What kind of clientel does the sale usually bring in? People that can afford it or will be looking in that area?

I'm tempted to say "show it!" and call it a "sneak peek" or "preview" or something instead, so they know it's not quite done. But I'd be concerned over the potentially high foot (and mostly not serious) traffic in your newly redone home. So perhaps a sign with a very attractive and enticing flyer noting "coming to market on x/x/2007" or something?

I wouldn't have an open house, but I would put the For Sale sign in the yard, along with a flyer box that has basic info and at least a picture of the front of the house.

Why miss the chance to market to thousands of people? The ones who call to see it, you can explain to them that it's almost done being renovated so if they want to purchase soon they can choose their own paints, hardware, appliances etc.

Agree with minet, it will allow you to get the word out and buy you a little time, which is what we just did.

We too have misc stuff left, crown & molding in the master, molding around 1 closet, plus I'm still painting the living room, I finished it the other day but noticed a few spots that needed spackle. We signed the listing Weds, she also put the sign up. I'm on a road that gets some shore traffic, so we're hoping to get a little interest on what may be a busy weekend. I need another week or two, depending on when the guy can come to finish the molding.

I'd certainly put out the sign etc. as advised. As for an Open House, sort of depends on the house - is it the sort of higher end house where people would expect all things to be replaced or a starter home where people might totally overlook the linoleum anyway? And do you want thousands of looky-loos tramping through?
I would maybe be there working during the garage sale so that if people who seem really interested or realtors etc. want to see you can take them through on a onsey twosey basis.

I would put on a "sneak preview" type of open house. It's not done but close enough to tell people about its availability. The foot traffic is too tempting to refuse the possibilities, but it really depends on how many people you want trooping through the house if you still have to work on it.

Remember while you may not snag THE buyer this weekend, maybe the people who see it will tell friends who are looking to buy a house. So much of selling is networking and getting the word out as fast and far as possible.

I think minet is right on. No Open House, but yard sign and flyers.

Something as minor as flooring on a stairway is not likely to lose a buyer. What are the other little odd fix it items that are still needed? Chances are, most folks won't notice the tiny items anyway.

If all your large items, and most of the small items are done, then go ahead with the open house.

What is not yet done?

I agree with minet also but let us know what you decide and what happens, k?

The only thing I might add is you could put something like a sticky note (or stamp) across the flyers saying something to the effect, "If you'd like to see the home today (this weekend), call "name" at xxx-xxxx." This way if someone is really eager to see it during the busy weekend, you'd be available to show it to them. If someone is willing to call and ask to see it, they could be really interested. This gets rid of the looky-loos and helps qualify the buyers a bit. My 2 cents. P.S. You didn't mention if you have already signed with a realtor. Would this be "for sale by owner" or are you planning to sign with one later when you are completed?

I'd have an open house. People going to yard sales come from all over the place. They might like to take a peek inside and pass along a flyer to a friend who is looking.

Good way to meet some of the neighbors as well.

I think that azdreamhome has the best idea: don't have an open house, but be prepared to show it on request, and indicate that on your flyers. People who are merely curious won't call but those who are actually in the market will be able to see it promptly.

Thank you all for your comments. (I was able to see them today on my blackberry while working on the house but couldn't take the time to figure out how to post.) We have decided to put out the For Sale sign this weekend and advertise an Open House for next weekend. Hopefully, any interested buyers will come back. It was stressing us out too much to try and have it ready for viewing tomorrow. (For example, it needs cleaning, we don't have light fixtures, the doors need knobs...) We focussed on the exterior today and got everything looking nice.

We are going to advertise a private sale for a couple of weeks just because there's not much for sale in our neighbourhood which is a "desirable" part of town. We'll see if anything happens quickly, if not, we have a realtor waiting in the wings.

Thanks again for your assistance. Wish us luck!