suzuki Motor Corp., Anheuser Busch Co.s, AT&T, Canon USA, The Coca-Cola Co., DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, HIT Entertainment, Kyodo News Service, The New York Times Syndicate and News Services, Toyota Corporate Services and Visteon.