Local Experts Ready to Answer Your Pressing Real Estate Questions

Winnipeg – Despite a Third Wave locking down much of the province, The Manitoba Financial Services Agency (MFSA) continues to see a surge in real estate market activity in Winnipeg and beyond the Perimeter, which has led to a major increase in highly competitive multiple offer situations among prospective buyers.

The coinciding increase in consumer questions and complaints has prompted the Agency to take an unprecedented approach to directly addressing public concerns and queries.

“Navigating a ‘Hot’ Seller’s Market” is a Facebook Live event launching Wednesday, May 26, at 12 p.m. The free event, hosted by MoneySmart Manitoba (an MFSA initiative), will focus on frequently asked questions on multiple offer scenarios and other common real estate situations, with time for addressing viewer questions.

MFSA Director Chris Besko and Real Estate Division Registrar Keith Schinkel will be the event speakers, bringing a combined 40 years of experience with the laws and regulations governing Manitoba’s real estate landscape.

“We feel this event will provide a lot of much-needed information for prospective buyers and sellers,” says Besko. “While we can’t offer advice on a person’s specific transaction, as the regulator, we can offer an unbiased perspective on a range of real estate scenarios, help you understand your rights as a consumer and what to expect from the registered professionals you choose to work with.”

Questions for the experts are welcome and encouraged, before, during, and after on the event’s Facebook page.

“Unfortunately, we see a lot of misinformation floating around,” says Schinkel, who took on the role of Registrar in 2017 and has served in the Agency’s Real Estate Division for 20 years. “I completely understand that real estate purchases can be complex and confusing for many people, first-time homebuyers especially. Everybody’s brother-in-law or co-worker has some kind of advice, which may or may not be accurate. We always tell people this is the largest purchase you are likely ever going to make. Take the time that you need to do your research and practice due diligence.”

“We hope this event is going to answer a lot of questions, and help dispel some of the myths.”

“Navigating a ‘Hot’ Seller’s Market” takes place on Wednesday, May 26 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. LIVE on the MoneySmart Manitoba Facebook page.

The Manitoba Financial Services Agency is a Special Operating Agency of the Government of Manitoba. Through its two divisions, The Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) and Financial Institutions Regulation Branch (FIRB), the MFSA regulates securities, real estate, cooperatives, credit unions, and insurance in the province.

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Media Inquiries:                      
Jason Booth, Communications Coordinator, MFSA  |  204.945.1660 |  jason.booth@gov.mb.ca