Ms. Sharon Forsberg.

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to welcome and announce, Ms. Sharon Forsberg, has joined our professional real estate office.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Sharon entered her career in real estate nine years ago for her love of homes and customer service.  Sharon has a construction background and grew up watching homes being built from the ground up and to a finished product.  Her next step was to sell them.  "with the wonderful help from Sharon I was able to find a home I love in the area and price range I was looking for!" Krahn.

Sharon has sold new homes, character homes, resale homes, mobile homes and condominiums.  It is a passion for Sharon to help her customers find a home they love, or to help her customers sell their home in the quickest time possible, and for top dollar.  "it was inconceivable how hard you worked to get the house sold in less than a week and for $25,000.00 over asking price!" Fulford.

Being a Realtor, Sharon has a determined dedication to provide her clients with the highest level of customer service.  Should you be planning on selling a home, buying a home, or investing in real estate, our office recommends you call Ms. Sharon Forsberg.  She can be reached at her office number, 204-989-6900.  Providing honest and ethical real estate services with her customer needs front and center is what you can expect when you have Sharon Forsberg working for you.

  

Ms. Ginny Brown, interview.

Ginny Brown, had recently retired from her her real estate career and from her real estate office, Royal Lepage Top Producers.  I had asked Ginny if she would be willing to have me interview her about her real estate career.  And, she said yes.  Here is a little insight on a real estate career from a successful Realtor:

Q.)  What motivated you to embark upon a career in real estate and what year did you become a member of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board/Association?

A.)  I took the classroom version of the course and was licensed April, 1994.  The course was eight weeks, four nights a week, seven to ten PM, while still working full-time.  I was a bank employee seeking a new career that would afford me more flexibility in my job and allow me to hopefully make more money.  I also wanted to get out from under the glass ceiling.  One day my sister, Cathy Sutton, said to me " you've been kissing butts for over twenty years, why not become a Realtor and get PAID for it?"  Haha.  Very true, as it turned out.

Q.)  How long did you work at the bank, or as we like to say...in your previous life?

A.)  Over twenty years in banking.  I ended as a Loans/Mortgage Manager.  Yes, twenty years with BMO and a few horrific years with HSBC.

Q.)  I know you have a love for music.  What are your all time favourite Top Five bands?

A.)  1 - The Beatles, 2 - Steely Dan,  3 - Oingo Boingo,  4 - Pink Floyd,  5 - Gorillaz...many more!

Q.)  Do you remember what your first few days, weeks and months were like as a new Realtor?

A.)  My first days were exhilarating!  Meeting so many great people, getting settled, wanting to set the world on fire.  My first few weeks was writing letters, making lists, phone calls, etc.  The my first few months I had a reality check.  Rome wasn't built in a day, a week OR a month.  I kept a positive attitude and forged ahead.

Q.)  What are your Top Five movies of all time?

A.)  1 - The Graduate,  2 - Midnight Cowboy,  3 - Glengarry Glenross,  4 - Gold Member,  5 - It's a Beautiful Life, and about five hundred more.

Q.)  What advice would you have for a new Realtor to help them become established sooner and productive faster?

A.)  Let the world know you are a Realtor!  Many good avenues I used are now closed like cold-calling, contacting expired listings, etc., but you can still send mailers with info likely to be of interest to the recipient.  Spend money on ads and self-promotion.  Give a stack of cards to friends and family.  Get your name and face out there on the Internet, blog, Facebook, your Royal Lepage website, Free Press and Winnipeg Real Estate News.  Consider joining organizations, volunteer.  ABC = Always Be Closing.  Treat every person you meet as a potential customer, but resist the urge to hand out business cards at social functions unless someone asks for one.  Be sincere.  Don't assume your smarter than your clients (and if you do, don't let it show).  Very important - market yourself to your fellow Realtors.  Treat them with respect and consideration.  A good reputation with your peers will pay you dividends over your whole career!

Q.)  Do you recall your very first sale and the clients you helped either find, or sell their home?

A.)  Yes!  A couple of friends getting married.  I sold them a big fancy house in St. Andrews, plus each had a nice house in Winnipeg to sell.  So, after nearly three zero months, I struck gold on Canada Day!  So glad I hung in there and stayed positive.  Their marriage eventually ended, but I survived.

Q.)  What is your favourite restaurant and what is your favourite meal there?

A.)  Local - Sing Fe Chinese restaurant in Winnipeg Beach Hotel, the breaded shrimp and lemon chicken (tongue in cheek, but it is good in a pinch).  Whytewold Emporium - chili cheese fries to absolutely die for!  In Winnipeg - far too many to list, too many favourite meals to recall!

Q.)  Throughout your career you were a consistent recipient of numerous local and national awards.  What was it within you that gave you the motivation to "go to work" each day and to be so successful?

A.)  A sincere desire to help people.  A love of houses.  Not turning my phone/pager off at six in the evening.  Not taking weekends off in the summer.  Saying "No" as seldom as possible.  I was not motivated to win awards, for me, it was the people more than anything else, but everyone is different.

Q.)  For many years you were a volunteer on committees and as a Board of Director at the Winnipeg Realtor Association.  I believe this is where I had first met you.  What do you feel was the contribution to our members that you are most proud of?

A.)  Nothing specific, just happy to be of help on committees and make my voice heard.  I believe I made a suggestion to the Board of Directors that a Real Estate dictionary would be a good thing, which actually was implemented.  The bonus, it was great to meet Realtors from other companies and offices.  Marketing yourself to your colleagues can reap rewards.  (Actually we first met at a WREB baseball tournament!)

Q.)  Is there a client, or transaction, that you often look back at because it was very memorable for you?  Can you share with us that story?

A.)  Yes, some nightmares and some fairy tale endings!  Early in my career, I stumbled upon a small, but valuable trick.  My buyer client finally wrote an offer on a home.  We got into a money tug-of-war with the seller, and at some point, my buyer dug his heels in.  We were talking on the phone.  He said, "you tell them I'm not going to go up another $2,000.00, they can keep the house".  I said, "are you sure?"  He said, "yes, call the agent".  I said, "okay, but I can't contact the listing agent for about twenty minutes, I have to make a few other calls".  We ended our conversation, and I waited.  Sure enough, fifteen minutes later he called me back and said, "I don't want to lose the house over a lousy S2,000.00.  Don't make the call, I'll accept the counter-offer".  I told him he was a wise man.

I suspect he used the time to cool down and think rationally, which was what I had intended.  Sometimes intuition can guide you to do what needs to be done.

Q.)  If you gazed into your crystal ball, where do you see the real estate industry going in the years ahead?

A.)  I'm a bit concerned for the future of organized real estate in Canada.  I strongly support the "other occupation" rule in Manitoba (wherein Realtors cannot have another job).  Some other provinces, as well as the USA, have no such limitations where you can sell real estate in your spare time (oxymoron?).  Relaxing, or eliminating this rule is bound to diminish the public view of our industry.  We would command less respect as part-timers.  Other concerns?  1.)  There is some talk of lawyers being licensed to complete real estate transactions for their clients, including writing offers and negotiating.  That would reduce the services we offer and thereby reduce our value.  2.)  Consumer protection is important, but some of our changing rules are making the job a lot tougher, for example, a seven day cooling-off period for condos, tougher competition laws, also limitations on where/how we can market ourselves (do not call list, email consent, etc.).  3.)  Risk assessment of clients via new Fintrac requirements.  Do Realtors need to be qualified to do this?  Not in my opinion.  Perhaps this is just perspective of a veteran.  Our industry is ever-changing and we need to keep up, or stand aside.

Q.)  If you could travel to any place in the world, where would that be and why?

A.)  Winnipeg, 1967!!  Seriously, I'd say Western Europe, especially England where there are still green-grocers, butcher shops, bakeries, etc., as opposed to our big-box, big parking lot society (but things are changing there, too, unfortunately).  Secondly I'd say New York City for more than two weeks and really get immersed in it's many cultures.

Q.)  If you had to do real estate all over again, what would you do differently knowing what you know today?

A.)  As soon as I could afford to I would hire an assistant to take care of office details and sundry duties, freeing me up to deal with clients and customers.  Not to mention allowing me more personal time to stay in shape!  Looking back I worked hard, but not always smart.

Q.)  Was there anything that disappointed you in your real estate career?

A.)  Not much, besides occasionally realizing not all people are loyal.  Being a loyal type myself, this was a hard truth to learn.  That, and occasionally losing a listing to the competition - especially if it was because of price. 

Q.)  What was your outlet when you were not busy serving your clients in real estate?

A.)  Initially, running with my running club pals.  Later, being active in a Toastmaster's Club, volunteering with various charities like Taste of Nation (fundraiser for child hunger), and some much needed quiet time (Realtor's always have to sparkle; always be 'up' when on the job).  Sometimes we get peopled out. 

Q.)  What's next in Ginny Brown's life?

A.)  Making it up as I go along.  Some extended winter travel.  One hundred different projects.  This winter I am committing to restore our beautiful quartered oak dining room table with six leaves and twelve chairs!  I'm looking forward to getting creative, working with my hands, etc.  Maybe I'll try writing.

Q.)  Anything I haven't asked you, or that you would like to say to the people reading this interview?

A.)  I think you covered everything!  My only closing thoughts are to state emphatically that the last twenty and a half years has gone by in a blink of an eye!  I couldn't ever imagine working for a different company.  For me, it's always been Royal Lepage Top Producers.  Throughout the years I've been secure in knowing my brokers have my back, my colleagues are my friends, and the office climate is warm and friendly.

Our support staff is THE BEST, we are so lucky to have Sandy and Sheena.  Although I've never worked in any other brokerage, please believe me when I say, not all offices/brokers/colleagues are created equal.  we are the lucky ones, so don't take this for granted.  Lastly, I've enjoyed the ride immensely.



On behalf of all of us at Royal Lepage Top Producers, thank you Ginny for sharing some of you and your thoughts with all of us.  Wishing you continued success and we hope you will stop by at your second home every once and a while.

           


     

Mr. Kelly Dyck.

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to welcome and announce, Mr. Kelly Dyck, has joined our professional real estate office.

Born and raised in and around Carmen, Manitoba, for the past twenty-eight years, Kelly is married to Jenna and together they have two daughters, Harper and Everly.  Kelly is proud to make Carmen his home because it is a great community and a wonderful place to raise a family.  Prior to becoming a real estate professional Kelly was in retail management.  He will be joining his father, Mr. Terry Dyck, and together they will provide their community and surrounding area with the highest standard of real estate services.

When not bust helping his clients, Kelly enjoys long distance running and enters several Provincial competitions.  His Dad's influence is evident for Kelly's passion for the challenging game of golf.  Kelly is also an active member of a men's league golf night and tennis night.  During the winter months Kelly volunteers as a referee for a community rec league.

Being a Realtor, Kelly has a determined dedication to provide his clients with the highest level of customer service.  Should you be planning on selling a home, buying a home, or investing in real estate our office recommends you call Kelly Dyck.  He can be reached at his office number, 204-989-6900, or cell direct at 204-750-7700.  Providing honest and ethical real estate services with his customer needs front and center is what you can expect when you have Kelly Dyck working for you.

61 Linden Lake, Oakbank, Manitoba.

Oakbank is only fifteen kilometers from Winnipeg and is one of the fastest growing communities because of it's close proximity to the city.  One of the reasons for the population growth and desire for this location is residents enjoy city convenience with country quiet and serenity.  Also the opportunity to have housing affordability.  If you have never considered this nearby community as a possible home I suggest come and take a look for yourself and see what the residents of Oakbank already know.

61 Linden Lake is a custom built home with quality materials throughout and features a front drive leading you to a spacious double attached garage.  Appointed with brick work and stately pillars the exterior has character and curb appeal boasting home-ownership pride.  Maintenance free exterior, a fenced yard to enjoy country quiet privacy and a spacious deck appointed with a gas barbecue to enjoy a beautiful Manitoba night with family, or your dearest friends.

Upon entering you are welcomed by a stylish foyer and great room.  If you enjoy being engaged with your family, or friends, this layout is perfect for you.  A spacious dining room is full of life with natural light.  The kitchen is the center-piece of this home where quality meets lifestyle and you can overlook the family room with gas fireplace, rich hardwood floors and your dining area.

Tucked away in this bungalow are three over-sized bedrooms.  The master-suite has a  grandeur glass encased shower and is larger than your average amenity for a bedroom.  A walk-in closet is also featured for the master bedroom.

The basement is fully finished with a great room an additional bedroom/office and another vast bathroom with high quality and pampering in mind.  Most newer bungalows are unfinished for the Aspen Lakes executive homes and at the price offered for this home it is not only well below replacement, but the best priced home for Oakbank for a home this size and only two years old.

Included with the asking price is engineered floor joists, central exhaust, 2 x 6 construction, high-efficiency furnace, heat recovery ventilator, built-in microwave, sump pump, all appliances recently purchased for $8,000.00, window coverings, sump pump, three bathrooms and skylight.  For your private viewing, please call Rolf Hitzer with Royal Lpeage Top Producers, 204-989-6900.              

Ms. Teri Chenault (Rudski)

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to announce and welcome, Ms. Teri Chenault, to our professional real estate office.

With Royal Lepage Top Producer's recent growth and increase of market share Teri has agreed to return to her former office to assist in accounting services for this department and our real estate professionals.  Teri's expertise will be integral as Royal Lepage Top Producers continues their journey in offering exceptional real estate services for the many clients our real estate professionals are privileged to serve.  This will also help in nurturing our real estate professionals to be the best they can be and to insure they deliver innovative service systems when a client needs to sell, purchase, or invest in real estate.

Over the past several years Teri has dedicated her time to her three children and family.  S

he is now looking forward to her new challenge with Royal Lepage Top Producers.  Ms. Teri Chenault can be reached at 204-989-6900.        

Mr. Michael Crooks, B.A. (Hons), B. Ed., M. Ed.

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to welcome and announce, Mr. Michael Crooks, has joined our professional real estate office.

Michael was a professional Realtor in Calgary and Saskatoon prior to becoming a teacher in 1997.  He was a vice-principal and principal in the Winnipeg Catholic school system for the past several years before deciding to return to selling real estate full time in July 2014.  Michael is well educated with two undergraduate degrees in International Studies and Education including a Master's degree and a post-baccalaureate university diploma in Education.

Michael is passionate about his family and a high interest in real estate, technology and the stock market.  He has coached community basketball teams for the Southdale Lakers for the past several years.  An avid investor, Michael has owned farm land, rental property, several houses and has been on both sides of the real estate transaction many times as a Realtor and as a client.

Being a Realtor, Michael has a determined dedication to provide his clients with the highest level of customer service.  Should you be planning on selling a home, buying a home, or investing in real estate our office recommends you call Michael Crooks.  He can be reached at 204-989-6900.  Providing honest and ethical real estate services with his customers needs front and center is what you can expect when you have Michael Crooks working for you.

Mrs. Heather Drenker.

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to welcome and announce, Mrs. Heather Drenker, to our professional real estate office.


Born and raised in Winnipeg Heather has a wide-ranging background with nearly ten years of experience in the field of Human Resource Management.  Plus another five years in Marketing and Promotions including five years in Sales and Customer Service.  In addition to receiving a Certificate with Honours in Human Resource Management, Heather also holds a Certificate for Excellence in Supervisory Practices and is a Registered Professional Recruiter.  Real Estate has always been of interest to Heather, and as such, she made the decision to pursue a career in the field last year.


When not busy helping her clients, Heather enjoys photography, painting, interior decorating, playing video games, reading, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Being a Realtor, Heather has a determined dedication to provide her clients with the highest level of customer service.  Should you be planning on selling a home, buying a home, or investing in real estate our office recommends you call Heather Drenker.  She can be reached at her office number, 204-989-6900, or cell direct at 204-510-2212.  Providing honest and ethical real estate services with her customer needs front and center is what you can expect when you have Heather Drenker working for you.

Ms. Nicole Hacault.

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to welcome and announce, Ms. Nicole Hacault, to our professional real estate office.


Nicole has a comprehensive background with her ten years of experience in the hospitality and customer service industry and this was her attraction to pursue a career in real estate two years ago.  Being raised on a farm in south-western Manitoba was the foundation for Nicole's dedication, hard work ethic and desire to serve her family, friends and clients in her real estate profession.  Nicole is also a Provincial expert in computerized note taking with the Hard of Hearing community.


When not busy helping her clients Nicole enjoy's being a new mother to her seven month old son who is just as active as his mom.  A passion for photography, running, working out at the gym and simply being together with family is what Nicole enjoys.  Nicole is also involved as a volunteer with the hard of hearing, deaf, and deaf-blind communities and being a participant in marathons.  And as time permits, browsing at farmer's markets and being in the garden.


Being a Realtor, Nicole has a determined dedication to provide her clients with the highest level of customer service.  Should you be planning on selling a home, buying a home, or investing in real estate our office recommends you call Nicole Hacault.  She can be reached at 204-989-6900.  Providing honest and ethical real estate services with her customer needs front and center is what you can expect when you have Nicole Hacault working for you.    

2013 Royal Lepage Top Producers National Award Winners.

On, March 8, Royal Lepage Canada along with President, Mr. Phil Soper, hosted a gala evening at the Hotel Fort Garry to celebrate and congratulate Manitoba's award recipients from 2013.  The awards event was a tremendous success as associates from all across the Province and Northwestern Ontario were in attendance to commemorate with their peers in the real estate industry.

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are proud to congratulate our 2013 National Award recipients.  They are as follows:

1.)  Glen MacAngus
-  National Chairmans Club
-  Lifetime National Chairmans Club
-  number 53 in Canada
-  Lifetime award of Excellence
-  number 2 Top Ten Team in Manitoba

2.)  Tod Niblock
-  National Chairmans Club
-  number 77 in Canada
-  Lifetime Award od Excellence
-  number 3 Top Ten Team in Manitoba

3.)  Michael Leclerc
-  Diamond Award
-  Award of Excellence
-  number 9 Top Ten Team in Manitoba

4.)  Tony Marino
-  Diamond Award

5.)  Luba Petryk
-  Diamond Award

6.)  Val and Steve Werhun
-  Diamond Award

7.)  Terry Dyck
-  Directors Platinum

8.)  Rachel Gendron
-  Directors Platinum

9.)  Paul Warkentin
-  Directors Platinum

10.)  Ginny Brown
-  Presidents Gold

11.)  Lesley Kondratuk
-  Presidents Gold

12.)  Paul Scinocca
-  Presidents Gold

13.)  Aziz Rehman (Chaudry)
-  Master of Sales

14.)  Jake Frechette
-  Master of Sales

15.)  Tina August
-  Sales Achievement

16.)  Jim Cairns
-  Sales Achievement

17.)  Susan Foote
-  Sales Achievement

In February, earlier this year, the Winnipeg Realtor's Association had an industry awards gala banquet to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements for all members from all real estate companies in Winnipeg and from communities, towns and cities of Manitoba.  Congratulations to Royal Lepage Top Producer award recipients for 2013.  They are as follows:

1.)  Michael Leclerc
-  Silver Medallion Team Award

2.)  Tod Niblock
-  Silver Team Medallion Award

3.)  Rachel Gendron
-  Silver Medallion Individual Award

4.)  Luba Petryk
-  Silver Medallion Individual Award

5.)  Terry Dyck
-  Bronze Medallion Individual Award

6.)  Ginny Brown
-  Bronze Medallion Individual Award

7.)  Tony Marino
-  Bronze Medallion Individual award

8.)  Doug Rokosh
- 25 Year member of Winnipeg Realtor's Association
-  Board Builder Award

9.)  Val Werhun
-  30 Year member of Winnipeg Realtor's Association
-  Board Builder Award

To our 2013 award winners, we salute you and wish you continued success in, 2014.

 

iReno Network.

I am pleased to announce, Mr. Corey Beckman of iReno Network, will offer all Royal Lepage Top Producer clients a preferred discount of 15% on any home renovation projects.  IReno Network will also give a special price offer on a "walk through."  This service is to help homeowners with preventive maintenance that comes with owning a home.  This service is offered at a flat rate of $49.95 for all Royal Lepage Top Producer customers.  We are proud to help a homeowner keep their property investment in proper condition.

At, Royal Lepage Top Producers, we believe our customers deserve value-added discounts on services you may need, or want when selling, or purchasing a home.  Our services are unmatched from any other real estate agent in Winnipeg, or Manitoba.  In fact, our mission statement reads, "helping you is what we do," and we pride ourselves to live by this motto for over 100 years.

When you call on one of our real estate professionals at Royal Lepage Top Producers, expect more services than anyone else.  Our mandate when you are in the process of life decisions such as selling your next home, or purchasing your next property.  It is our desire to create a memorable, enjoyable, and value-added experience.

We welcome you to "like" our Facebook business page and call one of our real estate advisors at 204-989-6900, you'll be glad you did.   

15 Killington Bay, North Kildonan, Winnipeg.

Sun Valley, the neighbourhood, was established in the seventies when the North Kildonan area was expanding.  This home is tucked away in a quiet tranquil crescent.  Besides quality grade level schools and convenient amenities, Sun Valley is also close to Kilcona Park where you will find one of Winnipeg's premier multi-use greenspace.  At nearby Gateway Community Club allows families to engage in organized sport activities and area events.  These are just several reasons why the Sun Valley district is a desired location in North Kildonan.

15 Killington is a front drive accessed property that directs you into a one car garage.  There is no back lane  giving this locale privacy and a more secure lifestyle.  The earth tone wood siding facade exudes a warm welcoming feel when you arrive.  The driveway had been re-poured in 2010.  The fenced yard envelopes a larger than average maintenance free pressure treated deck filled with sun soaked morning light and afternoon brightness.  If privacy for you and your loved ones matter then you will not be disappointed with this intimate landscaped space.

When you enter through the sturdy steel insulated front entrance you are greeted with a spacious main floor living area where your feet touch the richness of the hard wood floors.  There is also a second entrance from the home and into your personal attached garage.  A main floor bathroom is ideal for the large family, or added convenience for those nights you wish to entertain your friends and family.  A functional and roomy kitchen flows into a formal dining room where all glass patio doors entice you to enjoy your deck and landscaped yard.

The second level you will find two over-sized bedrooms and a four piece bathroom that experienced a recent transformation in 2010.  In fact, this home had a professional makeover from bottom to top at a cost to the owners just shy of a hundred thousand dollars.  No corners were allowed to be cut here with the materials and workmanship.  A specification and detail sheet with the work completed and cost is available for the serious buyer upon request.

The basement living space is completely finished with a maximum use rec room, additional bedroom, and a third bathroom.  It is a rare find when a bathroom is found on each level of a home, but not at 15 Killington Bay, truly grand.  All appliances are included, and just like the extensive home improvements, all appliances were purchased in 2010.  Central-air, alarm system, garage door opener with remotes, dishwasher, beer fridge and all window coverings are included with the asking price.

Indulge yourself with a personal inspection of this home listed for sale by Rolf Hitzer at Royal Lepage Top producers.  I can be reached at 204-989-6900, or email me at hitzer@aol.com.        

Ms. Melva McLean

The staff and management at Royal Lepage Top Producers are pleased to announce and welcome, Ms. Melva McLean, to our professional real estate office.

As an award-winning book editor and writer in the publishing and film industries, Melva's work required creativity, perseverance, loyalty, and honesty, as well as negotiating and communication skills.

Today, she brings those same skills and talents to her real estate clients.  A focused listener, able advisor and fierce, yet fair, advocate, Melva's intuition, diligence, and genuine concern create a positive experience in any property transaction.  Her business approach is direct and successful: she matches the right client to the right property, and follows through with honesty and efficiency.

Melva's mantra, "make a difference" is the key to all of her long-term relationships.  That philosophy also permeates her personal life.  After years of living in Vancouver, Melva and her husband of 25 years moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family.  They bought a 100-year-old house in Norwood Grove--not far from the neighbourhoods in which they grew up--and are having fun renovating and gardening again.  They are both committed to ex-racing Greyhound rescue.  Melva also volunteers her time with several arts groups and is passionate about the preservation of Manitoba history and heritage.

Celebrating a 100 year Anniversary, Royal Lepage is a genuine Canadian heritage company and Melva is proud to be a part of a Canadian institution deep with innovative real estate services and community history coast to coast.  If you are planning on buying, selling, or investing in real estate, our office recommends you call, Ms. Melva McLean at, 204-989-6900, you'll be glad you did.  Melva is dedicated to provide you with exceptional customer service.