For two Las Vegas brokers, discounts are not enough to close deals. They give prospective buyers free tours of properties aboard their "foreclosure bus."
The 40-seater luxury coach of Ruth and John Ahlbrand, owner and manager of RE/MAX Central, takes clients to bank-owned foreclosed properties and builder-discounted new homes in the Las Vegas area.
The bus also acts as RE/MAX Central's property seminar on wheels. A mike-wielding agent aboard explains deals and the mechanics of buying and selling foreclosed properties.
Other agents who accompany riders also make spot sales.
During the three-hour tour, riders are provided a free lunch. Buyers even get a free Sony high-definition TV.
The Ahlbrands said the bus gimmick is effective. Sales have risen 10 percent since the foreclosure bus tours started.
Aside from the 30 to 50 percent discount on homes they offer, the foreclosure bus tour apparently is a convenient way to check discounted homes around Las Vegas.
