Ten years ago, Paul Swanson, Realtor at Closer To Home Baird & Warner, experienced an “aha moment” that changed the course of his career. As a few of his friends navigated the homebuying process, they complained about a lack of care and professionalism from their real estate agent. “That’s just not right,” Swanson says. “And that’s what pulled me into real estate.”
Swanson has garnered attention and accolades for his top-notch customer service and community-focused approach. He’s a multi-year Founder’s Club award winner with Baird & Warner and an eight-year recipient of the Five Star Professional award. He’s been a member of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and recently began his seventh year as a board member. Swanson uses this platform to forge meaningful connections between small businesses, bolstering the Park Ridge community he calls home.
Understanding that homebuying can be complicated and frustrating, he makes sure to discuss goals with clients and anticipate their questions. While this sets him apart, he explains that it’s the natural result of his approach. “I don’t look at it as rising above the competition,” he says. “I look at it as rising to and exceeding the needs of my clients.” Clients appreciate Swanson’s care and attention. Sixty-eight percent of his business comes from referrals and community networking. “I am there for the first-time homebuyer who isn’t sure where to start, the growing family that needs to figure out how to buy and sell at the same time, the professional that needs to quickly move for a new job and for those who are looking to downsize or find a new community,” he says.
Care for his community inspires Swanson to support the Maine Township Food Pantry as well as the Dear Jack Foundation, which brings impactful opportunities to adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Now empty nesters, he and his wife of 30 years, Nancy, can be found savoring the sounds and sights in and around the city at the symphony, concerts and comedy clubs or walking their dogs, Oscar and Aurora.
