How to Schedule Real Estate Showings in Manitoba with Your REALTOR®

Buying a home in Manitoba is an exciting journey but without a plan, it can quickly become overwhelming. One of the most crucial parts of the process is scheduling your real estate showings effectively. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving into your forever home, the key to keeping everything on track? Working closely with your REALTOR® and being crystal clear about your needs vs. wants.

In this guide, let's walk you through how real estate showings in Manitoba are scheduled, why defining your home-buying criteria matters, and how working with your real estate agent plays a key role in the process.

How Real Estate Showings Work in Manitoba

Once you’re ready to start touring homes, your REALTOR® will help you organize your showings efficiently. Here's a step-by-step look at how the process works,

1. Initial Buyer Consultation

Your REALTOR® will begin with a buyer consultation to understand your preferred locations, lifestyle, goals, and must-have home features or your "non-negotiables.". This helps narrow the search to properties that meet your needs and budget so you’re only viewing homes that are a serious match.

2. Book Showings Through MLS®

Using Manitoba’s MLS® system, your REALTOR® will schedule showings that match your search criteria. They’ll coordinate times, ensure access, and group the showings by area to reduce your driving time. They’ll also factor in things like the time of day so you can experience each home in its best light.

3. Touring Homes with Your REALTOR®

During each showing, your REALTOR® will point out key features and potential red flags while guiding you through the home. With knowledge of the area, they ask the tough questions and provide insights into market value, resale potential, and fit for your goals. This will help you compare homes more effectively.

4. Reviewing and Refining Your Search

After your showings, your REALTOR® will help you reflect on what you liked and didn’t like. This allows you to further refine your home search and get closer to finding the perfect property.

Why Home-Buying Criteria Are So Important

Many buyers fall into the trap of touring dozens of homes without a clear idea of what they really want. This is where having defined criteria and separating wants vs. needs can make the process smoother and more focused.

Needs = Non-Negotiables

These are the features your future home must have to support your lifestyle. Examples include,

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Location (e.g., school district, work commute)

• Price range

• Accessibility or layout preferences

• Pet-friendly yard or fenced space

Wants = Nice-to-Haves

These are bonus features that would be great to have but aren’t deal-breakers,

• Granite countertops

• Walk-in closets

• A finished basement

• Backyard deck or pool

• Modern appliances

Creating a list of home buying priorities will help you stay objective and avoid emotional decision-making when touring homes.

How Your REALTOR® Helps Organize Showings

Your REALTOR® is more than just a door opener, they are your strategic partner in home buying. Here’s how they support you throughout the process,

• Schedules and coordinates showings based on your availability and preferences

• Filters out properties that don’t match your core criteria

• Saves you time by mapping logical showing routes

• Provides honest and knowledgeable feedback during and after each showing

• Helps you stay aligned with your budget and goals

Working with a licensed REALTOR® in Manitoba ensures you have a professional who understands the local market, negotiates on your behalf, and keeps your home search efficient and focused.

Understanding the difference between a showing and an open house is key when buying or selling real estate. 

What Is a Showing?

A showing is a private, scheduled appointment where a potential buyer (and often their REALTOR®) tours a property.

Key Features of a Showing

• By appointment only – arranged through your REALTOR® or the listing agent

• One-on-one – you tour the property privately

• Flexible timing – can be booked on weekdays, evenings, or weekends

• Personalized – you can take your time, ask specific questions, and look more closely at details

Best For

Serious buyers who are already pre-approved or actively searching. Showings are often the next step after a buyer has narrowed down their options online.

What Is an Open House?

An open house is a public event, typically hosted by the listing agent, where anyone can drop in and view the property during a set time.

Key Features of an Open House

• No appointment needed – open to anyone, including neighbors or casual browsers

• Group setting – multiple people or families may view the home at once

• Fixed schedule – usually held on weekends for a few hours

• Less personalized – limited time and less opportunity for deep discussion

Best For

Buyers who are early in their search and want to get a feel for what’s on the market without committing to private appointments.

The Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) is an important document in a real estate transaction but whether it’s available at the showing depends on a few factors.

What Is the PDS?

The Property Disclosure Statement is a legal document completed by the seller that outlines what they know about the property’s condition. It can include,

• Past or present water damage

• Structural issues

• Renovations and permits

• Known defects or environmental concerns

• Disputes or zoning issues

Is the PDS Available at the Showing?

Sometimes - But Not Always

While some listing agents will make the PDS available during the showing, it’s not guaranteed.

It May Be Available If,

• The seller has already completed the PDS before showings begin

• The listing agent includes it in the showing materials (printed or emailed)

• You request it in advance through your REALTOR®

It May Not Be Available If,

• The seller hasn’t completed it yet

• The agent prefers to send it upon serious interest

• The seller is selling “as-is” and is not providing one (in which case you’ll need to be even more diligent with inspections)

What Should You Do as a Buyer?

• Ask your REALTOR® to request the PDS before or after the showing, especially if you're seriously considering the property.

• Review the document with your REALTOR® so they can help interpret the disclosures and advise if anything is a red flag.

• Use it as a tool, not a replacement for a professional inspection. The PDS is helpful, but it reflects only what the seller knows and not everything that may exist.

If you’re touring a home in Manitoba and don’t see the PDS on-site, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. Just ask your REALTOR® to request it from the listing agent. Getting access to this document early in the process can help you make a more informed and confident offer.

Final Thoughts - Stay Organized, Stay Focused

Home hunting is exciting and being strategic about your showings is the key to making smart decisions. By organizing your showings around clearly defined wants and needs and working closely with your REALTOR®, you’ll stay focused, avoid overwhelm, and find a home that truly fits your life and future.

So before you start booking dozens of viewings, take time to plan. Grab your checklist, trust your instincts, and lean on your REALTOR®, they’re here to make sure your next front door is the right one.

Tara Zacharias, REALTOR®