General
Q-What listings appear in this directory?
A-The Open House Directory contains open house listings from various sources. Those sources include: Chicago Tribune “List A Home” postings, subscribing brokers and builders, and Chicago Tribune classified ads.
Q-Why should I sign up?
A-Registered users enjoy greater anonymity and convenience:
Q-How do I use this directory to search for open houses
A-Searching for open houses is now easier. Just follow these simple steps:
1 – Select the day of the week you wish to search. Sunday is the default, but you can change it if you wish. You’ll notice that the number of open houses available on that day appears in red next to the date.
2 – Select an area from the drop-down menu. The number in parentheses next to the area indicates how many open houses are scheduled for that area.
3 – Narrow your search by selecting a city or community using the drop-down menu. If you wish to include neighboring zip codes in your search, check the appropriate box. You can also choose to view only new construction listings by checking the appropriate box.
4 – Select a price range.
5 – Press “Search.” The results will appear under the search area.
Q-Can I sort my results?
A-Yes, you can sort the listings based on these criteria: “New listing,” “New price,” “New construction” and “Virtual tour.” Click on any of these links on the search results area and listings that match your criteria will appear at the top of the search results.
You can also select to sort your listings by city, address, price, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms or checked items. Click the heading at the top of the appropriate column in the search results area.
Q-How do I create an open house tour?
A-To create an open house tour you need to check the box in the “Tour” column for each listing that you want to appear in the tour. Then, click on the “View Tour of Checked Items” button in the search area. A new browser window will pop up in which you will have the option to print your tour with or without a map for each listing.
You can also add items to your open house tour from the listing page itself, by clicking on the “Add to tour” link located at the top of the page.
Q-Can I receive open house listings by e-mail?
A-You can choose to have search results sent to you weekly via e-mail for up to eight weeks. Click on the “Weekly results by e-mail” button located in the search area. We will send you an e-mail every week with open house listings that match your search criteria. This service is only available to users who have signed up.
Q-Can I save my search criteria for the future?
A-You can save and retrieve multiple sets of search criteria, avoiding the need to re-enter them each time you visit. To do so, click on the “Save search” button located in the search area. Please remember that in order to retrieve your saved searches, you must sign up.
If you want to retrieve your saved search the next time you visit the Open House Directory, all you need to do is click on the “Retrieve search” button in the search area.
Q-I’d like to contact the seller’s representative directly. How can I do that?
A-When you see a property that catches your attention, you can contact the seller’s representative directly to request more information or schedule a private showing. If the seller’s representative has agreed to receive requests via e-mail, you will see any or all of the following links on the listing page: “E-mail,” “Request more information” and “Request a private showing.” Clicking on any of these links will bring up a form that you will need to fill out in order to get in touch with the seller’s representative.
If you have already signed up with the Open House Directory, your e-mail communication between you and the seller’s representative will be anonymous. This means that your contact information will not be disclosed to the seller’s representative.
If you have not signed up, you will need to enter either your e-mail address or your telephone number when you fill out the form to request more information from the seller’s representative. Please be aware that, in such a case, your contact information will not be protected.
Advertising options
Q-How do I advertise my open house in this directory?
A- Brokers and builders may subscribe to post an unlimited number of listings. For more information, contact your Tribune representative. Builders should contact Nita Tuskan at 630-368-4147 or send e-mail to ntuskan@tribune.com. Brokers should contact Laura Breit at 312-222-3066 or send e-mail to lbreit@tribune.com.
Tribune Classified ads may also be added to this directory. For more information, call 312-222-2222.
<!–Contact Information
Customer service inquiries:
If you’re having problems uploading your listing on the directory, call 773-880-0250 or send e-mail to OpenhouseHelp@databasedads.com.
Billing inquiries: Call 312-222-8689 or send e-mail to openhouse@tribune.com.
Q-I just created my listing. How long before my home is live on your site?
A-Individual listings will be posted live on the Chicago Tribune Homes site two (2) business days from the date you submit your ad, while we check for compliance with fair housing guidelines and process your credit card payment.
Q-Why do you have to check for fair housing laws?
A-All real estate advertising in the Chicago Tribune and chicagotribune.com is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” To learn more about fair housing, click here.
Q-Will my property listing appear in the newspaper?
A-It depends on the service that you choose. Online only postings only appear in this online directory. If you wish to list your property in print and online you need to contact our Advertising Department at 312-222-2222 or go to http://www.tribuneinteractive.com/chicago/mediakit/query.htm.
Q-Will my listing appear on the MLS?
A-No, the Multiple Listing Service is a database service used exclusively by brokers and agents. If you want to list your property on the MLS database you need to contract the services of professional broker. Click here to learn more about the MLS.
Q-Can I place more than one ad?
A-Yes, you can place multiple ads using the same user profile. Additional ads may be purchased at the appropriate rate.
Q-Will my listing include a location map?
A-Yes, as with all listings in the Chicago Tribune Homes site, your ad will include a location map. The only requirement is that you provide a legitimate address.
Q-How can I modify my listing?
A- If you placed an individual posting, you can modify or delete your open house listing. Go to http://openhouse.chicagotribune.comand log in to the ad posting service. Any changes to the property description will be reviewed to ensure compliance with fair housing regulations.
Photos
Q-How can I upload a picture of my property?
A-You can enhance your listing by including a picture of your property. Once you have entered the property information, you will get a chance to upload a photo. The image you submit must be in JPG format and have a maximum size of 500KB. If the format is not JPG or the file size is larger than 500KB, the photo will be rejected. Once you have sent your photo, you will receive e-mail confirmation that it has been received.
Q-How long will it take for my photo to be posted on my listing?
A-Your updated listing will be posted live two business days after receiving your modifications. Please note we reserve the right to edit your copy or images to be in compliance with appropriate fair housing regulations.
Account management
Q-How much will it cost to update my listing?
A-You can update your listing as many times as you wish at no cost. But please remember that every time you submit changes to your ad or upload a new image your listing will have to be checked for compliance with fair housing regulations.
Q-Why does Data Based Ads, and not Chicago Tribune, appear in my credit card statement?
A-The Chicago Tribune has contracted with Data Based Ads to provide the Open House Directory, which allows users to post their property listings online. Therefore, it is Data Based Ads, and not the Chicago Tribune, who will process your ad request and approve your credit card transaction.–>
Q-Can real estate brokers use this service to post real estate ads?
A-This service is limited to genuine open houses. Properties advertised in this directory must be held open for the public to visit at an identifiable address at a specific time. Properties advertised solely “by appointment” do not qualify.
Privacy
Q-Will my personal information be revealed to third parties?
A-No, Tribune Interactive will not use any personally identifiable information (name, e-mail address, snail mail address, telephone number) that you provide while using this service to allow any advertiser or third party to communicate directly with you other than when you are visiting chicagotribune.com or an affiliated site. Click here to learn more about our Privacy Policy.
