The closest I have had is when I have a ton of people wanting to look at it, instead of setting up 20+ individual appointments I give them a 2 hour window on one day and a 2 hour window on another day to come and look at it. 

I have found that instead of sending on postcards to the entire neighborhood a simple colorful post card set to arrive at the 50 closest neighbors the day before the open house is very effective.  

Has anyone focused on the South West Philadelphia neighborhoods closest in proximity to University City?

The criteria of "close states to Calif" should not be a criteria. 

For many people, their home is their largest purchase and as a loan officer we may be the closest to a financial advisor they ever speak to. 

They are the closest to all the activities. 

The absolute closest Ive actually been able to find for single family is actually that 15 min mark because of traffic with avg around the 20 min. 

I have four, the closest one is 200 miles away, the other three are 2000 miles away.  

@Eric Geiger Our closest reps are in IL (we're actively hiring throughout all Ohio markets though!) 

The closest thing within that bunch to a lender pre-approval letter is the term sheet.