BTB Exclusive - Real estate deals on wheels

Bobby L. Hickman

August 1, 2008

While residential real estate sales continue to lag, one Roswell broker is taking a different approach to spotlight properties that are selling at bargain prices.

Christa Michael, an associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Consultants, is kicking off "Real Estate Deals on Wheels" in early August. The program gives potential home buyers a tour of the "Top 10 Deals" in several North Atlanta communities.

With several area agents conducting "foreclosure buses" that focus on troubled properties, Michael said "Deals on Wheels" will showcase properties that are in move-in condition. The tour will include both new construction and existing homes. "I've seen foreclosed properties where the previous occupants have stripped everything from the houses - they've literally taken the kitchen sink," she said. "We may include a couple of foreclosures on the tour, but our main goal is that a family can move into the home immediately."

Michael said her agency is adapting the program from a similar one in Phoenix, Arizona. She said the tour is not restricted to Keller Williams-represented homes. "We'll go through the MLS listings and find what we consider the Top 10 deals in each community - the ones that provide the most bang for your buck." With the current market conditions, sellers are motivated to make deals. For example, Michael said, "There are some builders who have reduced their asking prices by $50,000 or more, and they're throwing in extras like free upgrades."

The tours will take place over alternating weekends. The current schedule includes:
•    August 15-17: Alpharetta and Roswell
•    August 28-30: Dunwoody and Norcross
•    Sept. 12-14: Sandy Springs and Marietta
•    Sept. 26-28: Woodstock and Canton 

Special tours can also be arranged for those who are unable to participate in scheduled tours in their communities of interest. In addition, buyers seeking farms, land or commercial property can also set up tours at other times of the week.

Each event will begin at 9 a.m. with one-hour seminar for homebuyers. All participants must be pre-qualified for a home loan. Consumers who are already pre-qualified with a lender should bring their qualification letter. For those who are not pre-qualified, a lender will be at the seminar to qualify participants. The tour will depart at 10 a.m., with visits to the 10 homes expected to take about two hours.

There is no charge for the tours, but RSVPs are required. To sign up for a tour or learn more the program visit www.red.cmsells.com.