When choosing a real estate agent, one of the first questions you’ll have is whether or not they have local expertise in the area you are considering buying or selling. The next question is, “how local?” Some agents service a wide area, like a city or even an entire province. Others are hyper-local, right down to a specific neighbourhood or two.

At Goodfellow Realty, we understand the value a local agent can bring. It isn’t just having the most up-to-date market knowledge, but also passion and enthusiasm that someone who has never set foot in the city cannot even begin to comprehend. However, we also believe there can be too much of a good thing, and serving a broader area can also bring more insights into the city and what types of people are coming and going.

Are you considering relocating to Winnipeg? If so, our relocation specialists are the ones to talk to. Get to know all about us right here.

Our Focus on Transcona

Transcona, Winnipeg, consists of numerous neighbourhoods all close to downtown Winnipeg. Each is distinct and full of its own individual character while boasting stunning views and natural beauty, all while being close to the conveniences and amenities of a world-class city.

Beyond the lifestyle and the scenery, it’s the people. Transcona offers numerous housing options, and the residents here are down-to-earth and friendly. A family-friendly environment and superb affordability are making Transcona a highly desired area not just in Winnipeg, but in the entire country. Just take a stroll down one of the picturesque streets and see all the smiling faces, and you’ll quickly understand why we love it here so much.

In spite of our passion for Transcona, our agents come from all over and are well-travelled throughout Winnipeg and beyond. For example, imagine you love all of the action but want to settle somewhere nearby that is more rural and quiet.

A small town like Lorette, Oakbank, or East St. Paul might be just right, where you can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle minutes away from the excitement of downtown. Somewhere nearby, there is a perfect community for you, and our focused yet flexible approach will help you pinpoint it.

Curious about one of our top communities? Learn even more in our related posts below:

• Everything You Need To Know About Living In Transcona
• Our Favourite Transcona Neighbourhoods
• Our Favourite Transcona Neighbourhoods: Part 2

A Balanced Approach to Finding a Real Estate Agent

How do you even begin the search for the right real estate agent to represent you? The good news is that there are thousands to choose from, and you can obtain practically unlimited information from the Internet. The bad news is that the number of choices and mountains of information can actually be a double-edged sword.

Without a set criteria, you could spend endless hours scrutinizing them all and be no closer to an answer than when you started. Coming armed with a list of questions will help you narrow it down to the best choice for you. The trick is in knowing what to ask and why. For example:

• How long has a potential agent worked in this specific area? The answer here will give you insight into an agent’s local expertise, but also how much experience they have in the market as a whole.
• Do they work full-time in real estate? An agent whose only source of income comes from helping clients buy and sell houses is almost certainly more skilled than someone who only works part-time in the industry. It’s not just about having more experience; it’s also about passion and a dedication to service.
• Can they recommend a reputable professional to help with anything else you need? A real estate agent with a track record and excellent reputation will come with an extensive network. You can ask for a mortgage broker, lawyer, electrician, or mover, and they will know someone. Even more importantly, there’s a good chance they’ll have a house or a buyer lined up for you.

Should Winnipeg be on your radar for your next home? The posts below might make the case:

• Is Winnipeg Real Estate Becoming More Valuable?
• 5 Reasons To Move To Winnipeg Right Now
• Our Top 6 Luxury Neighbourhoods In Winnipeg

The Best of Both Worlds From Your Realtor®

At the end of the day, any real estate agent can help you with the details of a transaction, such as preparing or evaluating offers and negotiating with clients. Buying or selling a home is a massive commitment, and you want an expert who can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Hyper-local expertise is definitely nice to have, but the numbers are on the real estate boards for all to see, whether you work in the industry or not. This is why we believe locality is a bonus more than anything else, and should take a back seat to skill, up-to date knowledge, and a high dedication to service.

That said, it’s comforting to have someone in your corner who can make recommendations for everything from gorgeous parks and trails to must-try restaurants and local attractions – not based on something they found on Google, but because they have been there in person. A local real estate agent can also provide better guidance on what schools may be in your catchment area and what upcoming developments might affect your decision to buy or sell.

If you must choose between skill and location, we’d always suggest working with an experienced professional who knows the industry inside and out. If you can find this level of expertise in a local agent, then you can be sure you have the best possible representation when buying or selling a home in Winnipeg.

Do you have questions about Winnipeg real estate or the incredible lifestyle you can enjoy here? Our friendly and knowledgeable agents are happy to help with anything you need. Reach out to 204-224-2551 or email info@goodfellowrealty.com to get started.