"Market slump," "house flipping" and "open house" are real estate buzz words familiar to most Auburn students.
But, beyond apartment hunting and lease signing, there is much more to learn about real estate than a student will learn from watching hours of TLC.
Kelly Steed, president of the Real Estate Society and senior in marketing, thought others may share her interest in real estate.
"It was around last Thanksgiving when I began to work to bring the club about," Steed said. "I got in touch with Dr. Hollans (now the club advisor), and he wanted to get involved and had the same idea. So we applied and were granted provisional status by the University,"
Allison Johnston, a senior in communication, does PR for the club and feels the club fills a gap on Auburn's campus.
"Other universities have a real estate major or minor where I am from, and Auburn only has two elective classes," Johnston said. "I was so excited when I found out about the Real Estate society."
The club meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Creekside Clubhouse, where they listen to different speakers and presentations over dinner.
David Bohler, a senior in finances and the club's treasurer, thinks learning about real estate can narrow down the career path for students.
"We try to generate interest and foster an understanding that there is a lot to real estate," Bohler said. "There are a lot of students who say, 'I'm in business' or 'I'm in financing,' but they don't know where to take that. There are so many different aspects that people don't know about such as appraisal, finances or commercial real estate."
The Real Estate society officers encourage students to come learn and join their growing club.
"Although the club mainly consists of finance, marketing and building science majors, anyone is welcome," Steed said. "Dues are fifty dollars, but once a paying member, they have the opportunity to become more closely involved."
Bohler feels that the benefits of being a member outweigh the cost of dues.
"I know that fifty is a bit more than other clubs, but the quality goes above and beyond what you put in," Bohler said. "Members receive a T-shirt, food at every meeting, networking and learning opportunities from all the speakers."
Johnston agrees, adding that the speakers are her favorite aspect of the club.
"There is a great variety of topics," Johnston said. "As far as speakers go, we have everyone from developers and appraisers to apartment leasers. It's been really eye opening, and I feel like I've gained a good understanding of the real estate market."
The Real Estate Society's last meeting is April 20. The speaker is Chip Davidson, and the food will be catered by Provino's.
"It's going to be a bit more than usual, because it is our last meeting," Steed said.
"We still encourage new members to come, but it will be $10 for non-paying members."
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