Chris Welch can trace his passion and interest in real estate back to his deep roots in Dahlonega, the town where his family has owned and operated a historic inn and restaurant called The Smith House for three generations. His connection to North Georgia, his knowledge of the region and his love for the community make him uniquely suited to be the area’s brand ambassador for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.
Before deciding to turn his passion for real estate into a second career, Chris spent 30+ years in the hospitality industry, where his talent for taking care of people propelled him to management positions at brands like The Ritz-Carlton and Loews Hotels. The philosophy of care, empathy and meeting others’ needs that gave him longevity and success in hospitality is the same one that guides his real estate business. He believes in treating people with understanding, listening to the client’s needs and solving their problems.
In a sense, Chris has been dabbling in real estate his whole life, assisting his family in managing multiple rental properties in an unlicensed capacity before becoming a licensed agent. These days, he enjoys the variety and ever-changing pace of his workday. Never one for sitting behind a desk, he loves showing people around the mountain properties he loves. Working mainly in the North Lanier, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, Blairsville and Hiawassee markets, Chris is well versed in all aspects of Georgia real estate and goes wherever his clients’ needs take him. He served his community in the local Chamber of Commerce for eight years and on Dahlonega’s Downtown Development Authority 10 years (one year as board president). His family’s roots, along with his professional network, make him a unique authority on the North Georgia market, and he combines that expertise with savvy social media skills to effectively serve his clients’ marketing needs.
A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Chris is an active member of the Brown’s Bridge Community Church and has two beautiful children in college, Lauren and Christopher. He spends his free time looking at properties, playing tennis, skiing, boating, hiking, kayaking and weightlifting.
B.S., business management, Georgia Southern University
Top 20% sales volume, office at previous brokerage
Atlanta REALTORS® Association
Chris Welch
c. 706.265.0657
o. 770.442.7300
chriswelch@atlantafinehomes.com