With fewer than 1,000 homes listed on resale markets in Calgary, buyers and sellers need all the expert help they can find to generate maximum value, no matter which side of the transaction they're on.

Intelligent sellers want to make sure their properties gain maximum exposure in a seller's market.

That means hiring a professional who will saturate the market, promoting the virtues of your attractive home via every conceivable means.

Buyers, on the other hand, need a seasoned hand to help them take care not to overbid in a bubbling market that's occasionally reminiscent of a feeding frenzy.

Len. T. Wong, right, and Laura O'Connell, partner, fourth from right, and the team of experts are ready to help you buy or sell a home.

In each case, the clear choice is Len T. Wong, Calgary's most successful MLS residential sales agent the last two years running, both in terms of cumulative value and units sold in Calgary.

A seasoned professional who points with pride to a long list of industry awards, Wong heads up an energetic, highly accomplished sales and administrative crew that moved an astonishing $90 million in residential real estate last year, selling over 300 properties.

They're at your service. An entire team of specialists for the price of one.

"I'll be honest with you, the Calgary market is a rat race right now," sighs Wong, with an exasperated smile.

"The way it is now, you want as much exposure as possible on the property. The only sensible way is to list on the MLS system. That way, many sellers are seeing multiple offers on their property," he adds.

"The MLS system puts money in your pocket, maximizing your value whether you're buying or selling, compared to buying or selling homes on your own."

Due to the market conditions today, when your home is listed on the MLS system, you in effect have thousands of real estate agents working for you, compared to the limited exposure of selling on your own.

And so does Len T. Wong, the No. 1 MLS achiever for RE/MAX teams in Calgary, No. 10 in Canada and No. 79 worldwide. How does Wong do it?

By seeking out the innovative marketing programs that give his customers a special edge.

Example: Wong spends a minimum $30,000 a month on marketing to ensure that details and full-colour photos of his clients' homes find themselves in front of every pair of eyes that's in the market for a new home.

That means placing ads in daily newspapers, magazines, on television, billboards, bus benches and all across the Internet.

Of course, with 84 per cent of today's buyers doing most of their searching on line, 21st-century marketing techniques really do pay off: Len's a firm believer in the power of the Internet, with over 700,000 hits per month on his sites.

"When you hire a realtor, always hire them based on the strength of their marketing plan and services, not on the basis of price," Wong advises, "as the market will always determine the price."

Among other strategic marketing initiatives in a bull housing market, Wong introduced his Guaranteed Sales Program.

Once you list with Len T. Wong, you have the option for a guaranteed trade-up program within 90 days. This program allows you to trade up to a higher-value home or they can buy your home within 90 days if it has not sold, thereby ensuring you don't get stuck with two homes.

Perhaps the most popular sales tool is Wong's ground-breaking Sunday Tour of Homes, wherein a large number of prospective buyers tour a series of homes, visiting them for an average 15 minutes each.

It's terrific for sellers because they aren't required to vacate the premises for several hours at a time, as with a traditional open house.

"Do it our way and you get many more people through your home. With so many coming through, it promotes a bidding atmosphere among purchasers. You're likely to maximize your price on the property," says Wong.

Every high-tech sales tool is at Wong's disposal, including "Talking House Ads."

Want to get the goods on a home for sale? Drive by the home and listen to a description of the home by means of your AM car radio.

Another innovative high-tech selling tool is the Talking Ads, where potential buyers can phone, enter and ID number and be given details, without having to talk to a real estate agent.

From a buyer's perspective, it makes nothing but sense to avail yourself of the extra edge Wong and Co. can provide you - all for the same price of dealing with one person.

"The biggest problem right now is supply and demand. Demand far exceeds supply," he explains. "And all the pressure being placed on new-home construction at the moment means the resale market is tighter than ever."

To give buyers a leg up, Wong's exclusive Buyer VIP system allows his clients instant access to the MLS system, providing specific details on a home as soon as it is listed on the MLS.

Wong's partner Laura O'Connell and two full-time buyer agents scour the market on your behalf, giving you a big bang for your dollar.

Proof of the success enjoyed by Wong and his team can be measured in professional accolades.

Wong is member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and a winner of the prestigious RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, Chairman's Award and MLS Million Dollar Club.

No matter what type of property, Len T. Wong and his team can offer the support you need, as the deal in properties of every conceivable kind, from condominiums to luxury homes.

Get in touch with RE/MAX Len T. Wong & Associates at 403.287.4888, e-mail: lenwong@telus.net, or visit the team's two websites: www.calgaryhomesearch.com and www.calgaryluxuryhomesearch.com