There's something about that "Open House" sign that acts like a magnet. Whether you're looking for a new place to live, keeping tabs on real estate in your neighborhood, or just angling for a sneak peek at someone else's private domain, the lure of an open door is powerful.This week, we look at open houses in some of the most improved markets of 2011. Using listing price data from Realtor.com, we found some of the hottest open houses in places with the biggest year-over-year bump in asking price. So wipe your feet at the door, and take a tour of some of the best open house deals of the week.
Open Houses for Oct. 15-16
Fort Meyers, Fla.
Median Asking Price: Up 34.46%
Open house: Sunday, Oct. 16
Location: 14551 Eagle Ridge Drive
Price: $324,800
Property details: It's palm trees and putting greens as far as the eye can see. Take a stroll through this golf community on Sunday, or click through photos of the four-bedroom home in the listing below.
See inside this property.
See all open houses in Fort Meyers, Fla.
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Median Asking Price: Up 11.77%
Open house: Sunday, Oct. 16
Location: 15926 Cascade Bluff Court
Price: $580,000
Property details: The interior of this four-bedroom, four-bath custom home is loaded with high-end amenities and features. Hardwood floors, new appliances and a spacious and airy floor plan make this a perfect move-in ready candidate.
See inside this property.
See more open houses in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Boise City, Idaho
Median Asking Price: Up 10.58%Open house: Sunday, Oct. 16
Location: 4705 E. 49th St.
Price: $384,900
Property details: Grab your slice of Americana in this Boise City ranch-style home. Tour the house, including a photo of the lazy-Sunday patio area, in the listing photos below.
See inside this property.
See more Boise City, Idaho, homes for sale.
Springfield, Ill.
Median Asking Price: Up 9.79%Open house: Sunday, Oct. 16
Location: 1713 Bent Oak Drive
Price: $229,000
Property details: Asking prices in the area may be up nearly 10 percent, but this comely four-bedroom recently had its price reduced. D'oh! Bargain hunters should explore the listing below.
See inside this property.
See more Springfield, Ill., homes for sale.
Dayton, Ohio
Median Asking Price: Up 8.57%Open house: Sunday, Oct. 9
Location: 5734 Stone Lake Drive
Price: $624,900
Property description: Like what you see? Then you'll love the picturesque view of the lake from any of the home's extra-wide windows. This 8,000-plus-square-foot home is part of a gated community with all the amenities a new homeowner could desire. Click the listing for the full nine.
See inside this property.
See more Dayton, Ohio, homes for sale.
Washington, D.C.
Median Asking Price: Up 8.54%Open House: Sunday, Oct. 16
Location: 4818 Foxhall Crescent NW
Price: $2,340,000
Property description: This brand new, Georgian-style custom home includes a gourmet kitchen, a grand two-story foyer, four fireplaces and five bedrooms. If that's not enough, the 6,225-square-home is located in the well-to-do neighborhood of Battery Kembel Place.
See inside this property.
See more Washington, D.C., homes for sale.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Open house: Sunday, Oct. 16Location: 726 Ulili St.
Price: $3,600,000
Property description: Here's a real humdinger if we've ever seen one. This East Asian-inspired dream house is open for tours to the public this Sunday. The downside: airfare to Hawaii costs an arm and a leg. Instead, take a virtual tour of this over 4,000-square-foot mansion from the comforts of wherever you call home.
See inside this listing.
See more Honolulu, Hawaii, homes for sale.
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