Peppered throughout his advertising materials, this phrase embodies the strategy of local realtor, Dave Olson of RE/MAX Excel. He doesn’t identify as a hard-seller.

“I am not going to hassle you, but will provide you as much service and support as you want. That’s what I’m here for.”

In fact, Dave believes realty interactions are most successful when the agent takes on a few different roles. He begins as a listener.

Gleaning explicit information from early contact over the phone or email is his starting point. Dave uses this intel to compile a list of possible homes in the area that could match his clients’ needs.

From there, initial showings are invaluable.

“I need to get in a house with them. I can read their body language and their signs, in a way that you can’t read through text or email. The face-to-face contact is so important,” he says.

He notes that these first interactions not only clarify the needs and wants of the family, but help build trust on all sides, adding, “It gives them a chance to have confidence in me.”