Many hands make light work.

And when those hands belong to one of the most knowledgeable real estate teams in Southern Alberta, the chore of seeking or selling a home becomes as pleasant as a summer stroll in the park.

It begins with team leader Sheldon Zacharias, who knows every nook, cranny and cul-de-sac of southwest Calgary.

Sheldon has worked in Calgary's lively real estate market for 23 years and has hand-picked his people based on experience, know-how and dedication to customer service.

"I started out on a small scale. But as my business grew, I realized I was going to require some expert help," he explained.

Nathan, left, and father Sheldon Zacharias analysing blueprints for a new development project.

Today, Sheldon leads a top-notch team that consists of four licensed agents and three support staff, with a planned sales volume of over $50 million for 2003.

It's a straightforward progression: team co-operation leads to improved service, which translates to satisfied customers.

Simply put, when you retain the Sheldon Zacharias Real Estate Team, you're placing yourself in the best possible hands.

Sheldon acquired his own expertise via osmosis. His dad was a successful Saskatchewan home builder/realtor and young Sheldon learned the business the hard way – from the ground up.

"What a terrific way to get a grasp of the industry," he enthused. "My dad built 52 homes a year and, thanks to him, I was able to learn every aspect of the construction trade," he continued.

"I've found that background to be invaluable. If we're working with a client who's purchased a new home, we can go to the site, take a look around, and report back whether the builder is sticking to a high standard of quality," Sheldon said.

But the Zacharias family connection runs even deeper. Their construction and marketing background makes the team a favourite for developers and builders to market their projects. Sheldon's son, Nathan, has joined the team as both licensed agent and full-time marketing consultant.

Growing up, the young man demonstrated an interest in the family business, so his father sent him to the University of Saskatchewan, where Nathan earned a B.Comm. degree.

"Between us, we have things sewn up. I bring a practical expertise to the job, while Nathan brings his academic credentials," said the team leader.

As a youthful businessman in Saskatchewan, Sheldon recalls being impressed by a practical demonstration of teamwork.

"As a member of the Kinsmen, I volunteered to work at a McDonald's restaurant during a charity promotion," he remembered.

"I was the guy who put the ketchup on the burgers and was fascinated by the co-operative way they assembled the product.

I thought: 'What a great system.' Soon, I was thinking of a way to apply that same co-operative touch to our own business," he said.

Each member of the Zacharias team operates within his or her specialized field. And clients never need to cool their heels waiting for their agent to find the time to come to their assistance.

If one team member can't answer the call, another fully qualified expert will pinch-hit.

The result is a sublime level of customer service that few of Calgary's 3,000-plus licensed agents can hope to equal.

"We spend so much time studying the market. We only take clients to see property that matches their criteria," Sheldon explained.

"This way, clients get a better feel for the market and find it easier to make an informed decision."

The best builders, too, enjoy working with the Sheldon Zacharias Real Estate team. Respected Alberta names such as Kent Construction Services and Jenadere Homes have learned they can maximize their own sales potential by working in tandem with the Zacharias juggernaut.

Want more reasons why the Sheldon Zacharias Real Estate Team has been repeatedly ranked among the best in Canada?

Two major factors are a healthy advertising budget, estimated at $200,000 for 2003 – guaranteeing maximum exposure for sellers – and an eagerness to embrace Internet technology to improve client service.

The team's Internet buyer's program is one of the most helpful anywhere. Buyers can take virtual tours of MLS-listed homes within minutes of their listing, after receiving a personal heads-up

via e-mail, just one of the Zacharias team’s innovative high-tech systems.

Due to the team’s innovative marketing, their homes sell quicker and for more money.

For more information, please call Sheldon directly on his cellphone at 403.620.4504.

Or access the website: www.homesellingsystems.com.

Whether you're buying a million-dollar house, selling a $50,000 condo or are a builder seeking marketing services, the Sheldon Zacharias Real Estate Team guarantees you the same great service and the same terrific result – a quick sale at a price you're happy with.