The Washington Post has a feature called PAGE THREE / Homework Headaches. Readers submit homework assignments they were unable to help their children complete.
I'd like to share today's column with you - a "puzzling encounter with 5th grade math" - because there's a moral here for us in the real estate business.
The instructions were "Write operation signs in the following number sequences to make every equation true. The first problem is done for you."
No peeking at the answer yet - give it a try.
Applying this lesson to real estate
When we explain different financing options or other real estate matters to our clients, do our explanations sound a bit confusing, like the instructions in this 5th grade assignment? Do our clients smile, nod their heads and just pretend to "get" it? Are we sure they're not feeling a bit like we do as we look at this assignment and re-read the instructions a couple of times?
Just a little food for thought.
Next time you're explaining your client's options to them, let this graphic flash before your eyes as a reminder to take a deep breathe, slow down, and sincerely inquire if they understand.
Okay, the answer is at the bottom of this post. Be honest - did you figure it out on your own or have to look?
(Someone on ActiveRain could probably write a long tutorial on how to solve this homework problem! Tongue in cheek, of course, because it would probably be me.)
T
he answer to this is not so much a math problem as a matter of spacing.
. LOL. Poor 5th graders these days.
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