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New property listed in Winnipeg

I have listed a new property at 569 Bannerman Avenue in Winnipeg. See details here

4C//Winnipeg/OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN, JAN 25TH & 26TH 12-2. OFFERS MONDAY, JAN 27TH 6PM. This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is move-in ready and kept so much character! It s perfect for first-time buyers or families that enjoy some separation in their spaces. Located near the up & coming northern edge of Winnipeg s North End, this cozy yet roomy home offers lots of potential! The fenced yard, garage, and BONUS SIDE ENTRANCE make it even more special. You could use the side entrance for a private rental space or to start that small business you ve been dreaming up (buyers to do own due diligence regarding commercial re-zoning). Inside, enjoy modern upgrades like a stylish kitchen, and fresh main floor bathroom. You ll love the floors! This family-friendly neighborhood has a great mix of West Kildonan vibes and welcoming neighbors. It s affordable and offers everything you need in a home, with plenty of space to expand. Homes with features like this don t come up often at this price. Real estate in Winnipeg is blowing up right now, and it s amazing how much value is packed into this home - Schedule your private showing today to see everything 569 Bannerman has to offer. Inquire for upgrades! Don t miss out! (id:2493)

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Amazing condo listed in Winnipeg

 See details here

THIS IS IT!
SOUTH-EAST Corner unit in Fort Richmond with 2 beds, 2 baths, & TWO BALCONIES, one of which wraps around your very sunny corner. The layout is great - ideal for a roommate situation with the bedrooms separated by the main living area and you're facing AWAY from Pembina, keeping it quiet!

Everything you'd expect in a luxury condo is here - storage locker, parking spot included, fitness area, elevator... but the BEST PART is the LOCATION! Walking distance to the U of M, Victoria Hospital, and anything & everything along Pembina is easily within reach.

This is PERFECT for first time buyers looking for an easy lifestyle, students, downsizers, or anyone that enjoys a sunny space. If this CORNER UNIT is the one for you, reach out before someone else claims it!

PET FRIENDLY, INQUIRE!

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What is the Best Community to Live in as a Couple in Winnipeg?

Every corner of Winnipeg is packed full of character. Each area of the city has its own unique personality, amenities, activities and lifestyle, so it can be difficult to know where to settle down. As a couple, finding a new home means choosing a place that suits both of your needs, both in the present and looking ahead to future goals. Luckily, the city offers tons of options for established married couples, families and those couples that are just starting out.

There is never a bad time to relocate to Manitoba’s largest city. Tons of couples are leaving metro areas and flocking to Winnipeg for job opportunities, the affordable cost of living and easy access to art, culture and music scenes. If you and your partner are ready for a fresh start in a thriving city, let’s look at some of your options!

Where Should I Buy a Home in Winnipeg?

There are plenty of reasons that a couple might relocate to Winnipeg. Whether you are new to town or just aren’t familiar with the landscape of property types throughout the city, Winnipeg’s best REALTOR® is here to help you out.

The first thing that you should do when searching for a new place to call home is to ask yourself, what do I need? When you’re part of a couple it’s important to ask both parties this same question and then see where these values line up, where they differ and what it will take to compromise on both of them. For example, if you are looking to start a family within the next year, purchasing a high-rise condo downtown might not be the best option. However, if you’re a newly married couple looking to enjoy some fun and nightlife before settling down, somewhere exciting like the Exchange District will better suit your needs.

Let’s take a look at some of your options:

The Exchange District

For anyone who is interested in architecture, great food and classic details, like a cobblestone walkway, the Exchange District is the perfect place to call home. The majority of properties for sale in this area are townhouses, condos or lofts, making it perfect for anyone who is in the market for low maintenance. Enjoy some of Winnipeg’s highest rated restaurants like Deer + Almond and Clementine. With tons of art galleries, studio spaces, and boutique businesses, there is always something to do in the Exchange District.

West St Paul

For any couple that prefers the quiet of the country to the bright lights of the city centre, West St Paul offers a little bit of both. Located just outside of the city limits, West St Paul offers couples the option to put down roots without sacrificing access to social activities and night life. Access to highways and main routes make it easy to get to work but when you’re at home you can be kicking back in a larger house, on a larger lot, set in a beautiful country environment.

Amber Trails

Surrounded by acres of green space, this community is the ideal place for a couple to purchase their first starter house or a forever home. Classified as a purely residential area, Amber Trails has acres of green spaces, man made lakes and playgrounds making it perfect for anyone who loves to enjoy the outdoors or is looking to grow their family in a kid-friendly environment.

Tuxedo

The Tuxedo area is the ideal mix of green spaces, quiet neighbourhoods and tons of options for work, play and a bit of retail therapy. Entertain your kids in Winnipeg’s largest indoor arcade The Rec Room or outfit your home with the latest trends in home decor with a quick visit to Seasons of Tuxedo. The homes in this area have all the benefits of urban living with larger homes and bigger lot sizes. If you and your partner are looking to create an ideal oasis right at home, consider Tuxedo. Swim spaces, extra bedrooms and office space and the option for staying active right outside your front door, this neighbourhood has it all for professional, working couples.


St. Boniface

Historic St. B is a great place to experience Manitoba’s French history with annual celebrations,  tons of small businesses and restaurants that can’t be beat. From art galleries, theatres and cultural centres the arts are celebrated in every corner of this neighbourhood. Take a walk across the Provencher bridge or take a seat by the Red River and get a great view of the Forks. The homes in this area are primarily detached, single family homes and are often older construction with a ton of character. Even though a home is older it doesn’t mean that it can’t be outfitted with high-tech updates that suit your lifestyle.

Downtown

With the job market swinging from in-person to remote, or a hybrid of both, having a home downtown is a great way to accommodate both your working schedule and your partner. With the return of the NHL and growing sports culture, the downtown core has been experiencing a revival. This area is best suited for working couple who are looking to experience all of the nightlife and events that Winnipeg has to offer. Pop down the street to the Cube for Jazz Fest or make a night out of venue hopping during Fringe. The majority of properties for sale in this area are high-rise condos.

If you are looking to improve your quality of life and are sick of paying the high price of monthly rent, just give me a call! Let’s talk about your longterm goals as homeowners, what your plans for the future are and I can help you choose the best place to start your journey as owners or help to move you out of a starter and into your forever home.

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10 Steps to Reduce the Cost of Owning Your Home

Owning a home is an excellent investment, not only for your financial portfolio but for your future and your family, as well. As amazing as the idea of homeownership might be, it comes with a high price tag. Even with a robust down payment and healthy monthly mortgage payments, owning a home is an expensive undertaking. Everything from insurance, utility bills, property taxes, repairs, maintenance and renovations will all be additional costs stacked on top of one another. These additional fixed expenses can’t be avoided but there are plenty of ways that you can reduce expenses around your home.

In order to better serve our customers, the Dino Stepic team has compiled a quick list of helpful ways that you can reduce household costs. Instead of offering the standard “meal planning cuts back on grocery costs”, “stop impulse buying” or “just change your spending habits” that aren’t effective, we have compiled a list of small, attainable fixes for any budget that will help to make a long-term positive impact. 

1.     Ditch Drafty Windows

 It might seem obvious that drafts around windows and doors are a major issue in Winnipeg but a draft does more than make you cold. Older homes are more likely to have older windows but replacing these can cost a small fortune. A large number of windows provide natural light and contribute to the overall ambiance but if they are drafty, the more windows that you have, the bigger the headache.

 

2. Update Your Lighting

Trading out traditional lighting options and bulbs for LED options is a great way to reduce energy consumption. This is a small investment with a big ROI (return on investment). LED lights aren’t just more-energy efficient, they also last longer and perform better.

 

3. Bundle Your Insurance

If you find yourself juggling multiple insurance policies and are paying monthly premiums on each, this is a great way to cut costs. Now more than ever providers are offering low-cost options for homeowners insurance, life insurance and more. You might have to put a bit of legwork into researching different providers, both locally and nationally but it will be worth it in the long run.

 

4. DIY Home Repairs & Improvements

Painting your home inside and out helps to boost your curb appeal and it can help to create a more comfortable environment for you to spend time in. It is easy to hire a contractor to paint your walls but a reliable and well-reviewed painting company will be priced accordingly. Taking on a simple fix like a paint job, yourself, can help to reduce costs while still getting the desired results. Now, a coat of paint is a simple home improvement but not all updates should be done with a DIY approach. For more in-depth repairs that involve electrical, plumbing or construction. It is always a better idea to leave these tasks up to the professionals. Some of the most common DIY updates include: 

•    Paint Doors

•    Paint Cabinets

•    Replace Light Fixtures

•    Add Window Coverings

•    Add Baseboards

•    Add Mouldings

•    Add faux backsplash using Peel n’ Stick tiles

  

5. Block Out Excessive Sunlight in Summer

In the same way that cold air sneaking in around windows can impact your heating bills in winter, sunlight coming in during summer can drive up cooling costs. On a hot, sunny day it is a good idea to use window coverings to prevent warm rays from shining in. Covering windows throughout the day while you are at work can mean coming home to a cooler space and will reduce your air conditioning costs and energy consumption.

 

6. Reconsider Cable Costs

Television is a huge monthly expense for any Winnipeggers and it is a cost that we can do without! With so many streaming services available on demand there isn’t any point in paying a cable provider $150-200 per month when most streaming services cost roughly $15 per month.

 

7. Insulate/Wrap Exposed Pipes

Older homes also often have exposed water pipes, particularly in the basement. These might add a bit of rustic charm that comes along with the visuals of exposed pipes but there is also a lot of energy loss. The goal of these pipes is to transfer water from water tanks to the faucets and showers around your property. When covered or wrapped, these pipes lose less heat than exposed ones that can lose between 2-4 degrees from start to finish.

 

8. Be a Big Fan of Your Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are low energy but create a big impact on air movement in your home. When used correctly, a ceiling fan can help to regulate interior temperatures by 1-2 degrees which might not seem like much but it makes a big difference for your utility bills and comfort. It is important to note that your fan should be directing air downward in summer and upwards in winter for the desired effects.

 

9. Consider Energy Efficient Appliances

Replacing older appliances with energy efficient models might not help with your cash flow in the moment but they will help you save money in the long run. It might not make sense to spend money in the moment but an old stove, outdated air conditioner or running toilet can increase your monthly payments on an on-going cycle.

 

10. Refinance For Your Future

Refinancing your mortgage might seem like a complicated process but at its core it is just the process of replacing an existing loan with a new one. This new loan can be with the same lender or a different one. Refinancing may be an appealing option if you find yourself dealing with high interest rate credit card debt or multiple loans. By pulling out your existing equity you can pay off multiple debts for lower and more manageable monthly obligations.

If you have done all you can to cut back on expenses but are still hoping to better manage household bills, try a few of these helpful options — or try them all!

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Community Spotlight: Socialish Co.

In the past, realtors have spent their marketing budgets on billboards, bus benches and print ads but we have come a long way since then. There are plenty of realtors hard at work in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas and social media is the best way to stand out from the crowd. Realtors may work with an agency but ultimately are left to create their own brands, find their own leads and cultivate an approachable online presence.

Everyone knows that, when used properly, social media can be an effective and reliable tool to grow your business but what isn’t obvious is how to make the most out of these platforms. More than just throwing up a few photos or quick reels, making the most out of social media requires research, strategy, design and execution. It can take years of study and hands-on practical training to develop an effective social media strategy. During this period, time, effort and energy are taken away from daily operations and attention to your business.

Working with an experienced agency like Socialish Co. means being able to hit the ground running with an effective media strategy. In addition to creating dynamic graphics and captivating captions, a media agency is able to create catered content according to your target audience across multiple platforms for a more effective approach. As a generic realtor who only posts listings or open house announcements, you will get left in the dust — but Teah and her team won’t let that happen. Socialish Co. creates unique voices and distinct branding, as well as an effective pathway to communicate with clients.

Brand Development & Social Media: A Socialish Co. Strategy

Selling real estate is not a one-man show but relies on a team of committed and knowledgeable professionals and luckily for the Dino Stepic team, that includes Socialish Co. In the same way that social media strategies can help realtors reach customers and grow their business, effective media strategies benefit companies and contractors of all sizes, in all industries. The goal of any social media agency is to help businesses grow and that is a huge advantage to small businesses and corporations — but how do they do it?

Socialish Co. creates and manages social media accounts but that is a simplified way of looking at it. Experienced digital strategies also involve creating and scheduling ad campaigns to cast a wider net and put your brand front and centre in front of the desired audiences. Building a large following online isn’t just an easier way to engage with your current audiences, or connect with potential customers in real time, it adds legitimacy and credibility to your brand.

The team at Socialish Co. promote your business but they also oversee all of the seemingly minor details that make up your online presence. Teah and her team handle everything from hashtag research, content creation, content calendars, install conversion tracking pixels, create analytics reports and create engaging ad campaigns based on your budget.

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The Importance of a Valuation — Even If You Aren’t Selling

Winnipeg Home Values: Why You Should Schedule a Home Valuation

For many Manitobans buying a home is the biggest investment that they will ever make. Whether you found your forever home last year or bought it in the 1980’s the value of that property will have changed — so, what’s it worth now?

The Winnipeg housing market moves in bursts and has been on a steady incline year after year. Even if you have no plans to list your home, there are plenty of reasons to stay informed about what your home is worth. When you know the value of your home it can help you decide what type of improvements or renovations can be made, ballpark your property taxes and insurance and can help you decide whether or not this is your forever home or you’d like to sell.

Why is a Home Valuation Important: Getting to Know the Benefits

You can’t just put a price tag on a property. In fact, even a similar home in the same neighbourhood may have a wildly different sales price. While there might be an average price for homes in different areas across the city there are a few unique factors that will contribute to overall pricing. For example, consider a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house. An attached home of these specifications will have a much lower listing price than a detached home or the same size and style.

When Renovating: Renovating a home adds personality and curb appeal but it will also impact the overall value of your house. Depending on the current value of your house, as well as the potential value that can be added, you can create a renovation plan that maximizes both your budget and your return. A real estate agent can help to decide what upgrades will benefit your space the most. With the cost of living on the rise across Canada anything that can help to reduce utility bills and daily running costs are great ways to add value to your home and stretch your budget. In this case, updated windows, roofing and even solar panels might be your next big project while a can of paint might be the cheapest, easiest option nut does come with a lower ROI in the moment.

Pulling Equity: If you have held a mortgage on your current home over a period of years you will likely have equity built up. If you find yourself dealing with large amounts of debt or are looking forward to a major expense, you might consider remortgaging. A valuation makes it possible to go to the bank with hard figures that will expedite the application process.  

Property Tax & Insurance: Knowing the value of a property is beneficial across a wide range of industries. Understanding what your home is valued at can help to create a more informed insurance policy for peace of mind, as well as giving you an idea of how your property taxes are structured.

When Selling: For many homeowners in Winnipeg their first homes are starter homes. If you relocate for work or are looking to grow your family, there are plenty of reasons to move. It can be fun to spend a day browsing open houses but it you don’t want to get your heart set on something that you can’t afford. Pre-approval for a mortgage is a great starting point for building your budget but understanding the value of your home can help to determine the sales price of your listed property and provide a more clear view of what you can put toward a new house.

The size, property type, location and market conditions will all have an impact on the overall value of your property so it is always a good idea to consult a home appraiser regularly to stay informed. There are plenty of home valuation tools on the market but none of these will be as effective as a professional home appraiser. If you are struggling to find a reliable appraiser, just consult your real estate agent and/or a member of the Winnipeg regional real estate board to connect you with an industry Pro.

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 Take the Stress Out of Moving With Trusted Movers

Moving is one of the most stressful experiences that anyone can go through — but it doesn’t have to be! When moving in Winnipeg, you have a ton of options to choose from: do you go for a large corporate moving company, or do you opt for a locally owned and operated mover? When choosing the right company for your move it is important to consider reputation, availability and of course, cost. Luckily your favourite local REALTOR® is ready and able to refer local moving and storage companies that can accommodate residential and commercial moves. 

There are plenty of larger companies that make the bulk of their business through long distance moving services across North America — but what about the locals? If you are moving locally you might be in a tight spot with limited availability and surge pricing that makes hiring a reliable mover feel impossible. Winnipeg businesses understand that this is a huge problem that can put people at risk of unreliable movers, damaged items and having to blow their budget on last minute bookings with raised pricing.

 

Stress-Free, Full Service Moving in Winnipeg 

No matter who you are, you’ve probably had a bad moving experience at one time or another. It is incredibly stressful to bounce from friend to friend looking for a truck to borrow, collecting boxes from local stores and then the physical act of having to pack and move heavy items. On the other hand, maybe you’ve had a bad experience with a moving company that didn’t meet your needs or caused unnecessary damage to your things. Instead of dealing with a worst-case scenario it is important to create a list of moving requirements based on what you want, need and the type of property you are dealing with.

Residential Moving: Your things aren’t just stuff, they are full of sentimental value and they are very important. A good moving company will recognize that and will treat your belongings with care — in fact, they’ll even help you pack! When moving from one house to another, homeowners are going to feel a little out of sorts and that is what makes proper organization so important. Labelling boxes clearly can help movers transport your belongings to the right room, making the unpacking process simple and easy for you.

Commercial Moving: When you are dealing with a commercial move, you aren’t just dealing with items, you are putting your business in someone else’s hands — and that can be tough! In addition to moving standard office furniture like desks and chairs, moving an office means dealing with expensive machinery like copiers, computers, scanners and more. Moving an office also means moving confidential information. Moving customer files and financial information demands a high level of trust so it is important to put your faith in a reputable company and that is what makes referrals so great.

 

Aseme Moving: Your Local Winnipeg Movers 

The moving industry is incredibly competitive and more often than not you’ll experience moving companies in Winnipeg being rushed from one job to another, meaning they are frantic and less careful than they should be. We know that you have a ton of options throughout the Winnipeg area but Aseme Moving sets themselves apart from the rest by priding themselves on genuine care for their customers and their belongings. 

After working with a less than professional moving company, Thiery Niyubuhungiro saw a need for experienced, compassionate and affordable moving services in Winnipeg, he jumped into action to provide those services himself. With a mission in mind and an arsenal of moving equipment, Aseme Moving is ready to tackle residential and commercial moves of all sizes.

In addition to offering affordable moving prices, fully insured services and reliable crews, Aseme Moving sells competitively priced moving supplies. Aseme is your one-stop shop for prep, packing and peace of mind for local moves in the Winnipeg area.

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Is A Luxury Home Right For You?

Your home should be comfortable, functional and inviting and that means luxury. Owning a luxury home might feel like it is out of reach but it is more attainable than ever. In the past, a high-end home was seen as a status symbol but now, it’s a lot more than that. Modern luxury doesn’t have to mean acres of land, bedrooms in the double digits or a multi-car garage. Luxury can mean modern high-end appliances, mother-in-law suites and even a private and desirable area.

If you are considering buying a luxury home, it is important to discuss your needs with a REALTOR®. With experience in luxury real estate, a local agent can help to identify the needs of their clients and find a property that ticks all of your boxes.


Luxury Winnipeg Real Estate: What to Know

The needs of every family, couple and individual are unique, so your home should be the same way. Heritage homes have character but are often small with little room for storage, while modern homes are often built on a template, meaning a cookie-cutter layout that likely won’t suit your needs. If you are having a hard time finding the perfect house to turn into a home, a luxury listing is the answer.


Advantages of Luxury Real Estate in Winnipeg:

More Space: With the cost of living on the rise, more and more families are choosing to live in communal homes on larger properties. Sharing a family home should not mean sacrificing your privacy or ability to live comfortably and this is where more square footage is a game changer. Additional bedrooms are great for residents and homeowners but they also create an easy space to host friends and family. Hosting a family reunion, holiday or entertaining visiting guests from abroad is incredibly easy in a home with extra bedrooms and bathrooms.

High End Amenities: Luxury homes are built using luxury materials, both for aesthetics and durability. A larger home often means larger rooms and the ability to create your ideal space, like a home fitness centre. More often than not, luxury properties will already come with amenities like swimming pools, large manicured gardens and gourmet kitchens. High ticket homes offer high end appliances like stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers. 

Customization Options: Home buyers often don’t finalize a sale with the intention of moving again but it happens! Luxury homes can change hands multiple times and contractors understand that. Many aspects of high end homes are modular or easily customizable. This means being able to tweak layouts and features without the need for a full remodel.

Attractive Neighbourhoods: When you are browsing homes for sale, you should also be browsing the neighbourhoods around them. A great house in an undesirable neighbourhood will not get the same amount of value as the same house in a safer area within a good school district. Communities and surrounding amenities will effect the purchase price of a house, so it is important to speak with an experienced REALTOR® to fully understand the bigger picture. Luxury properties are often in the most desirable parts of the city, or on sprawling yards just outside of it. If you want to live in a high end home but don’t want to sacrifice quick access to grocery stores or nightlife, let a REALTOR® locate your ideal property.

Resale Value: High end properties are built for resale. Throughout Winnipeg, Manitoba, populations are on the rise and so is the demand for larger houses. Investing in a luxury home is just that, an investment. Simple additions and updates over time can help to keep homes on trend and help to maintain curb appeal and value over time. Home buyers can rest assured that their property will not lose value. 

Choose an Experienced REALTOR®: Finding an agent that is well-versed in the purchase, sale and lease of luxury homes can help to properly value homes before sale and negotiate on your behalf. A listing agent is fighting for the best price for their clients but it is up to the buyer’s agent to ensure that their clients are making the most out of their budget. A REALTOR® will also be able to inform you of the additional costs of owning a luxury home, like higher taxes, closing costs and identify professional services rendered by REALTOR® adjacent services (home inspections, etc.).

 

Obstacles to Owning a Luxury Home:

Use Restrictions (Communal Spaces Only): If you are choosing a high end home in a community, there may be some restrictions on amenities. For example, if you are sharing a swimming pool with other residents there may be issues with terms of use accessibility.

HOA: A homeowner’s association can be a helpful addition to managing communities around your home but it can also be a pain! If you are looking to do repairs, construction projects or landscaping, you may be faced with vendor restrictions. Even if you want to use independently owned and operated contracting services, an association may be able to veto your preferred companies in favour of their own.

Higher Property Taxes: Depending on the lot size of a property and the area that it is located in, you can expect a higher rate of property tax. Instead of being blindsided by this number at the end of the year, REALTORS® will discuss comparable properties in the area.

Luxury homes are a big financial investment but they are also an investment in your overall quality of life. If you find the perfect property priced high and featuring all of your desired features and enough space to create a cozy and inviting environment for residents and guests, just call Dino Stepic. Experienced agents are full of valuable insights into the attractive qualities and what to watch out for when committing to a luxury home.

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Community Spotlight: Prairie Home Specialists

“You should update the kitchen before listing your house.”

How many times have you heard this? Renovating a house before putting it on the market can contribute to a faster sale and a higher realized price but this comes at a cost. There is a big difference between investing in a can of paint or new hardware for cupboards compared to a full renovation project. Potential buyers are drawn to move-in ready homes. For home sellers, renovating in the hopes of realizing a higher sale price can mean incurring a lot of new debt and all of the interest that comes along with it — but not anymore!

If you are selling your house but having a hard time coming up with the funds for pre-sale renovations you are in luck! By working with local renovation experts, Dino Stepic has found a way to not only protect sellers from the high cost of renovations but to maximize their value and returns too. Prairie Home Specialists are a local renovation company that specializes in high-quality work from bathrooms and baseboards, flooring and electrical, suites, windows and more. More than being a locally and family owned business, PHS is offering up opportunity to home sellers in the form of financed renovations at a 0% interest rate for the first three months. 

Get to Know the Team: Prairie Home Specialists 

PHS is a family owned and operated business committed to providing fellow Winnipeggers with efficient and affordable home renovation services. If you are selling your home, don’t both bouncing from contractor to contractor for a complete renovation, call PHS instead. With a skilled team of renovation experts, interior designers and project managers and real estate aficionados, PHS is able to provide full renovations for homes of all shapes, sizes and styles. Every member of the team is passionate about the renovation process but also about providing safe and affordable housing options for members of the community.

During the pre-sale home owners are most hesitant to commit to a renovation project due to the costs involved. Instead of sweeping these needs under the rug, PHS has found a way to answer the call without needing to break your piggybank. Renovating a house for sale can be a costly process and the payouts for these often don’t come until your house is sold. This can be a long time to wait — made even worse by the unexpected costs of having your home inspected, closing costs and other bills. Instead of leaving communities wading through debt until they finalize their sale, PHS offers financing options that work — in fact, they’ve got the best financing options in town!

When you want top dollar for your home, you need to renovate but you can’t renovate without having that dollar! By working with Prairie Home Specialists, customers have the option of financing their house renovations and updates. This means being able to keep your cash liquid and debt down. Recent Bank of Canada trends have turned interest into a dirty word and that is why PHS is currently offering 0% interest financing for the first three months. The bottom line of all homes sales is time and money, and PHS is giving you both.

This type of service agreement offers sellers a break on the cost of home improvements while the 3 month grace period is enough time for an experienced real estate agent to sell your home. Renovations lead to quick sale and a quick sale enables sellers to pay off their financing agreement with plenty to spare! From the front door to the backyard, custom cabinets or appliance installation, there is nothing that the experienced team of renovation experts at PHS can’t handle. 

Pre-sale renovations are often broken up into three categories: small, moderate and large. A fresh coat of paint is a small fix, a new sink or toilet will fall into the medium category and a brand new bathroom would be a larger renovation. An experienced REALTOR® like Dino Stepic gives insight into how to get the most bang for your buck with strategic renovations.

 

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Why Every Great Real Estate Agent Needs a Great Insurance Agent

Purchasing a home comes with obvious costs: sale price, legal fees, moving costs and more — but what about insurance? More than being an afterthought, insurance should be a key component of a home sale or purchase but not just any policy will do! Many mortgage companies or lenders will require buyers to have an insurance policy in place before sales are finalized. This is great for peace of mind but it can push new homeowners to choose a policy that doesn’t necessary fit their needs.

From the point of view of a REALTOR® if a client feels rushed or considers themselves to be unprotected with their chosen policy, they will ultimately be unhappy and that just doesn’t work for us! An experienced insurance agent is able to create customized policies with specialized coverage areas to ensure that your unique property is covered and you can rest easy. 

An agent-broker relationship is mutually beneficial for everyone involved: insurance brokers meet new clients and grow their networks, REALTORS® provide a better experience for their clients and owners/buyers have coverage that is a perfect fit for them. By working together, REALTORS® and brokers are able to provide the best possible deal for their clients and take the process from stressful to smooth.

Real estate agents have key insights into neighbourhoods and the issues that are common within the community. This insight helps clients understand the advantages of the area as well as the obstacles facing properties and the right questions to ask:

 

    Do I need specialized coverage for personal property that is valuable/collectible/antique?

    Is it recommended to have additional coverage for business inventory kept at home?

    Is my area prone to flooding or water damage and does that impact the cost of home insurance?

    What type of insurance do I need for a home business?

    Is it a good idea to invest in selling insurance?

    Do home insurance premiums increase in rental properties

    How does an insurance claim impact my premiums going forward?

    What does home insurance cover?

    And more…

 

A partnership between Winnipeg REALTORS® and insurance agents means that real estate experts are kept up to date with policy changes and shifting industry standards, meaning clients are always in The Know.

Things to Consider When Working With An Insurance Broker

Taking an amateur approach to finding the right policy can mean having to wade through a ton of options and insurance companies, which is confusing and time consuming. More than that, it is easy to book an appointment with an agent but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are an expert in homeowners insurance. Anyone that is working in partnership with your REALTOR® will have a good reputation within the industry and will come along with plenty of benefits:

Time Savings: Buying a home can be a stressful experience, particularly when it comes to managing timelines. Moving into a new home means having to leave your current one and that means packing, changing addresses, organizing utility hookups and other bits and pieces. With all these things considered, shopping for insurance is just another thing that takes up time and energy. REALTORS® working with insurance agents can help to streamline the process, saving clients time to focus on other areas. 

Cost Savings: Getting the best coverage is important but so is getting the best price. Between household bills, growing families, and additional living expenses, the cost of living is on a steady increase and every dollar counts. An experienced insurance broker can help clients achieve all of the desired coverage within a budget that works.

Expertise: Discussing your needs with an insurance broker is key to choosing the right policy for you. While homeowners are able to provide insight into what is necessary inside a home and relating to personal property, a REALTOR® can help to shed light on the needs of a home from a structural, condition and location perspective. Working with an expert can also help to take the guesswork out of technical terminology and the finer points of your policy.

Whether you are working with an independent agent or choosing home insurance companies your REALTOR® can help to connect clients with the right agent in Winnipeg to suit your needs. When you are in the market for a home insurance quote, don’t look to the yellow pages, just ask your REALTOR® instead!

For homeowners, buyers and sellers in the Winnipeg area who are looking to benefit from a successful team dynamic, Dino Stepic has got you covered. With a network of local brokers who are highly trained and experienced, clients can rest assured that they are getting the best coverage and peace of mind that they are protected. By working with local insurance experts like Meaghan Grey with the Richard McKenzie Insurance group, clients have access to a wide range of resources, experience and industry tools to make choosing their home insurance policy simple and enjoyable. Meagan is highly committed to her craft and dedicated to finding the most appropriate policies for homes throughout Winnipeg.

 

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The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are member’s of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.