At times in baseball, you'll see an aggressive slide by a baserunner. Granted, that was more common in the past, as the rules have changed to discourage it. Sales can be much the same, with some believing that the harder they push, the better the results.

Just last week, I experienced that firsthand. A salesperson came to my home to discuss possible credits on my utility bills if I met certain criteria. Within minutes, the conversation shifted into a high-pressure sales pitch for a heat pump and a tankless water heater. The pressure became so intense that I had to ask him several times to leave. It wasn't an approach I appreciated.

When I first entered real estate, someone involved in development told me that if I wanted to succeed, I had to be aggressive when meeting with a potential client. Perhaps that works for some people, but it has never been my style. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. My role isn't to pressure anyone into a decision. It's to provide honest advice, answer questions, and give clients the information they need to decide what's right for them.

Just as in baseball, not every play has to be a hard slide. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when not to force the play. That's the approach I've taken throughout my real estate career, and it's one I'll continue to follow.