Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Realtor in Winnipeg
We receive a lot of email inquiries from homeowners thinking about selling, but one that came in recently stopped me in my tracks - it was one of the most thorough lists of questions I’ve seen in a long time.
If you happen to be the author of that email and you’re reading this — kudos to you. I truly appreciate your attention to detail and look forward to helping. I’ve removed all identifying information, too!
The email this particular person sent got me thinking: I bet a lot of people would appreciate having this information before they even reach out. So much of “shopping for an agent” starts with a quiet scroll through websites and listings, and it takes real courage to finally press send on that first message.
So, to save others the hunt — and to help you feel more confident as you explore your options - I’ve compiled those excellent questions (plus a few of the ones we’re asked most often) below.
How do you determine the listing price?
I determine listing price through a detailed market analysis that blends recent comparable sales, current competition, building-specific data, and the unique features of your home (in this case, a condominium).
For building-specific data, I dig deeper - looking at factors like recent renovations (and whether those were completed with permits, as that impacts value), lot size, basement finish, garage size, and overall condition.
Beyond the numbers, I also factor in buyer behaviour, market timing, and broader economic conditions. Pricing a property properly is a balance between data-driven science and intuitive art - it’s about understanding not only what buyers should pay, but what they’re willing to pay right now.
What’s your strategy if we don’t get offers quickly?
We monitor exposure, audience engagement, showing feedback, and market movement in real time. If the market isn’t responding as expected, we pivot - whether that means adjusting price positioning, refreshing marketing, or leveraging targeted outreach. There’s no “list and wait” approach here. Within the first week, we’ll have a clear sense of whether we’re seeing the level of traffic needed for a timely sale.
In this case, the complex itself has seen slower sales, so we reviewed the average days on market for comparable units. For houses, we’d look at similar metrics - analyzing what’s typical for homes of that size and type, and what level of showing activity we’d need to stay on pace (or ideally, outperform that timeline). Because days on market and sale price have an inverse relationship, maximizing qualified traffic early on is key. Strategic, timely adjustments ensure we stay competitive and achieve the best outcome possible.
As an example for this particular inquiry, we gave an example of one of our recent comparable listings - also a townhouse condo in a desirable area. It sold in under ten days, with multiple offers. And we didn’t price it low to attract attention. The demand is absolutely there when strategy, presentation, and marketing align.
What impacts the value of my home?
When it comes to condominiums, there are many factors beyond the basic building statistics that influence value. Some of the key considerations include building reputation and management, unit size and layout, finishes, parking and storage, condo fees, usable square footage, amenities, and view or exposure. We also evaluate recent sales within the building and take into account broader economic and interest-rate trends, which can influence buyer demand and overall pricing.
For single-family homes, the criteria are similar but extend to overall size and functionality, renovations and finishes, and how the home sits on the lot. Parking options also play a role — from no garage, to single, double, or triple garages — as each carries a different market valuation, particularly depending on access and usability.
And of course, it likely goes without saying, but one of the most consistent value drivers across all property types remains the same: location, location, location.
Listing price range you’d suggest?
Now this is one question I’m not usually comfortable answering with specific numbers until I’ve seen the home in person. There are a few reasons for that.
Sometimes, people ask for an estimate based solely on their description of the property. And while most mean well, not everyone has the same perspective. For instance, I’ve been involved in divorce situations where one party paints the home as being in terrible condition - yet in person, it’s nowhere near as dire as described.
Even in less complex situations, most homeowners naturally have blind spots when it comes to their own properties. It’s human nature - we tend to overvalue what’s familiar or overlook elements that might impact a buyer’s perception, like floor plan flow or renovation quality.
Because of that, I prefer to give a wide preliminary range when I haven’t visited the property. That way, if the home needs more work than expected, it’s still covered — and if it’s far nicer than average, that’s reflected too.
An in-person evaluation, though, allows me to narrow that range significantly - usually to within 1-3% of the final selling price. That’s the precision that comes from seeing the details, context, and condition firsthand.
What percentage of your listings sell at or above asking?
This is such a great question — and a good reminder that we’ve fallen out of the habit of creating visuals for it!
I’m sharing the last set of graphics I could find from our 2023 year-end, though I know our numbers have improved since then. These still give a strong snapshot of our performance and the results we consistently deliver for our clients:
Historically, a large proportion of our listings sell at or above list price - especially when they’re strategically priced and positioned from day one.
While we haven’t yet finalized our 2025 statistics, our previous numbers paint a clear picture:
Our team’s average sale-to-list ratio was 100.5%, compared to the Winnipeg market average of 99.17%.
To put that into perspective, for an average-priced home in Winnipeg (around $400,000 at the time), our listings sold for approximately $402,000, while the market average was about $396,680.
It’s a small percentage difference that can mean thousands of dollars more in our clients’ pockets - proof that pricing strategy, presentation, and marketing truly matter.
And you’re right — this is a great reminder that it’s time to update those stats for 2025 so we’re ready to roll into 2026 with fresh data and even more stories of success. Updated stats are coming soon (thanks to you!) but even looking back, it’s clear our strategy and marketing continue to outperform the broader market.
How will you market my property?
Professional photography, video, aerial photography and video, 3D tour, floor plans, targeted digital campaigns, database marketing, Realtor-to-Realtor outreach, listing on MLS + all major platforms, social media exposure, and customized copywriting that tells your home’s story - not a template. We also produce three distinct styles of video content to maximize exposure:
Short-form, trend-driven clips designed for social media reach and engagement, leveraging trending audio and fast-paced storytelling.
Longer-form property tours with agent voice-over and neighbourhood context — ideal for YouTube, Google search, and buyers doing deeper research.
Unbranded walkthroughs that we share directly with fellow agents so they can send them to their clients — these get a lot of targeted views and often drive serious showing traffic.
Most recent listing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOhYq5tqAOc
Do you include photography + staging?
Yes - staging is a core part of our service. Photography is already covered above, and we also include a full staging consultation plus accessory staging when it will elevate the space. If virtual staging is the right solution for a particular property, we include that as well - always thoughtfully chosen, never used as a shortcut.
For vacant homes or properties that need more than accessories, we offer full-service staging. In those cases, we bring in furnishings and hire professional movers rather than relying on what can fit in our vehicles. When full staging is required, we typically charge a slightly higher commission simply to offset the moving costs - but the investment consistently pays off. Presentation isn't just important - it's a major driver of buyer emotion, time on site, and sale price. It’s always worth doing right.
Where will my listing appear?
MLS, Realtor.ca, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, our website, partner sites, and targeted paid placement where appropriate. The partner sites push out the listing to many other websites too, so in total it is close to 60+ links that are created. When it is important to the client, we also create a custom Website for their home and optimize for search engines.
15 Cathurst is an example: https://www.15cathurst.com/. We also use traditional print as well - including Winnipeg Free Press and Winnipeg Real Estate News.
Do you target specific buyer demographics?
Absolutely - and this is a key differentiator in our approach. Real estate marketing is behavioural, so I tailor both messaging and platform placement to reach the right buyers for your specific unit and price point. I don’t copy-paste a single description everywhere. I create a word document with ad copy for my admins, usually with 7+ different ad copies based on where she is posting it. We build purpose-driven versions of your listing copy based on where and how buyers are searching:
MLS-compliant version with clean, essential details
SEO-optimized website version designed to capture local buyer searches (e.g., “condominiums in River Heights”)
Short-form copy for print ads and tight advertising spaces like Winnipeg Free Press and WREN
Multiple social-media scripts tailored to different video formats and engagement behaviours
Agent-to-agent versions to support targeted outreach
In short: the right message, in the right place, for the right buyer. It’s intentional, strategic, and backed by years of split A/B testing to see what performs the best, where.
How do you handle showings & open houses?
We coordinate the entire showing process for you from start to finish - every request will come through me first. You're never left managing logistics on your own, but you can be as hands-on (or hands-off) as you prefer. You’ll have three options for how you'd like to approve showings:
Full control: I check with you first before confirming anything.
Shared access: You receive the request link and can approve showings yourself with one click.
Fully streamlined: All showings are pre-approved and I simply keep you updated with times - ideal for sellers who want a low-disruption process.
For open houses, we typically host them at least every two weeks (as long as you're comfortable with the schedule). While I oversee the strategy, another trusted member of our team may host. This is intentional - we believe sellers deserve dedicated representation. If a buyer walks in without their own agent, another team member will work with them. We prefer to have the Listing agent represent the Seller alone on our team, while other team members handle Buyers and open house traffic. Just because in cases of limited joint representation (in which the same Brokerage represents both Buyer and Seller), we prefer for our clients to feel like they are being properly represented. It’s structure designed to give you exposure, integrity, and peace of mind all at once.
Commission rate + what’s included?
We charge 4% + GST (2% + GST offered to the buyer’s agent). We feel that this is an incredibly competitive commission rate in Winnipeg. This includes all marketing, staging consult, accessory staging (or virtual staging), photography, video, neighbourhood video, aerial/drone shots, floor plans, virtual tours, digital promotion, open houses, administration, contract management, and negotiation. No surprises.
Is commission negotiable?
No. We focus on maximizing your net, not cutting corners. Homes with full marketing and professional representation consistently sell for more - and we take on the cost and risk upfront.
Cancellation fees?
No - if you are not happy, you shouldn’t be locked in. We believe in earning your confidence, not trapping it. That said, our listing contracts in MB do say that you are tied to me as your Realtor for the duration of our contract. So, for example, if you do decide to cancel the listing, you cannot list with another Realtor in that window of time. This is not my choosing, it is a directive from our Board.
Listing term?
Typically 60 days (which is the shortest allowed by our Board). We don't believe in locking anyone into long contracts.
Any extra costs?
No. Media, marketing, staging consult, everything mentioned above is all included. Our broker does charge a $75 listing fee, but we have decided to waive that fee (pay it ourselves).
How often will you update me?
We provide weekly check-ins at minimum, usually in a short report format, along with feedback after private showings. You’ll also hear from us regularly about new competing listings that hit the market, so you’re always in the loop about how your home stacks up.
Our team follows up with each showing agent up to three times, which means our feedback rate is well above the industry average (though, admittedly, never perfect).
The first week after launch is usually the most communication-heavy. We want to make sure you’re fully prepared for your first showing and open house, that all messages and notifications are coming through properly, and that you’re happy with how your listing is being presented across platforms.
Our goal is simple: you should never be left wondering what’s happening with your sale.
Preferred communication style?
Whatever works best for you - text, email, call. I adapt to the client. I truthfully have no preference.
Will I work with you or a team?
You’ll work directly with me, with support from our team for marketing/admin efficiency so nothing falls through the cracks. Team members may do the open houses, as mentioned above. But they give me the feedback and I provide it to you.
Availability for showings?
My team and I accommodate weekday + weekend showings - buyers don’t just shop 9-5, and neither do we. Most of your showings will likely be evenings and weekends as a result of Buyer's typical work schedules.
What sets you apart?
Good question. Here are a few things that come to mind:
Strategic pricing + standout marketing - We don’t guess - we analyze. Pricing is data-driven, and our marketing is intentional, multi-platform, and tailored to how today’s buyers actually search and make decisions.
Proven condo expertise - We know the Winnipeg condo market inside and out - the buildings, buyer behaviour, and trends that impact value and speed of sale.
Experience that matters - Our team sold over 200 properties last year, giving us real-time insight into what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate shifting market conditions successfully.
Industry-leading systems - Behind the scenes, we’ve built some of the most effective systems in the business - designed to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. Every team member plays a specific role in your listing, which means your property launches quickly, efficiently, and with absolute attention to detail. Clients often tell us we make the process look effortless - and that’s because these systems are working hard behind the scenes, streamlining operations while elevating the client experience at every step.
A full team working for you - While I am your main point of contact, you’re supported by five Realtors and two full-time administrators - meaning more reach, faster response times, and a marketing engine behind your listing, not a one-person show.
Client care that goes beyond business - We treat our clients like family, not files. Transparency, integrity, and communication are at the core of everything we do - and our clients feel that. We have a very high referral rate and repeat client rate. Market average is between 27-42% depending on the source, while our repeat/referral rates hover closer to 90-92%.
At the end of the day, you get boutique-level service with big-team execution - exceptional value for your investment.
Why am I a great fit to sell your home?
Great question - and I love that you asked it. The truth is, I don't know yet - because we haven’t met. And I think that’s important. A successful sale isn’t just about expertise (though we bring plenty of that); it’s also about fit, trust, and shared expectations.
What I can say is this: your detailed questions tell me you're thoughtful, analytical, and you care about making an informed decision. I respect that - those qualities usually align very well with how we work. Data, strategy, and results matter deeply to us too.
For those reading who don’t write emails like this — that’s okay too. 😊
At the end of the day, I genuinely believe there isn’t a Realtor out there who will care more deeply or work harder for their clients than My Team and I will. Period.
If that gives you a bit of peace of mind, then that’s exactly what I’m here for.
Our philosophy is simple:
We don’t just list properties - we position them, elevate them, and advocate for them. Your goals, your experience, and your outcome truly matter to us. And we show up accordingly. So yes, there’s a strong chance we’d be a great fit - but the best next step is a conversation so we can both be sure. I’d be happy to chat and learn what’s most important to you in this process.
If you’ve made it this far, kudos to you - and thank you for taking the time to read!
It took me a long time to write that original response, but I know how important it is to have clear, honest answers when you’re deciding who to trust with such a big step. I truly appreciate you being here.
And if you’re thinking about selling your home, I’d love to chat. You can reach me anytime at Jennifer@QueenTeam.ca or (204) 797-7945. I’m always happy to offer honest, personalized advice that fits your situation.
Happy selling, friends — you’ve got this! 🏡✨
Jennifer Queen
Phone: (204) 797-7945
Email: Jennifer@QueenTeam.ca