- A buyer's REALTOR® represents your interests: finding homes, pricing offers, negotiating and guiding you to closing.
- In most Manitoba resale purchases, the buyer's brokerage is paid from the seller's side. Your written agreement with your brokerage spells it out.
- Interview your agent. You'll spend weeks together and trust them with a big decision.
With listings on realtor.ca and every app, some buyers wonder what an agent actually adds. Here's what the job looks like when it's done well.
What I do for buyers
- Plan: budget, areas, must-haves, timeline, and the team you'll need.
- Find: listing alerts, including homes that just came on the market, and honest notes on each one.
- Spot issues: grading, foundation signs, tired systems, layout problems, street noise.
- Price: comparable sales so you know what a home is worth before you offer.
- Negotiate: price, deposit, conditions, dates and inclusions.
- Coordinate: inspector, lender, lawyer, insurance, and every deadline.
- Close: walk-through, keys, and help after you move in.
How buyer representation is paid
In most Manitoba resale transactions, the seller pays a commission to their listing brokerage, which shares it with the buyer's brokerage under the listing terms. Your own written agreement with your brokerage explains how your REALTOR® is paid, including what happens in less common cases, like a private sale or a builder who doesn't pay a buyer's brokerage. Read it, and ask questions. Commission is negotiable and is always set by agreement.
Questions to ask any agent
Your ticks stay in this browser.
Do I need a REALTOR® to buy?
You can buy without one. Many buyers find that the pricing advice, negotiation and coordination are worth having, especially in competitive markets or with older homes. If you decide to buy directly, have a lawyer review the offer before you sign.
What working with me looks like
I reply within 24 hours, put everything important in writing, and keep your saved homes, documents and messages in your own client account on this site. I'll tell you the truth about a house even if it means you don't buy it.
Who usually pays the buyer's brokerage in a Manitoba resale purchase?
Interview me for the job
- Reply within 24 hours
- Everything in writing, in plain English or Polish
- Winnipeg and all of Manitoba
Questions people ask
Can I work with more than one agent?
Check any agreement you've signed. It's usually best to choose one agent you trust and let them work for you fully.
Can the same agent represent both buyer and seller?
Manitoba has specific rules for this situation. Ask any agent how they handle it, in writing, before you work together.
I'm already working with another REALTOR®. Can I still contact you?
Please talk to your own REALTOR® first. I'm glad to help anyone who isn't already represented.
This article is general information for Manitoba, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Rules, rates and programs change; figures are estimates as of October 2026. Check your situation with a lawyer, lender or accountant before you act. Adela Strycharz is a REALTOR® with Real Broker Manitoba Ltd. If you already have an agreement with another brokerage, please speak with your own REALTOR® first.