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Possession day is one of the most exciting moments in the home buying journey — especially for a first-time home buyer. But once you’ve stepped through the door of your new home, there are a few key steps you’ll want to take to make sure everything is in order and safe.

Whether you're buying in Winnipeg or elsewhere, this new homeowner checklist will help you get started with confidence and peace of mind.

✅ Your New Home Walk-Through: 8 Must-Do Steps

1.  Take Photos of Your Meter Readings

Before using any utilities, take clear photos of your hydro and water meters. These readings will help prevent billing disputes and ensure you only pay for what you use from possession day onward.

2.  Test All Fixtures and Systems

Go room by room and check that:

• All light switches and outlets work

• Taps are running properly

• Toilets flush and sinks drain without issue

• Water pressure is normal

It’s always better to identify and address any issues early!

3. Test All Major Appliances

Ensure that your:

• Fridge, stove, oven

• Dishwasher, washer & dryer

• Furnace and A/C

… are functioning as expected. If anything was included in your purchase agreement, now’s the time to test it.

4.  Confirm All Inclusions

Check that everything promised in the purchase contract — such as curtain rods, built-in shelving, or garage remotes — was left behind by the previous owner.

🧯 Safety Checks Many New Homeowners Forget

New homeowners often overlook some critical home safety tips that could make all the difference:

• 🔥 Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working

• 🚿 Locate your main water shut-off valve in case of emergency

• ⚡ Find and label your electrical panel breakers

• 🧰 Check for leaks under sinks or in utility areas

• 🔐 Inspect door and window locks for proper function and security

Check Your Furnace Filter

A dirty furnace filter can reduce air quality and system efficiency. Replace it if it’s clogged or dusty — it’s a small fix that makes a big difference.

Do a Final Walk-Through

Look for any signs of damage that weren’t noticed before: cracked tiles, damaged baseboards, drafty windows, or sticking doors. It’s your chance to make sure everything is exactly as expected.

🎉 Celebrate!

You did it — you’re a homeowner! Take a deep breath, snap a photo, and enjoy your new space. This is the beginning of a brand-new chapter. 🥂🏡

🤝 Need Help on Possession Day? I’ve Got You Covered

As your Realtor in Winnipeg, I always do my best to be there on possession day to help walk through your new home with you. It’s just one more way I support you every step of the way.

📲 Thinking of Buying Your First Home?

Whether you're just starting to look or ready to make an offer, I’m here to guide you with expert advice, a touch of humour, and a whole lot of experience.

👉 Contact me today to start your home buying journey!

Tatiana Kennedy | 204.960.7629 

Thinking of buying and selling a home in Winnipeg in 2025? You’re not alone. With our ever-evolving Winnipeg real estate market, many homeowners are planning big moves—whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, or finding the perfect forever home in a different neighbourhood.

But let’s be real: doing both at once can feel like a lot. The good news? It can be smooth, stress-free, and even fun—with the right plan and the right Realtor (hi, that’s me 👋).

Here’s how I help my clients navigate this journey with confidence:

💬 1. Start with Your Financing Strategy

Before we prep your current home for sale or book showings, we need to know your numbers.

• Can you buy before you sell?

• What are your financing options in today’s Winnipeg housing market?

• Could bridge financing work for your situation?

Connecting with a trusted Winnipeg mortgage broker early on gives you clarity—and makes every step that follows easier and more strategic. 

🏘️ 2. Know What You're Looking For in Winnipeg

From character homes in Wolseley to new builds in Sage Creek, Winnipeg has something for everyone—but timing and availability vary.

If your dream home has unique features or is in a competitive area like Crescentwood, River Heights, or Bridgewater, it may take more time to find the perfect fit. That’s why we plan early and stay ready to move quickly when the right listing appears.

I help clients stay focused and flexible in their home search—whether it’s your first time buying or your fifth.

🤝 3. Work With a Realtor Who Offers Custom Service (That’s Me!)

Buying and selling simultaneously is all about timing and communication. I work closely with every client to build a plan that’s tailored to your goals, your timeline, and your comfort zone

We’ll cover:

• When to list your current home

• How to stage and prepare it (I have a background in interior design and home staging, too!)

• Possession timelines and offer strategies

• Contingencies to protect you during the transition

And because I’m fluent in Spanish and conversational in French, I’m able to support a wide range of buyers and sellers in their preferred language.

My approach is boutique, honest, and tailored. You’ll never be just another transaction.

🎯 Let’s Make Your 2025 Real Estate Goals Happen

Whether you’re moving within Winnipeg or relocating from another city, I’m here to help you buy and sell with confidence.

No cookie-cutter service—just genuine, professional guidance from a Realtor who’s been doing this since 2009. I’ve also worked with Brookfield Relocation Services and understand the nuances of RCMP and military moves to Winnipeg.

📩 Ready to talk about your 2025 real estate goals?
Let’s connect and create a strategy that works for you.

Contact Me | Instagram | Facebook

📍 Proudly serving Winnipeg and surrounding areas

Let’s make your next chapter your best one yet.

If you're thinking about making a move, April's real estate numbers are speaking loud and clear—Winnipeg’s market is buzzing this spring! We saw a notable increase in buyer activity, with MLS® sales jumping 8% over April 2024. That’s 1,523 homes sold, making this the second-best April on record for overall sales and dollar volume, right behind the red-hot market of 2021.

Despite more homes flying off the market, active listings were actually down 13% compared to last year. That means inventory is tighter, and motivated buyers are acting fast—often with strong offers in hand. The total dollar volume exceeded $623 million, up 12% year-over-year, showing just how much confidence buyers are bringing to the table.

Detached homes stole the spotlight again, with 1,043 sales (up 7%) and an average sale price of $465,402—also a 7% increase. This price point marks the second-highest on record for residential detached, just shy of the all-time high we hit in March. Clearly, well-presented single-family homes are still in high demand.

On the condo side, it was a slightly different story. Sales dipped by 4%, and the average condo price came in at $274,483, down 4% from April 2024. But don’t let that fool you—condos remain an appealing choice for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers, especially with rising detached prices.

Residential Detached Sales:

• Waverley West had the highest number of residential detached home sales in Winnipeg.

• Charleswood ranked second in Winnipeg.

• 23 homes sold over $1 million, with the highest at $4 million.

  • In comparison, April 2024 had 18 $1M+ sales, with the highest just over $2 million.

Condominium Sales:

• Osborne Village had the most condo MLS® sales in Winnipeg.

• Waverley West followed as the second most active condo area in the city.

• The most active price range: $175,000–$199,999 with 26 sales (13% of total condo sales).

• Second most active range: $225,000–$249,999 with 22 sales (11% of total condo sales).

In today’s fast-moving market, buyers need to be prepared before they even step inside a showing. That means getting pre-approved, understanding your budget, and being ready to make a strong, confident offer when the right home comes along. Working with a Realtor® who knows how to navigate a competitive market is crucial—I can help you strategize, negotiate, and move quickly when opportunity knocks.

For sellers, first impressions matter more than ever. With buyers eager and inventory tight, showcasing your home at its absolute best can make all the difference. From staging tips to small updates that add big value, I’m here to guide you through the selling process and help you make the most of today’s hot market.

Wondering what homes are selling for in your neighborhood?

The best way to get an accurate picture is with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)—a detailed report that shows how your home compares to similar properties recently sold in your area. I offer this as a complimentary service, and it’s a great first step whether you’re just curious or seriously considering selling. Reach out to me anytime to set one up!

Source: Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board.