Winnipeg Relocation Real Estate Agent

We help dozens of Military and RCMP families relocate to Winnipeg every year – and we would be happy to help you, too! We are your Local BGRS Relocation Experts and serve as part of the relocation team for several companies. Whether it be executive relocations, job placements, or professional training program – we are likely on the approved list and well educated in the individual relocation directives and requirements. If you are looking to call Winnipeg home, and would like more information on the neighborhoods or communities that are right for you, please contact us today.

For those families that have already received their relocation directives, welcome!  You have been posted and now you need to buy or sell a home in Winnipeg and surrounding areas.  This section was designed for you!  We have compiled a list of questions that our clients frequently ask.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Families Relocating

 Q: I HAVE RECEIVED A POSTING MESSAGE, HOWEVER I HAVE NOT YET MET WITH MY REPRESENTATIVE.  CAN I BUY OR SELL A PROPERTY?

A:  Yes. There are busier seasons in every industry, real estate included.  So there are times in which you have to wait to meet with your representative, but waiting to meet with your representative can mean you are missing out on prime selling window of opportunity. In this event, you may list and even sell your property prior to your meeting with your representative.  We can advise you how to handle this situation and do an honest, and explain the Risk and Reward benefits.

Q:  I STILL NEED TO SELL MY CURRENT HOME.  CAN I GO ON MY HOUSE HUNTING TRIP (HHT) BEFORE IT SELLS?

A:  Most likely, no.  There are special circumstances in which this is allowed, but typically you need to sell your current home before going on your trip.  We do recommend that you sell your current home first too, as you want to be in a strong purchasing position to buy a home in your new location.

Q:  I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I AM BEING POSTED, HOWEVER I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE MY MESSAGE.  CAN I PUT MY HOUSE ON THE MARKET NOW?

A:  Yes. Your house can be listed for sale. However, if we do receive an offer prior to receiving your message that you want to accept, then acceptance can only be signed conditional on you receiving your message.  This can be a sticking point for many buyers as they do not like uncertainty.  For this reason, what we recommend is to get everything as prepared in advance.  Let us come take the pictures, videos, measurements, prepare our marketing, so that as soon as you receive your message, we can immediately present your home to our list of active buyers. We like to be as aggressive as possible without costing you money.

Q: WHAT IS A NORMAL POSSESSION PERIOD IN THE WINNIPEG AREA:

A:  The average length of time in which buyers will ask for possession of a home is around 30-60 days.  It really does depend on the time of year and current market conditions.  We find that many people like to be situated in their new home prior to the school year starting, or prior to the holiday season whenever possible.

 Q:  WHEN SHOULD I PLAN MY HOUSE HUNTING TRIP?

A:  8-10 weeks’ time would be typical, taking into account our current average possession period.  Typically, the Change of Strength (COS) date is your first day of travel. Try to coordinate the purchase and sale of your home to coincide with your COS date in order to facilitate a door-to-door move.  In some cases however, the COS date may not work with the possession date of your home, personal situation, or work requirements. In these circumstances you may need to request written approval from your superior or request a new report for duty (RFD) date.

Q:  I WANT TO LOCK IN A 5-YEAR MORTGAGE RATE BUT AM CONCERNED THAT I MAY BE POSTED PRIOR TO THE TERM OF THE MORTGAGE.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A:  Many banks as well as other lenders have agreed to waive prepayment penalties for relocations such as yours.  But what is important is getting all pertinent information prior to making any decisions.  Let us put you in touch with a mortgage broker who can help you navigate the lenders that would be willing to work with your circumstances.

 

Q:  DO YOU RECOMMEND HOME INSPECTIONS?  IF SO, IS THIS COVERED IN MY RELOCATION PACKAGE?

A:  Yes, we do recommend home inspections.  There are circumstances (often in bidding war scenarios) in which having a home inspection condition may reduce the likelihood of having the seller accept our offer, however there are also ways to mitigate that.  Many times we book a showing and bring a Home Inspector along to assess the home during the showing.

As a DND or RCMP employee they will cover the cost of your home inspection.   You will want to check with your BGRS relocation specialist to ensure you have permission to do more than one if required.  You will also want to inquire about billing.  Many programs have pre-determined inspectors for their clients to use. Part of the approval process means the home inspector will bill the company directly as a result.  It is important to have a copy of that list to ensure you do not end up paying out-of-pocket for your home inspection. We have a list of approved Home Inspectors that we can share with you.

 

Q:  ARE THERE OTHER TYPES OF INSPECTIONS THAT I SHOULD BE DOING?

A:  It depends.  In Winnipeg, homes are built on sand and silt, which does mean that our home foundations need to be carefully inspected.  Sometimes structural engineers need to be called in.  Additionally, if you are purchasing a rural property with a well and septic system, then it would be advised to have both well and septic inspected by a professional.  Some lenders will require the results just to approve the mortgage.  Many of these inspections will be covered by BGRS but you must first ask the Home Inspector to recommend these tests in their report.  Then provide the report to your representative.  You will have to pay for these inspections upfront and submit receipts for repayment. We have a list of approved companies.

Q:  MY HOUSE HUNTING TRIP (HHT) IS COMING UP!  WHAT AMOUNT OF TIME SHOULD I SPEND           ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR A HOME?

A:  Usually day one and two involve finding the home and negotiations.  Then the inspection can either be day three or four depending on inspector availability.  We should add a day just in case things don’t go to plan (something comes up on the home inspection that makes you uncomfortable).  This week is dedicated to you finding a property, not casually looking at properties.  So it is important that we do as much research ahead of time as possible, so that we have a serious list of contenders when we start looking.

Q:  I HAVE FOUND A HOUSE I LIKE ONLINE AND WANT MORE INFORMATION.

          CAN YOU EMAIL ME MORE DETAILS?

A:   Yes, of course.  We have access (including additional details) to all MLS listings.  In fact, we often receive these listings well before they hit the MLS.  Let us set you up to receive email notifications anytime something pops up that could work for you!

Q: THE MARKET HAS CHANGED AND I  AM GOING TO BE SELLING MY CURRENT HOME AT A LOSS.
       WHAT CAN I DO?

A:  Talk with your relocation company. Some programs allow for reimbursements up to  $15,000 or a certain percentage of appraised value for any loss that you may incur when you sell your home. It is important to know this number when you are reviewing offers as it will help in your negotiating position.  Our market in Winnipeg is pretty steady, but even so, it is good to have this number.

 

Q:  CAN YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD BRING OR PREPARE FOR OUR HOUSE HUNTING TRIP?

A:  We have prepared a list of commonly needed items below.  This list is not exhaustive and will change based on individual circumstances.  However, we do recommend having:

• The contact information for your relocation representative.  This includes your file number if one was given to you.  Your Home Inspector and Lawyer will need these to bill some companies direct.
• A cheque book.  You will be providing a cheque along with your offer called the deposit.  This deposit forms part of your down payment and is given with your offer.  It will usually be deposited within 24 hours from acceptance of the offer.  We recommend preparing to provide anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 (or more) depending on the house price and other circumstances.
• Slip on shoes for viewing the homes.  A lot of time and effort can be expended if you wear big bulky boots.
• A GPS device for your rental car.  You can rent them from the car rental company too, but those may come at a cost.  If you prefer to use the GPS on your phone, that is fine but make sure it is hands free.  Manitoba is one of the most strict and aggressive Provinces for policing and penalizing distracted driving. The updated distracted driving includes a $672 fine, 3 day license suspension, 5 demerit points and a $50 license activation fee if you want your license back after the suspension. You will be given a 24 hour temporary license to get to your destination from where you were stopped.

 

Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY REALTOR WHEN I ARRIVE?

A:  These trips are a priority.  As your Realtors, we try to clear our schedules for the period in which you will be here.  Our goal is to find you the right house within your timeline. We will be your guide and put you in contact with the right Home Inspectors, Lawyers, and Mortgage Brokers that are on the relocation company’s approved list.  We are happy to chauffeur you around too, although some people prefer to do their own driving as they like to figure out the “lay of the land” on their own.  That’s cool too.  Just let us know what you prefer and we will accommodate.  We have done these relocations many times before, and know exactly what to do.

 

Q: WHAT ELSE CAN YOU HELP ME WITH?

A:  You name it, we can likely help you!  Would you like our recommendations on where to stay?  We can give you a list of hotels that our previous clients have enjoyed. Are you bringing your children along but are concerned about how they will handle the process?  We would be happy to recommend a babysitter as well as fun places to visit while you are here!  Is there something that we are missing? Where to dine?  What to see? etc? Just ask and we would be more that happy to help.