Thinking about selling your home? Whether you’ve lived there five years or fifty, choosing the right Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the entire process. As someone who’s been helping Winnipeg homeowners sell their homes for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand what a difference the right professional can make—and what can go wrong when sellers don’t do their homework.
Here’s how to choose a Realtor who will truly advocate for your best interests—and help you get the results you deserve.
1. Full-Time vs. Part-Time: It Matters More Than You Think
Selling a home is a major financial transaction. It deserves the time, skill, and attention of someone who does this full-time. A part-time Realtor might have good intentions, but they won’t have the same availability, market insight, or negotiation chops that a seasoned, full-time professional brings to the table.
Full-time Realtors are immersed in the industry every day. We attend market forecasts, stay up to date on the latest legal and regulatory changes, complete ongoing training, and network with other professionals to stay ahead of trends. Part-timers simply don’t have the time to stay current on all of that—and it shows in the results.
Why this matters: Real estate is fast-paced. A delayed response could mean a missed showing, an overlooked offer, or a deal that falls through. You want someone who lives and breathes this business—not someone squeezing it in after their 9-to-5.
2. Local Experience You Can Count On
Every neighbourhood in Winnipeg has its own rhythms, pricing patterns, and buyer preferences. You need a Realtor who doesn’t just know the market—they know your market. I’ve sold homes in every corner of the city and can tell you what buyers are looking for in Windsor Park versus River Heights versus Bridgwater.
Local expertise isn’t just about knowing the street names—it’s about understanding what motivates buyers in each community. Are buyers in your area typically first-time homeowners, move-up families, or downsizers? What kinds of features do they prioritize? What times of year do homes tend to sell fastest, and at what price points?
A seasoned local Realtor should also know about school catchment areas, nearby parks, public transit access, and any upcoming commercial or infrastructure developments. These details can significantly influence buyer interest and pricing strategy. For example, if your home is zoned for a top-rated school or located near a future rapid transit route, those are selling points that should absolutely be highlighted in your marketing.
An experienced local Realtor can answer those questions and position your home accordingly. We know which upgrades will get you the most return, how to avoid pricing pitfalls, and how to time your listing for the strongest results. It’s the kind of insight that only comes from years of boots-on-the-ground experience in the Winnipeg market.
3. A Track Record Built on Results
There’s no substitute for experience. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of Winnipeg homeowners navigate all types of markets—hot, cold, and everything in between. An experienced agent knows how to price your home strategically, market it effectively, and negotiate with confidence.
Beyond just listing and selling homes, a strong track record shows that your Realtor has been tested and proven in a variety of situations: homes that needed work, homes that sat on the market too long with other agents, or homes where bidding wars were handled with finesse. Experience brings the ability to troubleshoot problems before they happen, avoid common pitfalls, and pivot quickly if the market shifts mid-sale.
A successful listing isn’t just about finding a buyer—it’s about getting the right buyer, at the right price, on the right terms. I’ve built my reputation on delivering that kind of result consistently. You want a Realtor who not only closes deals, but closes them with satisfied clients and a smooth process.
What to look for:
How long have they been selling real estate full-time?
How many homes do they sell each year?
Can they share examples of challenging sales they’ve successfully navigated?
4. Marketing That Goes Beyond a Sign on the Lawn
Today’s buyers are online, and your listing needs to stand out. A strong marketing plan should include:
Professional photography
Online and social media advertising
Staging advice
Virtual tours
Open house strategies
But a great Realtor goes beyond these basics. Even in a so-called "hot" seller’s market, a strong marketing strategy ensures your home sells for top dollar—not just quickly. Multiple offers, bidding wars, and firm deals often come down to exposure. If buyers don’t see your listing, they won’t show up. Quality marketing can be the difference between one offer and five.
A well-connected Realtor also brings a strong referral network to the table. That means access to trusted stagers, cleaners, photographers, contractors, and more—people who can help get your home showing-ready fast. I’ve built relationships with top-tier professionals across Winnipeg who consistently deliver, which makes the entire process smoother and less stressful for my clients.
If your agent doesn’t have a clear, detailed marketing plan—or lacks the connections to execute it well—keep looking.
5. Clear Communication and Straight Talk
When you’re selling, you don’t need fluff—you need facts. I believe in being honest, direct, and proactive with my clients. You should never feel like you’re in the dark or wondering what happens next.
Great communication isn’t just about being available—it’s about adapting to your needs. Some sellers want regular updates every few days; others prefer a quick summary once a week. Some love text messages, while others want a phone call. Your Realtor should take the time to understand your preferences and tailor their communication style accordingly. It’s a simple but powerful way to build trust and reduce stress throughout the process.
I always ask new clients how they prefer to stay in the loop, and I make it a priority to match that. Selling a home can be emotional and time-sensitive—clear, consistent updates go a long way toward making it a smooth experience.
Red flag: If an agent is hard to reach or vague during your first few conversations, that’s likely how they’ll be during the sale process.
6. Check Their References and Reputation
A great Realtor should have nothing to hide—and plenty of happy clients willing to speak up. Online reviews are a helpful starting point, but don’t stop there. Ask for real-life references you can actually speak with. A confident, experienced Realtor will be proud to connect you with past clients who can share their honest feedback.
Online platforms like Google and Facebook can give you a sense of how others felt about working with the agent, but a personal conversation will reveal even more about their professionalism, communication style, and how they handle challenges.
Also, consider how the Realtor is regarded within the local real estate community. Are they known for being fair and easy to work with? Do they have good relationships with other agents? These qualities can help make your transaction smoother and more cooperative—especially when offers start coming in.
7. Questions Every Home Seller Should Ask a Realtor
Before you sign a listing agreement, ask these:
Are you a full-time Realtor?
How many years have you been in the business?
How many homes have you sold in the past 12 months?
What’s your marketing plan for my home?
Can you provide references from past sellers?
How do you determine the right list price?
What is your communication style and how often will I hear from you?
How do you handle multiple offers?
What makes you different from other agents?
What happens if my home doesn’t sell?
If they can’t answer confidently—or if the answers feel vague—trust your gut.
Final Thoughts: Work with Someone Who Treats Your Sale Like It’s Their Own
Selling your home is a big deal. You deserve someone who treats it like one. As a full-time, award-winning Realtor with over two decades of experience in the Winnipeg market, I bring dedication, strategy, and straight-up hard work to every listing.
If you're planning to sell your home, let’s have a conversation. I’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Let’s connect today—and get your home sold with confidence.
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