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Lethbridge, AB

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Lethbridge SEO Search Engine Optimization

11-01-09
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info: Loan Officer in Lethbridge, AB
  • view my blog
  • Office: (403) 330-3039
  • Mobile: (403) 330-3039
  • Secondary: (403) 380-3099

Lethbridge SEO Search Engine Optimization

As a business owner in Lethbridge, having a basic understanding of SEO search engine optimization is something which can help help you develope an effective and affordable marketing plan.

Lethbridge is an interesting community in the fact that our population of individuals who are under 25 and over 65 are both quite large. This is due to large numbers of students and senior citizens who call Lethbridge home. Lethbridge is also a fairly affluent city. Virtually all of our residents are online or have access to the internet, yet the majority of our local businesses have no online presence at all.

I do a substantial amount of shopping online. I also do a substantial amount of my own Lethbridge business online. Most of my competitors are not even there to compete with me. I find this amazing.

Even searching for 'Lethbridge SEO' in google you discover that 5 of the top 10 search results come back to me or articles that I have written. How can it be that the very companies who claim to be able to put your business on the first page of Google, or at the top of search engines, cannot even out rank me for search terms that directly pertain to their business?

Would you take financial advice from a poor man? Why would you ever take Lethbridge SEO advice from a business that could not even effectively get their own company to the top of the rankings?

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Lethbridge MLS real estate

10-20-09
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info: Loan Officer in Lethbridge, AB
  • view my blog
  • Office: (403) 330-3039
  • Mobile: (403) 330-3039
  • Secondary: (403) 380-3099

Are you shopping for a home on the Lethbridge MLS? Or wanting your home sold on the Lethbridge MLS? Or just curious what MLS is?



What is the MLS®?

When you want to buy a car, the pressure’s on to make the deal with that salesperson at that car dealership. You won’t hear about what’s being offered at the competing lot down the street.

That’s the exact opposite of the MLS® used by REALTORS® across Canada. In fact, MLS® is all about REALTORS® cooperating with each other, no matter what company they work for. MLS® is a complex system that boils down to big advantages for consumers: cooperation and marketing among REALTORS® mean better chances for you to succeed.

MLS® was created 50 years ago to help Canadians wanting to buy or sell properties. You’re probably familiar with REALTOR.ca, the online property guide, but what began as reams of paper chock full of listing information and photos has become an online database of properties from across the country.

REALTOR® members of the local real estate board pay for the MLS®. That board operates the local system, while the umbrella group – the Canadian Real Estate Association – owns the MLS® trademark.

Only REALTORS® can list on the MLS® and REALTOR.ca, so if you’re selling your property, you’ll benefit from the wide exposure the listing will enjoy. Other REALTORS® use the database to present the possibilities to their clients, potential buyers for your home.

If you’re in the market to buy or looking to sell, remember that the MLS®, REALTOR.ca and your REALTOR® can help make your dream a reality.

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Lethbridge Realtor

10-20-09
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info: Loan Officer in Lethbridge, AB
  • view my blog
  • Office: (403) 330-3039
  • Mobile: (403) 330-3039
  • Secondary: (403) 380-3099

Looking for a Lethbridge Realtor to take care of your Lethbridge real estate needs?

Working With a REALTOR®

As of January 31, 2008, there were 10,931 REALTORS® in Alberta, out of a total 12,267 licencees.

REALTOR® is a trademark identifying professionals who are members of their local real estate board, the provincial association (AREA) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). These three organizations provide support to REALTORS® to increase their skills and keep them up to date.

How Are REALTORS® Different?

  • REALTORS® in Alberta were the first in Canada to achieve mandatory professional development for the members of their industry.

  • REALTORS® in Alberta use plain language contracts carefully designed to provide maximum protection to you, the consumer.

  • REALTORS® __ and only REALTORS® __ offer the MLS®, a database of properties for sale. The MLS® (which includes REALTOR.ca) is a powerful marketing system that provides wide exposure for properties __ a benefit to both buyers and sellers.

  • REALTORS® adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practices that are strictly enforced by the local real estate board. When you deal with a REALTOR® you are assured of the highest level of service, education and integrity.

  • REALTORS® can save you time, money and sleepless nights. See 'Why Should I Use a REALTOR®' below to find out how a REALTOR® can help you, whether you are buying or selling.

  • REALTORS® have a wealth of information on various topics, including tips on how to add value to your home, how to use your RRSP to buy a house and what costs to expect during the course of the transaction.

  • REALTORS® use the Agency Relationships guide, developed by AREA, to explain the relationships between the parties to a real estate transaction and the service expected of a REALTOR®. To learn more about agency disclosure, view the Agency Relationships page.

Find out more as to how REALTORS® are professionals at www.realtor.ca.

Why Should I Use a REALTOR®?

REALTORS® work on behalf of both sellers and buyers and bring valuable experience and knowledge to the transaction.

If you're buying, the purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make and if you are thinking of doing it alone, you may want to reconsider. All the details involved in the home buying process can be confusing. A REALTOR® has the time, resources and contacts to make the home buying process as trouble-free as possible. You can trust a REALTOR® to protect your interests and to look after the details.

  • A REALTOR® provides expertise. He/she can help you determine a price range you can afford and can suggest ways to obtain a downpayment or explain alternative financing methods.

  • A REALTOR® is familiar with development and trends in real estate, as well as current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

  • A REALTOR® will be well-acquainted with the details of the neighbourhood you may be considering, including the quality of schools, safety of the neighbourhood, traffic volumes and more.

  • A REALTOR® will find you homes best suited to your needs __ size, style, features, location and accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping or recreational facilities. With immediate access to homes as soon as they are put on the market, a REALTOR® can save you much time hunting for the perfect home.

  • A REALTOR® pledges to disclose property information and provide the facts needed to help you make one of the most important decisions of your life.

  • A REALTOR® can provide advice as to what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan, and what other documents you will need to make the transaction run smoothly.

If you're selling, a REALTOR® can walk you through the more than 140 steps needed to complete a real estate transaction. Selling your home is a very complex procedure that involves large sums of money, stringent legal requirements and has the potential for costly mistakes.

  • A REALTOR® is an expert in effectively marketing your home and helping you to set an attractive selling price. Moreover, only a REALTOR® can give your home far-reaching market exposure through the MLS®. The more exposure your home gets, the more likely you are to find a buyer willing to pay your price.

  • Under a seller brokerage agreement (or listing contract), a REALTOR® is responsible for looking after your best interests, including full disclosure of any information that may influence your decisions.

  • A REALTOR® will provide a full explanation of the selling process and what to expect from the beginning, as well as answers to all your questions along the way.

  • A REALTOR® will also attempt to separate the lookers from the buyers. This can be a real time saver because it helps ensure that only serious buyers visit your home.

  • When you receive an offer, a REALTOR® will have the knowledge and experience to negotiate an agreement on your behalf and according to your instructions.

  • If you decide to accept an offer, a REALTOR® will participate in drawing up a legally binding contract that protects your interests throughout the transaction.

  • Once a legally binding agreement has been signed, a REALTOR® will help you ensure the proper documentation is finalized and sent to the lawyers, that any conditions to the offer are fulfilled and that your questions and concerns are dealt with to your complete satisfaction.
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Lethbridge Real Estate Commission Rates

10-20-09
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info: Loan Officer in Lethbridge, AB
  • view my blog
  • Office: (403) 330-3039
  • Mobile: (403) 330-3039
  • Secondary: (403) 380-3099

Commissions Are Negotiable
When discussing fees, industry members must be honest in advising their clients as to the “typical” or “usual” rates charged in their area. The amount of commission or fee that might be charged is not officially set out by any industry body, therefore they may not indicate these fees are set and/or not negotiable.

Commissions are negotiable. However, wise consumers will know that the cheapest deal is not always the best deal. The old adage of, you get what you pay for, can apply to real estate services too. Therefore, shopping for an agreeable mix of services offered at a fair commission is recommended. Every brokerage will have its own policy on its services and fees and consumers are free to negotiate their own agreement with the brokerage of their choice.

Before entering into a contract, smart consumers will compare the services and fees of a few brokerages by interviewing industry members. The interviews will help the consumer understand what range of commission rates is common in the marketplace and what types of services each brokerage will offer. This will assist consumers in working out a fair arrangement with their brokerage of choice.

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MLS Listings in Lethbridge Alberta

10-18-09
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info
Robert W. May, Realtor/Mortgage Expert Lethbridge Mortgage & Real Estate Info: Loan Officer in Lethbridge, AB
  • view my blog
  • Office: (403) 330-3039
  • Mobile: (403) 330-3039
  • Secondary: (403) 380-3099
Want to do a quick search of Lethbridge MLS real estate listings on your own time? Try this out:
Here you can access Lethbridge and area MLS listings. If something catches your eye, contact me and I will arrange a showing. You can also contact me to get the latest Lethbridge Real Estate listings that match YOUR criteria delivered directly into your in-box.
you can do it! See my listings / See Lethbridge's listings

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