If I were going to hire SEO it would be from Nestor & Katerina Gasset (Katerina) and no one else.  Well, I would hire Corinne Guest, Managing Broker too! Very knowledgeable and trustworthy.

I would hire me:) 

My webdesigners take care of the SEO for me.

I have one in house

I had in the past.  Of course knowing what I know now I was dupped, they weren't optimizing my site, they were doing ppc and I was too foolish to know the difference.  It was more than a decade ago.

Hi Paul Savola Real Estate SEO ,  I hired an SEO consultant early on in my blogging "career".. back in 1995.   We agreed on a compenstion for results basis and it worked out great.   

I think that most of us on AR become SEO experts after a while, at least those who are paying attention to the wealth of knowledge available here.

My webdesigners handle it.

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a very important part of web exposure. Hiring someone who specializes in it would be to anyone's advantage.

I think a consultant would bring more value to the table.

I only use the best - in-house expertise.

Years ago I had a person who managed my sites and took care of SEO.  Over time ... I learned many things ... and now I manage my sites and my SEO. 

We have an inhouse webmaster and consultant... <- points to picture

I've always relied on Nestor & Katerina Gasset (Katerina is the SEO expert who I've used for 7 years.... and she's done well by me....)

I have not hired any one.

haven't - but almost certainly would opt for consultant

Paul Savola Real Estate SEO - for me, ActiveRain IS my SEO! 

Paul,

We have a superb SEO expert.

I'd hire the company that comes up first in Google. Looks like Bruce Clay would be getting my business.

I could go either way. I think one advantage to a consultant would be the outside perspective. 

I was working with one that was an independent and he got very demanding wanting me to change everything. We parted ways.

If I were to hire out for this, it would be a consultant.  In-house is great if you can keep them busy 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year and afford to pay them a respectable salary ($65k is about starting salary out here for that type of role at a normal company).

I am not too much concerned about where they come from but about results and how much I am going to pay for that.  Organic SEO or PPC?  It depends upon how quick you are looking for results and your budget.  You may want to consider Lori Ballen's team.  She has very good results and does take on clients.

No it does not work.