Choosing among the many Winnipeg realtors is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when buying or selling, and most people don't know what to look for. That's fair. You only do this every several years.
Here's how we'd tell a friend to think about it. Your home is likely your largest financial asset, so trusting the person you hire to handle it should be the most important thing. Trust is the foundation. Everything below is really just a way of figuring out whether you can trust someone before you commit.
1. Local market knowledge
A realtor should know Winnipeg's neighbourhoods deeply, not just in general terms.
Do they know why River Heights stays in demand, why buyers priced out of it are moving to Charleswood, or how an East Fort Garry search naturally expands across the river? That kind of street-level knowledge is what helps you price a home correctly or spot a good buy before someone else does. Ask them about your specific area and listen to how detailed the answer is.
2. Track record and experience
Years in the business and number of transactions tell you how many situations someone has already navigated.
We've been selling in Winnipeg for over 45 years and more than 4,500 transactions, and the honest value of that isn't bragging rights. It's that we've seen almost every curveball a deal can throw, so we know how to keep yours on track. Ask any realtor how long they've been doing this and how many homes they've actually closed.
3. Communication and responsiveness
In a competitive market, speed matters.
When a great property comes up with a short window, can your agent react quickly and give you the information you need to make a confident decision? Or do they take two days to return a call? Ask how they'll keep you updated and how fast they typically respond. The right answer is the one that matches how you actually want to be communicated with.
4. Marketing strategy (especially for sellers)
If you're selling, how your home is marketed directly affects what it sells for.
Ask what their plan is. Professional photography, a strong listing, exposure on MLS and the major portals, and social media should all be part of the answer. Most buyers see your home online before they ever step inside, so weak marketing costs you real money.
5. Reviews and reputation
Reputation is one of the clearest signals you can check before you ever meet someone.
Look at Google reviews, ask for referrals, and check platforms like RankMyAgent. Word of mouth still carries a lot of weight in Winnipeg. A long track record of happy clients and referrals usually means someone is doing right by people, year after year.
6. Team vs. solo agent
This is a real choice, and there's an honest case for each.
A solo agent gives you one consistent point of contact. A team gives you something different: there's always someone available, you get more than one perspective on the market, and you're effectively getting a team for the price of one. In our case, that means different experience and age groups under one roof, where one of us understands something better than another, and clients can gravitate to whichever team member they connect with best. For a lot of buyers and sellers, that coverage is worth it. Decide which model fits how you like to work.
7. The interview (and trusting your gut)
Before you commit, have a real conversation, and pay attention to how it feels.
Ask yourself: why am I hiring this person, and what do they do that sets them apart? Sometimes it comes down to excellent listening and communication. And don't ignore your instincts. If you don't get a warm, fuzzy feeling with someone, you should usually walk away. It's the same as any service you hire for. If you want the job taken seriously, hire someone who takes their job seriously.
One more honest tip: it isn't always the best idea to go with your cousin or your friend's friend just because you know them. This is a business decision about your largest asset. Treat it like one.
Red flags to watch for
A few warning signs we'd tell anyone to take seriously:
They're slow to respond or hard to reach
They don't seem to take you or your budget seriously
They seem more interested in their own image than in your result
They can't speak specifically about your neighbourhood or your situation
You just get a bad feeling. Trust that.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a realtor in Winnipeg?
Start with trust, since your home is your largest financial asset. Look for deep local market knowledge, a real track record, strong communication, a clear marketing plan if you're selling, and good reviews. Then interview them and pay attention to whether it feels right.
Is it better to use a real estate team or a solo agent?
Both can work. A solo agent gives you one consistent contact, while a team means someone is always available and you get more than one perspective on the market. Many buyers and sellers find the broader coverage of a team worth it.
What questions should I ask a realtor before hiring them?
Ask how long they've been in the business and how many homes they've closed, how well they know your specific neighbourhood, how and how quickly they communicate, and how they'll market your home if you're selling.
Should I hire a friend or family member as my realtor?
Not automatically. It can work, but this is a major financial decision, so choose based on experience, market knowledge, and trust rather than personal connection alone.
Meet our team
If you're weighing your options among Winnipeg realtors, we'd welcome the chance to earn your trust. With 45+ years and 4,500+ transactions across this city, we've built our reputation on listening, communicating, and doing right by people.
Contact The Castelane Team
Cole & Brett Castelane, Kayla Hueging
Century 21 Bachman & Associates
360 McMillan Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0N2
