Career Day at Milford Elementary School

OK. . don't laugh. . .I participated in "Career Day" at Milford Elementary School this past Friday.  I know the competition was tough from the Fireman, Veterinarian, and the Martial Arts Instructor. . .but I think I held my own.  It wasn't really a competition (except in my mind) but I wanted the students to enjoy my presentation and learn something.  I was assigned to the 3rd grade  . . . a total of 5 different classes, and my estimate of about 130 total kids.  The presentation went "on stage" 4 times . . .each one a little different depending on questions from the audience.  Here is the insider truth. . .I started every session welcoming the students to career day, and then asked them "Does anyone know what a Real Estate Agent does?"  Out of all 4 sessions, I only got ONE response. . .OOPS. . .and that boy asked  "Is it like a secret spy or something?" . . . . . .

WELL NOT EXACTLY . . . . .

I guess the word "Agent" in the profession threw him a little . . . or maybe he was just hoping for James Bond or even Maxwell Smart . . . I suppose either would be more exciting than someone who sells homes.  I was able to weave my way past that and proceeded through my bullet points.  We discussed the basics of what a real estate agent does, differences in homes, why people buy homes, and why people sell homes.  For a better illustration I asked for 3 volunteers to come to the front of the class to help me.  Someone very smart recommended to me that when I ask for volunteers. . . let the teacher make the selection.  So I did that, and in every case the teachers picked kids who behaved, willingly participated and cooperated for the "skit" . . . what great advise.  One student was a home seller, one was a home buyer and the third was the mortgage banker.  I had a picture of the home that was being sold, and cash for the buyer and the banker to hold.  We went through a VERY SIMPLIFIED process of listing, borrowing and buying.  I didn't feel the need to get into FICO scores, FNMA guidelines or Commission agreements . . . . and . . . .I didn't want everyone falling asleep including the teachers.

The Grand Finale . . . .

 I handed out some questions to the students (just in case they didn't have any) and let them ask the "right" questions.  How many homes are for sale in the Atlanta area?  What is the lowest price for a home in Cobb County?  What is the highest price for a home in the area?  Showing them a picture of a $9,900 home in Marietta and a $19,000,000 home for sale in Buckhead definitely received the most attention.  They were perfect with the oooohs and aaaaaahs.  After I was finished with one of the presentations, a student approached me to explain that if he had saved all of his Birthday money and allowances since he was born he would have $1,000,000 and then he would only need to save another $18,000,000 and he could buy that home.  Great math . . . but maybe not too realistic in the "savings rate" category.

I was impressed throughout the day with the behavior, respect, and interest that all of the kids showed.  The Milford Elementary School staff and administration should be very proud.  Now . . .  what I am proud of . . . is when I asked them at the end of the session . . .
  "Who wants to be a Real Estate Agent now?"  . . . . .   75% of the students raised their hands.

Lesson learned:  Show someone a picture of a mansion. . .and you have them eating out of your hand!

David Arnold
REMAX Greater Atlanta
678-784-4354
http://www.homerunatlanta.com/
David@HomerunAtlanta.com