Sold: Waukee Class Markets Weekend Tour of Homes for Sale

While the housing market is starting to come out of the doldrums, a Waukee High School advertising class is working to boost local sales.

Students in Chris Guess' advertising class have coordinated a weekend tour of homes for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20, working with Donna Stall of the Waukee Iowa Realty office.

Guess had done a similar project with a real estate office when he taught in Glenwood and said it was well received. He wanted to do houses for re-sale, and the prices range from an affordable $135,000 to about $549,000.

"We always try to give our kids a real-life experience for their final project," he said.

Stall, who took Guess' students on a tour of the homes they are responsible for marketing through fliers and an appearance on Sunday's Iowa Realty TV show, said the average time a house is on the market is 90 days.

She pointed out landscaping features, upgraded kitchens, an extra-wide staircase, and built-in closets and shelving as the teens, took off their shoes, trouped through houses and made notes about selling points.

"I think it's fun, it's a real lief experience," student Emily Olson said as they snapped photos with smartphones and jotted notes.

"It's better than taking a test," added student Alex Sturm.

One house listed for about $550,000 on Creekview Court drew oohs and ahhs for its roomy closets, built-ins and radiant heat in the master bath. "Sweet shower" said one teen.

"The agents who are participating are getting a kick out of this," Stall said.

Iowa Realty agents, along with Guess' advertising students, will be present at each of the 12 homes on Sunday's tour.

Details for all the houses on Sunday's re-sale tour of homes can be found on the Iowa Realty website. The addresses are:

• 165 Gray Ave., Waukee
• 400 S.E. Sagewood, Waukee
• 300 S.E. Telby Lane, Waukee
• 95 S.E. Booth Ave., Waukee
• 14208 Maple Drive, Urbandale
• 865 S.E. Mapleleaf Lane, Waukee
• 2010 S.E. Olson Drive, Waukee
• 2387 N.W. 151^st Circle, Clive
• 2771 N.W. 165^th St., Clive
• 2782 N.W. 150^th St., Clive
• 16198 Boston Pkwy., Clive
• 550 Spyglass Lane, Waukee
• 2020 Creekview Court, Waukee
• 15022 Wildwood Drive, Clive