How should I plan for my House Hunting Trip to Winnipeg?

BY PHIL GEAR, REALTOR

Are you relocating to Winnipeg for a new job and planning your house hunting trip (HHT)? Whether you are Military, RCMP, or work in government, banking, transportation, or management, this is for you!

First off, welcome to Winnipeg! Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving job market, Winnipeg is a fantastic destination for individuals and families looking to enjoy life and advance their careers.

As soon as your relocation is confirmed, it feels like a million wheels start spinning. We get it. You have a home in your current city to sell, you need to find schools for kids, your spouse may need a new job, and on top of it all, you need to buy a home and you want it to be right. We get it.

My wife and I are a military family, and we’ve been through this process together a number of times. I also specialize in relocations as a realtor, so I’ve been through this process with many clients as well. I’ve drawn on my personal and professional experience to put this guide to your HHT together for you.

Step 1: Seek Local Expertise

Nothing beats the insight of a local real estate agent familiar with the HHT process. The first step is to reach out to us The Moore Group, as we specialize in relocations to Winnipeg. We have in-depth knowledge of the city and can guide you through the house hunting process.

We will start by discussing your unique requirements and budget and then set you up with an online search that will send you options that fit your criteria. Usually we start with broad criteria for areas and price, and then narrow it down as your plans, preferences, and budget firm up.

Step 2: Research Neighbourhoods

Next, familiarize yourself with Winnipeg's different neighbourhoods. First, consult your realtor for some initial ideas— remember that it is our speciality to help you identify the areas that align with your preferences, such as proximity to work, schools, parks, and community services. Talk to friends, family and colleagues and ask for their suggestions. Check out our Featured Areas page to learn about areas that are on your radar.

Step 3: Consider the Commute

Considering commute times is crucial. Winnipeg has a decent transportation system, but it's essential to factor in the distance between your potential residence and your workplace, as it can make a huge difference in your quality of life and amount of free time. One of the big advantages of living in Winnipeg is being able to avoid traffic jams and long commutes, and most transferees choose to focus their search on neighbourhoods in close proximity to their workplace.

Step 4: Get a pre-approval

Every housing market is different, and it’s important to find out exactly what you can afford here in Winnipeg.

Step 5: Book your HHT

Different relocations have different timelines and requirements— for example in the RCMP, you usually don’t go on your HHT until your existing home is sold, but with other relocations you can schedule it whenever suits you best. Once you have the date you are expected to report in Winnipeg, you can work backwards from there, factoring in the advice from your local realtor about the sale of your existing home and your Winnipeg realtor about the timing from purchase to possession date. The key here is communication, communication and more communication!

Next, schedule your travel. It is critical to get a rental car so you can use your time here to explore neighbourhoods and really get a feel for the areas that might be best for you.

Pack for your trip & remember to consider the weather! In Winnipeg it can be -35C or +35C and everything in between. Pro tip: pack slip-on shoes; when you’re seeing a dozen or more homes in a day, it really helps to be able to slip your shoes on and off. Also wise to bring a clipboard, pen and highlighter as you will want to make notes on the MLS print-outs that your realtor will give you.

Be prepared to write an offer. In some provinces the deposit isn’t due until conditions are removed, but in Manitoba, we submit a deposit cheque with an offer, so please remember to bring a cheque with you. The amount of the deposit is relative to the purchase price of the home; usually between $5000-$20,000 but your realtor can give you a better idea of exactly what to plan for based on your budget. We will also need a piece of government-issued ID as well.

Step 6: Arrive in Winnipeg

Pick up your rental car, check-in at your hotel, and then jump right back in the car. Plan to spend the evening checking out a few of the areas that are tops on your list. Ask your realtor to recommend a great local spot for dinner in one of the areas you’re focussed on, maybe grab dessert somewhere else, and enjoy. Even though you have a big task at hand, it can still be a fun process!

Also remember to keep all of your receipts. Depending on your relocation package, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be reimbursed for most or all of your expenses on your trip, but only if you have receipts. If you aren’t on a relocation package, or your package doesn’t cover everything you spend, talk to your accountant about whether you can claim the excess costs on your taxes.

Step 7: Get to Work

Usually your realtor will have 8-12 homes set up to view on Day 1. This first day is the birds-eye view phase. Usually you’ll spend not much more than 20 mins per house— basically just getting a feel for price/value, layout, condition, and area, ultimately creating your short list for the next day. That evening, you may want to circle back to some of the areas and see how they look and feel. Are there kids in the parks? What’s the traffic and noise like? Is it easy to get a table at the local pub? Etc.

Based on what you and your realtor learn on Day 1, your realtor will schedule Day 2. Likely you will see 3 or 4 of the homes from Day 1 that seemed like contenders, plus 3 or 4 more — maybe at a different price point than we started at, or in different areas. By now you’ll probably be feeling pretty tired and a little cranky. Try to get a good night’s sleep.

Day 3 is usually where we circle back to the top 2 or 3, and spend a solid hour or so at each home making the final decision. Sometimes we’ll move right to making an offer, sometimes you’ll want to go for a walk or lunch to hash it out, and then meet up later to write the offer.

Needless to say, clearly its critical that you have your realtor’s undivided attention during your HHT, which you can definitely expect from us at The Moore Group.

The long days, the stress and pressure, and the travel itself can wear you down during a HHT, but basic self-care helps. Build some downtime and some fun into your schedule, drink lots of water, eat as well as you can, sneak in some exercise and fresh air and try to enjoy the ride! Your realtor loves making suggestions for entertainment, meals, exercise options, or anything else that will make the trip more enjoyable for you so don’t hesitate to ask for our recommendations.

Step 8: Offer accepted!

You may or may not still be in Winnipeg when your offer is accepted. If your offer is subject to inspection, your realtor can attend the inspection on your behalf but if you are still here then of course you can attend in person.

Step 8b: No deal

If you weren’t able to settle on a home or couldn’t come to terms on an offer, don’t despair! Many companies will allow a second HHT, in which case we lather, rinse and repeat. But if not, then we can switch to virtual showings, which we are really comfortable with. We have clients who have bought homes entirely sight unseen, and we have clients who have bought homes conditional to them viewing the home, where they jump on a plane in the AM, land, see the home, then jump back on the plane in the evening. We can always make it work. The time you spent in Winnipeg and the homes you saw will give you way more context and confidence on purchasing from afar, if it comes to that.

Step 9: The details

Yahoo, you have a house and a possession date. Next you’ll need a local lawyer, home insurance, internet/cable TV, hydro, water, newspaper subscription, etc. Your employer may have approved suppliers for you, but if not, your realtor will give you recommendations, plus we have a handy checklist to help keep you on track.

Embarking on a house hunting trip to Winnipeg is an exciting endeavor. Remember to take your time, ask questions, and explore the city beyond its real estate market. Winnipeg's vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere will undoubtedly make your house hunting journey an enjoyable experience.

If you are relocating to Winnipeg, please contact me. As a military family, my wife and I have been through this process ourselves multiple times and it would be my pleasure to help you through your relocation to Winnipeg.