Why work with a REALTOR®

by Tara Zacharias

Why Working with a REALTOR® Sets You Up for Success

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Having a REALTOR® by your side can make all the difference in achieving a successful and stress-free experience. Here’s how their expertise ensures a smooth and rewarding journey:

A REALTOR® Knows Strategy

Behind every successful home sale or purchase is a well-executed strategy. A REALTOR® helps you navigate the entire process, addressing complex challenges and ensuring you’re informed and confident every step of the way. Whether it’s preparing your home for listing, managing negotiations, or handling legal details, their expertise keeps everything on track.

For buyers, they provide valuable insights into market trends, help identify the best properties, and guide you through the offer process to secure the right home at the right price.

What Is Your Home Worth?

Setting the right price is crucial to attracting buyers and maximizing your return. REALTORS® rely on comprehensive market data, trends, and external factors to price your home accurately. Their insights eliminate guesswork, ensuring your home is competitively positioned in the market.

For buyers, they analyze comparable sales and market conditions to ensure you’re making a sound investment without overpaying.

Professional Marketing Gets Results

Reaching the right buyers takes more than just putting up a sign. REALTORS® craft a detailed marketing plan tailored to your home’s strengths. From listing on the MLS® to leveraging online platforms and targeted advertising, their approach ensures your property gets maximum exposure to qualified buyers.

If you’re purchasing, they use their network and industry connections to find hidden gems, sometimes before they even hit the market.

Expert Negotiation Works in Your Favor

Real estate transactions involve significant financial decisions, and strong negotiation skills can make all the difference. REALTORS® advocate for your best interests, whether you’re selling your home for top dollar or securing a great deal as a buyer. They handle counteroffers, contingencies, and closing terms with expertise, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

Why It Matters

With a REALTOR®, you’re not just hiring someone to buy or sell a home—you’re gaining a trusted advisor dedicated to your success. Their knowledge, strategic pricing, marketing expertise, and negotiation skills set the stage for a smooth transaction and a rewarding outcome.

The Power of the MLS®

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) is a powerful tool that benefits both buyers and sellers by providing broad market exposure, accurate data, and efficient real estate transactions. The MLS® is available exclusively to REALTORS® and is the largest and most comprehensive real estate database in Winnipeg and the surrounding region.

Benefits for Sellers

✔ Maximum Exposure: Your property is listed in a database accessible to all REALTORS®, increasing its visibility to a wide pool of potential buyers. Your property will also be viewable to potential buyers on realtor.ca.

✔ Faster Sales: More exposure means more interest, leading to quicker offers and potentially higher sale prices.

✔ Competitive Pricing: REALTORS® use MLS® data to conduct Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs), helping you price your home competitively.

✔ Professional Representation: Only licensed real estate professionals can list properties on the MLS®, ensuring accurate, high-quality listings.

✔ Marketing & Syndication: MLS® listings often appear on major real estate websites, social media, and brokerage platforms for added exposure.

Benefits for Buyers

✔ Access to More Listings: Through a search conducted by their REALTOR®, buyers get access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of available properties.

✔ Accurate & Real-Time Data: MLS® listings include essential details like price history, property features, and neighborhood insights.

✔ Time-Saving Search: REALTORS® can tailor searches to your criteria, filtering through thousands of listings to find the best matches.

✔ Fair Market Pricing: Buyers can compare listings to ensure they are paying a fair price based on market trends.

✔ Professional Guidance: Working with a REALTOR® using MLS® ensures buyers are well-informed and protected throughout the purchase process.

A Win-Win for Everyone

The MLS® system promotes transparency, efficiency, and fair competition in the real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, it provides the tools and data needed to make informed, confident decisions while working with a professional REALTOR®

Listing on MLS® and realtor.ca

When your property is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in Canada, it is typically syndicated to realtor.ca, which is the official website of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). This means that your property's details, including photos and descriptions, will be accessible to a wide audience of potential buyers across the country.Canada's leading real estate platform.

Here's how it works

MLS® System: Operated by real estate boards and associations, the MLS® is a cooperative system where REALTORS® share property listings to facilitate transactions.
Realtor.ca: Managed by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), realtor.ca is a public-facing website that displays listings from various MLS® systems across Canada.
Listing Process: When you list your property with a REALTOR®, they enter your listing into the MLS® system. This action automatically syndicates your property's details to realtor.ca, enhancing its visibility to potential buyers nationwide.
Benefits: This dual exposure on both the MLS® and realtor.ca platforms increases the chances of attracting qualified buyers, leading to a quicker and more efficient sale.

By leveraging both the MLS® and realtor.ca, you ensure your property reaches a broad audience, maximizing its market potential.

Realtor.ca serves as a central platform where consumers can search for properties listed by REALTORS® from various brokerages.

It's important to note that while realtor.ca is a prominent platform, some brokerages may also feature listings on their own websites or other real estate portals. However, the MLS® system remains the primary method for disseminating property information to the public in Canada.

*Source: Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News*

More Than a Listing – Access to Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News

In addition to MLS®, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News (WRREN) provides a platform for exclusive listings and additional property information. By listing with a REALTOR®, your home will be featured across these trusted platforms, ensuring maximum visibility. Your listing will also be published in the free weekly newspaper of Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News, distributed throughout the city.

The Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News website offers powerful tools for buyers, including:

Comprehensive access to all active listings.
Additional resources to simplify home searches.

Ready to List? Let’s Get Started!

When you work with a REALTOR®, you’re not just listing your home—you’re tapping into a network of resources that ensures your property gets noticed and sells faster. If you’re ready to list your Winnipeg property, I’m here to help every step of the way. Let’s connect today!

REALTOR® Obligations to a Client or Customer in Manitoba

In Manitoba, real estate professionals have legal and ethical duties to their clients and customers, guided by The Real Estate Services Act (RESA) and enforced by the Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC). These obligations ensure that REALTORS® act in their clients' and customers' best interests with professionalism, honesty, and integrity.

Client vs. Customer: What’s the Difference?

Client: A person who has signed a representation agreement with a REALTOR® (e.g., a listing agreement or buyer’s agency agreement). The REALTOR® owes them full fiduciary duties (loyalty, full disclosure, confidentiality, etc.).
Customer: A person who interacts with a REALTOR® but has not signed a representation agreement. The REALTOR® still owes them honest and fair dealings but not fiduciary duties like loyalty or negotiation in their best interest.

Key Obligations a REALTOR® Owes to Their Client

1. Fiduciary Duty

A REALTOR® must act in the best interest of their client above all else. This includes:

Loyalty – Prioritizing the client’s needs over personal or financial gain.
Full Disclosure – Informing the client of any relevant information that may affect their decision-making.
Confidentiality – Keeping the client’s personal and financial details private, even after the transaction is complete.
Obedience – Following lawful instructions from the client.

2. Duty of Care and Competence

A REALTOR® must perform their duties with skill, diligence, and professionalism by:

Providing accurate market evaluations and advice.
Conducting thorough research on listings, offers, and negotiations.
Ensuring that contracts and paperwork are complete and legally sound.

3. Full Disclosure and Transparency

REALTORS® must disclose any conflicts of interest, such as representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction (dual agency).
They must inform their client of any material facts about a property, including known defects, zoning restrictions, or potential issues that could impact value.

4. Honest and Fair Dealings

REALTORS® must not mislead, misrepresent, or deceive clients.
They must provide honest opinions on pricing, market conditions, and property suitability.
Even when working with multiple clients, a REALTOR® must act fairly and impartially in their professional dealings.

5. Duty to Negotiate in the Client’s Best Interest

REALTORS® must advocate for the best possible terms for their client, whether in a purchase, sale, or lease.
They should use their expertise to strategize pricing, conditions, and counteroffers to benefit the client.

6. Duty to Follow Legal and Regulatory Requirements

REALTORS® must comply with all laws, regulations, and ethical codes set out by:
- The Real Estate Services Act (RESA)
- The Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC)
- The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
- The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA)
They must ensure all contracts are legally binding and protect their client’s interests.

7. Protection of Client Funds

If a REALTOR® handles deposit money or trust funds, they must keep them secure and properly accounted for.
Funds must be held in the brokerage’s trust account of that REALTOR® and cannot be used for any purpose other than the transaction.

What Happens if a REALTOR® Fails in Their Obligations?

If a REALTOR® breaches their duties, they may face:

Fines or penalties from regulatory bodies.
Suspension or revocation of their real estate license.
Legal action from the affected client.

When working with a REALTOR® in Manitoba, clients should expect professionalism, transparency, and advocacy.

Key Obligations a REALTOR® Owes to Their Customer

The obligations a REALTOR® owes to a client differ from those owed to a customer in Manitoba. If someone is a customer rather than a client, the REALTORS® obligations are more limited:

Honest and Fair Dealings
- A REALTOR® must treat customers fairly and honestly and not mislead or deceive them.
- They must disclose known material facts about a property but are not required to advise on pricing, negotiations, or strategy.
Disclosure of Representation
- The REALTOR® must clearly explain the difference between client and customer relationships so the person understands the level of service they will receive.
- The REALTOR® must disclose any conflicts of interest, such as representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction (dual agency).
No Fiduciary Duty
- Unlike a client, a customer does not receive loyalty, full disclosure, or confidential advice.
- The REALTOR® does not have to act in the customer’s best interest or provide guidance on making an offer.
Limited Assistance
- A REALTOR® can assist with paperwork and facilitate transactions for a customer but cannot provide strategic advice.
- For example, they can show listings and present offers but cannot recommend negotiation tactics.
Obligation to Disclose Material Facts
- REALTORS® must still disclose known defects or legal issues with a property. However, they are not required to research or investigate potential issues on behalf of a customer.

Key Takeaway

Clients get full representation and fiduciary duties (loyalty, advice, and advocacy).
Customers receive limited assistance and only a duty of honesty and fairness.

When Should Someone Become a Client Instead of a Customer?

If you're buying or selling a home in Manitoba, choosing to work as a client rather than a customer gives you more protection, guidance, and advocacy. Here’s when you should consider signing a representation agreement to become a client:

Buying a Home? You Should Be a Client If:

You Want Professional Advice & Strategy
- A REALTOR® can provide pricing advice, negotiation strategies, and market insights to help you make the best decision.
- As a customer, you won’t get guidance on whether a listing is overpriced or a good deal.
You Need Help with Negotiations
- If you want a strong advocate to negotiate the best price, terms, or conditions on your behalf, you need to be a client.
- A REALTOR® working with a customer must remain neutral and cannot negotiate for you.
You Want Access to Exclusive Listings
- Some REALTORS® have access to off-market properties or upcoming listings.
- Clients may receive early access, while customers only see what’s publicly available.
You Need Confidentiality & Loyalty
- As a client, your REALTOR® must keep your personal information and motivation confidential.
- As a customer, anything you say to the REALTOR® can be shared with the seller.
You’re Unsure About Contracts & Conditions
- Buying a home involves legal documents, conditions (financing, home inspections, etc.), and possible risks.
- A REALTOR® can help you structure your offer to protect your interests—but only if you are a client.

Selling a Home? You Should Be a Client If:

You Want Full Marketing & Exposure
- A listing agent provides a custom marketing strategy, including MLS® exposure, social media ads, open houses, and professional photography.
- As a customer, you won’t get these services.
You Need Expert Pricing & Market Analysis
- REALTORS® conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to recommend the market value of your home, based on comparative properties in your area.
- Customers may only get basic information on recent sales, but no in-depth pricing strategy.
You Want an Advocate in Negotiations
- A client gets a dedicated negotiator working to secure the best deal.
- A REALTOR® assisting a customer must remain neutral and cannot negotiate for them.
You Need Guidance on Offers & Conditions
- When offers come in, a REALTOR® reviews and advises on the terms and conditions.
- Customers must evaluate offers alone and decide without professional advice.
You Expect Full Service from Your Realtor
- As a client, you receive a full-service experience, from pricing to closing.
- As a customer, you get limited assistance with paperwork and contracts.

If you’re serious about buying or selling successfully, becoming a client ensures you get the best advice, protection, and service.

Key Takeaway: When Should You Become a Client?

✔ Buyers: If you want pricing advice, negotiations, confidentiality, and a REALTOR® who works for your best interests.
✔ Sellers: If you need pricing expertise, full marketing, strong negotiations, and an advocate for your sale.

Thinking of buying or selling? As your REALTOR® I will help you make the most of your real estate journey! Reach out today to get started.

Tara Zacharias

REALTOR®

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to get to know me!

I'm Tara Zacharias, a real estate salesperson and licensed REALTOR® located in the vibrant city of Winnipeg. Real estate and all that's associated with it such as, interior design, construction, community planning, marketing or the financial aspect, all fascinate me. I take pride in working with my clients to find their ideal home, sell their property for the best value and make smart investment decisions.

Born in Manitoba, I'm familiar with the prairie life in both the City of Winnipeg or in a rural town, i've lived both. My interests are hiking, riding bicycle, theatre, making art, concerts and trying new restaurants. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and painting and a Post-Graduate Certificate in sculpture and installation from OCADU.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned seller or an investor looking for opportunities, I'm here to guide you every step of the way with integrity, expertise, and a genuine desire to see you succeed in your real estate journey. My mission is to make sure your wants and needs are met so that we can work together again to make your real estate dreams a reality.

+1(204) 293-0933 tara@tarazacharias.com
330 St Mary Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3Z5, CAN
https://tarazacharias.com/