Ah, fall in Manitoba—when the leaves turn golden, the air gets crisp, and we all start eyeing our thermostats with a mix of anticipation and mild dread. If you're a homeowner here, you know that getting ready for winter isn't just a good idea—it's basically a survival skill. But don't worry! With a little preparation now, you'll be sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace while the snow swirls outside, feeling smug and cozy.

Let's walk through everything you need to do to get your home ready for the cold season ahead. I promise it's not as overwhelming as it sounds.

Show Your Heating System Some Love

Your furnace has one job this winter: keep you warm. Let's make sure it's up for the challenge! Schedule a professional inspection to catch any issues before the first deep freeze hits. While you're at it, make a mental note to replace those HVAC filters monthly—it's one of those small tasks that makes a big difference for air quality and efficiency.

If you're feeling fancy, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Your future self (and your energy bills) will thank you when you can adjust temperatures automatically without stumbling out of bed at 6 AM.

Be Kind to Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are nobody's idea of a good time, so let's avoid that drama entirely. Start by disconnecting and draining your outdoor hoses, then shut off the exterior water supply. Think of it as tucking your outdoor plumbing in for a long winter's nap.

For pipes along exterior walls or in unheated spaces, wrap them in foam insulation or heat tape—like giving them a cozy winter jacket. And if you're heading out of town during a cold snap? Keep your heat at 18°C or higher and let a faucet drip slightly. It might seem wasteful, but it's way cheaper than dealing with burst pipes.

Seal Up Those Sneaky Drafts

Cold air has a way of finding every tiny crack and gap in your home. Grab some caulk and weather stripping, and do a thorough inspection around windows, doors, and anywhere else you feel a suspicious breeze. You can even remove your window screens for the season and double-check that weather stripping while you're at it.

Don't forget about insulation! Your attic, basement, and exterior walls should be well-insulated to keep heat where it belongs—inside with you. Good insulation also helps prevent those pesky ice dams on your roof.

Give Your Roof and Gutters Some Attention

Before the snow starts piling up, take a good look at your roof. Check for missing shingles, damage, or potential leaks. It's much easier (and safer) to fix these things now than in January.

Clean out your gutters and downspouts too. I know, I know—it's not the most glamorous task. But clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage, and that's a headache you definitely don't want.

Keep Things Safe and Comfortable Inside

Manitoba winters can be brutally dry, so dust off that humidifier and make sure it's working properly. Aim to keep your indoor humidity between 20–40% for optimal comfort without encouraging condensation.

Here's an important one: test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. With increased use of furnaces, fireplaces, and heaters, these devices are more important than ever. While you're thinking about fire safety, have your fireplace inspected and review how to use it safely.

Don't Forget the Little Things

A few more quick tasks to round out your winter prep:

• Check that your sump pump is working—Manitoba's quick thaws mean it might be needed even in winter

• Store outdoor furniture and cover or remove your air conditioner

• Trim any tree branches hanging too close to your house or roof

• If you're traveling, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes

You've Got This!

I know this list might seem long, but remember—you don't have to do everything in one weekend. Tackle a few tasks at a time, maybe put on some good music or your favorite podcast, and before you know it, your home will be winter-ready.

The best part? Once you've checked everything off, you can relax and actually enjoy the season. There's something wonderful about knowing your home is prepared for whatever Manitoba winter throws at it—whether that's a gentle snowfall or a full-blown blizzard.

Stay warm out there, friends! 

You're at an interesting crossroads in your homeownership journey. Your current home no longer fits your needs, and you're wondering: should I renovate or should I buy something new? It's a common question, and you're definitely not alone.

You might expect me to automatically push you toward buying a new house. After all, I'm a Realtor, and we're in the business of buying and selling homes. But the truth is, it depends on several factors unique to your situation.

Key Factors to Consider

How long will you stay there?

If your renovation will extend the usefulness of your home for many years (or even until you're ready to downsize), the math works differently than if it only buys you a few more months or years.

Think about it this way: if you invest $100,000 in a renovation and it extends your time in the home for 20 years, that's only $5,000 per year. That amount could easily be absorbed by normal property appreciation. But that same $100,000 renovation that only extends the home's usefulness for 2 years? That's $50,000 per year, making it much trickier to see a return on your investment.

What type of renovation are you planning?

Renovations that improve your home's appeal to the majority of buyers will strengthen your market value. For example, taking a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house with an unfinished basement and adding 2 more bedrooms, an ensuite, a rec room, and another bathroom will likely attract more buyers when it's time to sell.

On the flip side, renovations that decrease broad appeal can work against you. Removing a bedroom to install an indoor hot tub, for instance, would likely narrow your pool of potential buyers significantly.

Who's your likely buyer?

This is often an overlooked consideration when thinking about adding value to your home. If your house is perfect for a first-time buyer, they probably won't be excited about paying a premium for high-end finishes or luxury additions. First-time buyers typically want a house they can make their own while building equity.

However, if your typical buyer is someone upgrading because they've outgrown their current home, they might be very interested in a move-in-ready 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house with a large rec room for their teenage kids.

Running the Numbers

Here's what I encourage you to think about: what do you actually need in a home, and can you achieve it by renovating for the same cost (or less) than buying?

Let's walk through an example. Say you need another bedroom because your 3-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot bungalow is feeling too snug. In your desired neighborhood, a house that would meet your needs costs around $600,000. Your current home is worth $400,000.

In this scenario, you have roughly $200,000 to work with for a renovation. If you invested that money into your current home, would you be as happy with the result as you would be with a $600,000 home? Keep in mind that location matters. If you love your current lot but the house just isn't big enough, you'll need to fall in love with a new location too.

Now, if you put that $200,000 into your home but think it will only meet your needs for another 3 years, is it worth it? Will you recoup that investment when you eventually sell?

Understanding Your Neighborhood

Another critical piece of the puzzle is whether your neighborhood supports the increased value. Some areas simply don't yield homes over a certain price point. If you have a $200,000 house in a neighborhood where homes rarely sell for more than $250,000, and you invest $100,000 in renovations, you're unlikely to see that money back. In cases like that, moving to a different area might make more sense.

How I Can Help

Here's what I like to do: sit down with you and walk through the scope of your planned renovation. We'll discuss how it might add value and whether your neighborhood will support that new price point. I've seen countless renovations over the years—the good, the bad, and the ugly—so I have a pretty good sense of what works and what doesn't. I also have a great network of skilled tradespeople I can connect you with if you decide renovation is the right path.

If you're torn between renovating and buying, let's have a conversation. I'm happy to help you get a clearer picture of your options so you can make the decision that's right for you and your family.

If you've been watching mortgage rates like a hawk — or avoiding the topic altogether because it's been too stressful — I have some encouraging news to share. The Bank of Canada just cut their key rate by 0.25%, dropping it from 2.75% to 2.5%, and this move is already creating ripples that could benefit homeowners and buyers across the country.

As someone who works with families navigating one of life's biggest financial decisions, I know how much mortgage rates matter to real people with real budgets. So let's break down what this actually means for you.

Variable Rate Mortgages: The Immediate Winners

If you have a variable-rate mortgage, you're already feeling the relief. Lenders have been quick to pass along this rate cut, with many dropping their variable rates by 20-30 basis points. We're now seeing five-year variable rates in the 3.70% to 3.95% range at many institutions, with some online lenders offering rates even lower than 4%.

Here's how this plays out in real life:

• If you have an adjustable-rate variable mortgage, your monthly payments just got smaller — giving you a bit more breathing room in your budget

• If you have a fixed-payment variable mortgage, more of your payment now goes toward paying down your principal instead of interest, which means you'll own your home outright sooner

For many families, this translates to savings of around $84 per month. While that might not sound life-changing, it adds up to over $1,000 per year — money that could go toward your emergency fund, your kids' activities, or simply reducing financial stress.

Fixed Rates: A Smaller But Still Welcome Change

Fixed-rate mortgages don't respond as dramatically to Bank of Canada announcements because they're more tied to government bond yields. Still, we've seen some modest decreases here too, with 5-year fixed rates hovering around 3.94% at many institutions.

The interesting development is how close fixed and variable rates have become. The gap between them is now quite slim, which gives you more flexibility in choosing what works best for your situation and comfort level.

The Big Picture: Relief for Renewal Season

Here's the context that really matters: nearly 60% of Canadian mortgages will be up for renewal in 2025 and 2026. If you're one of those homeowners who's been losing sleep wondering what your payments will look like when renewal time comes, this rate cut offers some much-needed relief.

I've been having conversations with clients who took out mortgages when rates were much lower, and the thought of renewal has been weighing heavily on them. This rate cut — and the possibility of more to come if economic conditions warrant it — means those renewal conversations might not be as difficult as feared.

What This Means for You

Whether you're a current homeowner or thinking about buying, here's how I see this playing out:

If you're renewing soon: You now have more negotiating power with your lender and potentially lower payments than you expected a few months ago.

If you're considering buying: Variable-rate mortgages are looking more attractive, and the overall mortgage landscape is becoming more buyer-friendly.

If you're thinking about selling: Lower rates could stimulate more buyer activity, potentially supporting both home prices and the speed at which homes sell.

Looking Ahead

Economists are suggesting we might see additional rate cuts before the end of 2025 if economic conditions continue to soften or inflation drops further. While I can't predict the future, what I can tell you is that the trend appears to be moving in a direction that favors borrowers.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

I know mortgage rates and market conditions can feel overwhelming, especially when you're making decisions that affect your family's financial future. Whether you're coming up on a renewal, considering your first home purchase, or wondering if now's the right time to make a move, I'm here to help you understand your options.

The numbers matter, but so does having someone in your corner who understands that behind every mortgage application is a family with hopes, concerns, and dreams for their future.

Let's have a conversation about what these changes mean for your specific situation. No pressure, no sales pitch — just honest guidance to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Jason Penner
REALTOR® | Royal LePage Dynamic
204-470-3005 | jasonpenner.ca
Helping you buy & sell with confidence — and navigate the changing market with clarity

Divorce is one of life’s most emotionally challenging transitions — and when a home is involved, things can get even more complicated. The house you built a life in together now becomes a point of negotiation, and that can feel overwhelming.

As a REALTOR®, but more importantly as someone who understands the emotional weight of this moment, I approach these situations with patience, empathy, and a strong desire to help both sides move forward cleanly and respectfully.

A Home Is More Than a House

When I meet clients going through divorce, I know I’m not just dealing with a property — I’m helping people untangle part of their life story. I see the people behind the paperwork and the memories tied to each wall. That perspective matters, because real estate decisions made during divorce require more than just market expertise — they require emotional intelligence and compassion.

Your Options When It Comes to the Home

Every divorce is unique, but when it comes to the family home, the options usually include:

• Selling the home and dividing the proceeds
  Often the simplest and most equitable choice. I help both parties navigate this sale with transparency and a focus on a clean, fair process — from pricing to closing.

• One party buying out the other
  If one person wants to remain in the home, I can assist with a fair market valuation and connect you with mortgage professionals to explore refinancing options.

• Delaying the decision
  In some cases, especially where children are involved, couples may choose to co-own for a time. If so, I’ll help set clear expectations and guide you through the next steps when the time comes.

What Sets Me Apart

Here’s what I bring to the table in these situations:

• Empathy – I understand this isn’t just a transaction; it’s a deeply personal moment. I’m here to listen, not pressure.

• Patience – Divorce isn’t a fast process, and neither is deciding what to do with the home. I move at your pace, offering guidance without rushing decisions.

• Balanced support – I look out for both sides. While I may be hired by one party, I always keep fairness and respect front and center so everyone can walk away feeling heard.

• Focus on the next chapter – My goal is to help both parties move forward with clarity and confidence, ready to start fresh.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin — and that’s okay. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Whether it’s your first call about what to do with the home, or you’re ready to list and move forward, I’m here to help with clarity, compassion, and care.

Let’s navigate this together, one step at a time.

Jason Penner
REALTOR® | Royal LePage Dynamic
204-470-3005 |  jasonpenner.ca
Helping you buy & sell with confidence — even through life’s toughest transitions.