The Moore Group REALTORS® will spend the time with you at a distance, either over a phone call or video conference, to conduct a complete analysis of your family’s needs, and review the particulars of purchasing a home in Manitoba, and pinpoint the neighbourhoods that will suit you the best.

We will preview houses for you to ensure your time spent viewing homes is as efficient and effective as possible.

We will assist you with a hotel, entertainment and restaurant bookings, can provide you with connections to lawyers, home inspectors, and moving companies, as well as connect you with the school and community connections that you'll need.

When you arrive in Winnipeg for your house hunting trip, we understand you have a limited time to accomplish a lot! We will clear our schedule to prioritize your home purchase.

Finally, once you have selected a property, we will use our 35+ years of negotiation experience to get you the best possible house for the lowest possible price.

We recognize that a property is a home for your family, but it is also a very important investment that needs to be handled correctly to protect your family's financial future.

Are you relocating to Winnipeg for a new job and planning your house hunting trip (HHT)? Whether you are Military, RCMP, or work in government, banking, transportation, or management, this list is for you!

First off, welcome to Winnipeg! Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving job market, Winnipeg is a fantastic destination for individuals and families looking to enjoy life and advance their careers.

As soon as your relocation is confirmed, it feels like a million wheels start spinning. We get it. You have a home in your current city to sell, you need to find schools for kids, your spouse may need a new job, and on top of it all, you need to buy a home and you want it to be right. We get it.

Step 1: Seek Local Expertise

Nothing beats the insight of a local real estate agent familiar with the HHT process. The first step is to reach out to us The Moore Group, as we specialize in relocations to Winnipeg. We have in-depth knowledge of the city and can guide you through the house hunting process.

We will start by discussing your unique requirements and budget and then set you up with an online search that will send you options that fit your criteria. Usually we start with broad criteria for areas and price, and then narrow it down as your plans, preferences, and budget firm up.

Step 2: Research Neighbourhoods

Next, familiarize yourself with Winnipeg's different neighbourhoods. First, consult your realtor for some initial ideas— remember that it is our speciality to help you identify the areas that align with your preferences, such as proximity to work, schools, parks, and community services. Talk to friends, family and colleagues and ask for their suggestions. Check out our Featured Areas page to learn about areas that are on your radar.

Step 3: Consider the Commute

Considering commute times is crucial. Winnipeg has a decent transportation system, but it's essential to factor in the distance between your potential residence and your workplace, as it can make a huge difference in your quality of life and amount of free time. One of the big advantages of living in Winnipeg is being able to avoid traffic jams and long commutes, and most transferees choose to focus their search on neighbourhoods in close proximity to their workplace.

Step 4: Get a pre-approval

Every housing market is different, and it’s important to find out exactly what you can afford here in Winnipeg.

Step 5: Book your HHT

Different relocations have different timelines and requirements— for example in the RCMP, you usually don’t go on your HHT until your existing home is sold, but with other relocations you can schedule it whenever suits you best. Once you have the date you are expected to report in Winnipeg, you can work backwards from there, factoring in the advice from your local realtor about the sale of your existing home and your Winnipeg realtor about the timing from purchase to possession date. The key here is communication, communication and more communication!

Next, schedule your travel. It is critical to get a rental car so you can use your time here to explore neighbourhoods and really get a feel for the areas that might be best for you.

Pack for your trip & remember to consider the weather! In Winnipeg it can be -35C or +35C and everything in between. Pro tip: pack slip-on shoes; when you’re seeing a dozen or more homes in a day, it really helps to be able to slip your shoes on and off. Also wise to bring a clipboard, pen and highlighter as you will want to make notes on the MLS print-outs that your realtor will give you.

Be prepared to write an offer. In some provinces the deposit isn’t due until conditions are removed, but in Manitoba, we submit a deposit cheque with an offer, so please remember to bring a cheque with you. The amount of the deposit is relative to the purchase price of the home; usually between $5000-$20,000 but your realtor can give you a better idea of exactly what to plan for based on your budget. We will also need a piece of government-issued ID as well.

Step 6: Arrive in Winnipeg

Pick up your rental car, check-in at your hotel, and then jump right back in the car. Plan to spend the evening checking out a few of the areas that are tops on your list. Ask your realtor to recommend a great local spot for dinner in one of the areas you’re focussed on, maybe grab dessert somewhere else, and enjoy. Even though you have a big task at hand, it can still be a fun process!

Also remember to keep all of your receipts. Depending on your relocation package, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be reimbursed for most or all of your expenses on your trip, but only if you have receipts. If you aren’t on a relocation package, or your package doesn’t cover everything you spend, talk to your accountant about whether you can claim the excess costs on your taxes.

Step 7: Get to Work

Usually your realtor will have 8-12 homes set up to view on Day 1. This first day is the birds-eye view phase. Usually you’ll spend not much more than 20 mins per house— basically just getting a feel for price/value, layout, condition, and area, ultimately creating your short list for the next day. That evening, you may want to circle back to some of the areas and see how they look and feel. Are there kids in the parks? What’s the traffic and noise like? Is it easy to get a table at the local pub? Etc.

Based on what you and your realtor learn on Day 1, your realtor will schedule Day 2. Likely you will see 3 or 4 of the homes from Day 1 that seemed like contenders, plus 3 or 4 more — maybe at a different price point than we started at, or in different areas. By now you’ll probably be feeling pretty tired and a little cranky. Try to get a good night’s sleep.

Day 3 is usually where we circle back to the top 2 or 3, and spend a solid hour or so at each home making the final decision. Sometimes we’ll move right to making an offer, sometimes you’ll want to go for a walk or lunch to hash it out, and then meet up later to write the offer.

Needless to say, clearly its critical that you have your realtor’s undivided attention during your HHT, which you can definitely expect from us at The Moore Group.

The long days, the stress and pressure, and the travel itself can wear you down during a HHT, but basic self-care helps. Build some downtime and some fun into your schedule, drink lots of water, eat as well as you can, sneak in some exercise and fresh air and try to enjoy the ride! Your realtor loves making suggestions for entertainment, meals, exercise options, or anything else that will make the trip more enjoyable for you so don’t hesitate to ask for our recommendations.

Step 8: Offer accepted!

You may or may not still be in Winnipeg when your offer is accepted. If your offer is subject to inspection, your realtor can attend the inspection on your behalf but if you are still here then of course you can attend in person.

Step 8b: No deal

If you weren’t able to settle on a home or couldn’t come to terms on an offer, don’t despair! Many companies will allow a second HHT, in which case we lather, rinse and repeat. But if not, then we can switch to virtual showings, which we are really comfortable with. We have clients who have bought homes entirely sight unseen, and we have clients who have bought homes conditional to them viewing the home, where they jump on a plane in the AM, land, see the home, then jump back on the plane in the evening. We can always make it work. The time you spent in Winnipeg and the homes you saw will give you way more context and confidence on purchasing from afar, if it comes to that.

Step 9: The details

Yahoo, you have a house and a possession date. Next you’ll need a local lawyer, home insurance, internet/cable TV, hydro, water, newspaper subscription, etc. Your employer may have approved suppliers for you, but if not, your realtor will give you recommendations, plus we have a handy checklist to help keep you on track.

Embarking on a house hunting trip to Winnipeg is an exciting endeavor. Remember to take your time, ask questions, and explore the city beyond its real estate market. Winnipeg's vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere will undoubtedly make your house hunting journey an enjoyable experience.

We have worked with most (or possibly all) major relocation companies. We are experienced with managing relocations within Canada and to the USA and we understand the particulars of working with these companies to ensure a smooth transition for your sale.

We have a powerful system for selling homes that work. Without question, we offer the exact same standard of strategy, preparation, marketing and negotiation to our relocation clients.

We are very connected with top REALTORS® across Canada and the USA. If you are not using a relocation company, we are happy to provide you with a referral to a REALTOR® that will provide the same standard of service that you are accustomed to with The Moore Group.

If you’re a family with school-aged kids moving to a new neighbourhood or even just considering a move, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is “Which school division will my kids be in?” Here’s how to find out:

1. Use the Province of Manitoba School Division Map: https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/schools/wpg_map.html
The best way to find out which school division you're in is by using this handy tool.

• Simply click the neighbourhood you live in, and it’ll take you to the divisional website

• From there, you can use their ‘Find a School’ features or call their board office.

• The catchment schools for elementary, middle, and high school varies, along with single or dual-track schools.

2. Know the Main School Divisions in Winnipeg
There are six English public-school divisions and one French public-school division within the City of Winnipeg (to make it easy, click the link and it’ll take you directly to the ‘Find a School’ feature:

• Winnipeg School Division (WSD)

• Pembina Trails School Division

• St. James-Assiniboia School Division

• River East Transcona School Division

• Seven Oaks School Division

• Louis Riel School Division

• Division scolaire franco-manitobaine

 If you’ve got kids, schools are probably near the top of your house-hunting checklist and for good reason. Knowing which division (and school) your new home falls under before you buy can help you avoid surprises and makes sure your kids get into the programs that matter most.

We work with dozens of families moving to Winnipeg each year—I’ve been doing these types of purchases for over a decade, and it’s an area of real estate that our whole team really enjoys.

Our website is loaded with practical info about relocating to Winnipeg but as true blue Winnipeggers, our team at The Moore Group wanted to share some of our best lifestyle tips to help you get the most out of life in Winnipeg once you are here.

My advice is to try to sneak away at the end of January. It breaks the cold season up nicely. You have the holiday season in December with events going on everywhere, but come late January, you need a quick break. Then when you get back, its early Feb, you’re on the plus 10 countdown, and with the weather gods onside, warm weather should only be 6 weeks later. 🌞

Ideally you hit somewhere hot, but if a tropical vacation isn’t on the radar, there are lots of great options for getaways within driving distance, like the Elkhorn Resort in Riding Mountain, or Canad Inns in Grand Forks, ND. A weekend of hot-tubbing and watersliding really lifts the winter spirits.

— Scott Moore, REALTOR

My advice for someone moving to Winnipeg: take the time to get to know the areas/neighbourhoods before choosing where to settle. Remember: transportation, schools and shopping/other conveniences. If you don’t have a car, make sure you settle within a short walk to a bus stop— that walk will feel like forever in the winter!

— Stephanie Baron, REALTOR

Advice from any Winnipegger would be to get yourself a great set of winter tires! As our Winter-peg nickname suggests, our winters can be relentless! Winter tires help with traction on snow and ice covered roads. Manitoba Public Insurance has a great program most people don’t know about called The Winter Tire Program! This allows you to finance winter tires (and rims even!) up to $2,000 per vehicle.

- All Winnipeggers, Winnipeg

My advice is to budget for good quality winter gear for each member of the family— mitts ($50), hat ($25), neck warmer ($15), jacket ($100 for kids, $250 for adults) and boots ($100 for kids, $200 for adults). Winter is long and you need the gear to make your day-to-day enjoyable, but also so you can get out there and really embrace life in a winter city! There’s a lot of fun to be had here in winter if you’re set up to enjoy it!

— Julia Allen, Group Coordinator

My advice is that your kids should join a hockey team! Don’t worry if you’re not good at first, you can catch up. Even if you’re not the best, skating and playing hockey outside with your friends is so fun.

— My 11-year old son, Davis

If you’ve got a young family and a mild winter day, a family membership at the zoo goes a long way!

— Reid Boles, REALTOR

My advice is to pick a community that you will feel at home in and enjoy driving home to at the end of a long day. Winnipeg is known for its diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and charm - take the time to explore each of them. Your experience in Winnipeg will depend on your location and thats why it's important to chat with a realtor to find what's best for you. 

— Phil Gear, REALTOR