When buyers start searching for a home in Winnipeg, one of the most common questions I hear is: “These houses were built in the 1950s, 60s, or 70s… is it risky to buy an older home?” The short answer is: not always. Many older homes in Winnipeg can be fantastic investments - offering excellent value, character, and prime locations - especially if major upgrades have already been completed. But, like any real estate purchase, it’s important to know what to look for. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the risks, benefits, and practical tips for buying an older home in Winnipeg, with an example from my own first home. Why Winnipeg Has So Many Older Homes Winnipeg went through a construction boom between the 1950s and 1970s. Neighborhoods such as St. Vital, St. James, River Heights, East & North Kildonan, and West Kildonan are filled with homes built during this period. Today, these properties are considered “older,” but many have been remodeled and upgraded with moder...

Buying real estate is always about timing, and when it comes to brand new duplexes in Winnipeg , 2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years yet. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking for a home with rental income or an investor building a long-term portfolio, duplexes are one of the smartest choices in today’s market. Duplex Demand is Rising in Winnipeg Demand for brand new duplexes continues to grow in Winnipeg. Families love them because they provide extra space or a mortgage helper, and investors love them because they offer steady rental income. With limited new infill housing opportunities in many neighbourhoods, duplexes fill an important need for modern, efficient homes. Why Duplexes Make Financial Sense Two Units, One Mortgage: Live in one unit while renting the other to reduce your monthly mortgage cost. Strong Rental Market: Winnipeg's rental vacancy rates remain low, especially in established neighbourhoods. GST Rebates: Buyers of br...

Becoming a homeowner in Winnipeg is one of the most exciting milestones in life - and for many first-time buyers, a brand new duplex offers the perfect balance of affordability, flexibility, and long-term value. If you're considering buying your first duplex, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know - from how duplexes work to financing tips, government rebates, and why they’re such a smart choice for today's buyers. What is a Duplex? A duplex is a single property that contains two self-contained units under one roof. Each unit usually has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. In Winnipeg, most brand new duplexes also include: Separate entrances and utilities (hydro, gas, water) Legal secondary suites for rental income Modern finishes and layouts designed for families or investors This makes a duplex ideal for first-time buyers who want to live in one unit while renting out the other to offset their mortgage. Why Choose a Br...

When you're buying a home, one of the most important financial decisions you'll make is choosing the right mortgage. For many first-time home buyers , the options can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the question: Should I choose a fixed-rate mortgage or a variable-rate mortgage? As your realtor, I've seen how this decision impacts buyers not just at closing, but for years to come. Let's break down the differences between these two mortgage types so you can make the choice that best fits your budget, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the entire length of the term (often 1 to 5 years in Canada, though some lenders offer longer). This means your mortgage payments stay exactly the same until your term ends. Advantages of Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Predictability: You always know what your payment will be, which makes budgeting easier. Protection from interest rate h...

When most people think about selling their home, the first question is usually: “What price will I get for it?” But the equally important question is: “What will it cost me to sell?” In Winnipeg, selling a property involves more than just accepting an offer - there are commissions, legal fees, mortgage penalties, and other expenses that can impact your bottom line. Here's a detailed breakdown of the typical costs you should know before putting your home on the market. 1. Realtor Commission Fees (3% – 4.5%) Commission is usually the largest cost in a home sale. In Winnipeg, commission rates generally range between 3% and 4.5%, depending on the services offered and the agreement with your realtor. Example at 3% Commission If your home sells for $400,000 at 3% commission, that equals: Commission: $12,000 GST (5% on commission): $600 Total: $12,600 This fee is typically split between the listing agent (who markets and negotiates the sale) and the buyer's age...