http://www.realestatemanitoba.com/aboutmrea.htm
The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) is a non-profit society representing the interests and concerns of licensed REALTORS. Its membership consists of four real estate boards and their members and, in areas of the province where real estate boards have no jurisdiction, direct members.
The assurance of membership in these organizations is important to members and consumer alike. All members of CREA, MREA and local real estate boards subscribe to the CREA Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice, which sets the standard for what is considered ethical and acceptable behaviour and methods of doing business for members. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Standards is strictly enforced.
Membership also allows real estate practitioners to have access to the Multiple Listing Service, the highly successful marketing vehicle through which most residential properties in Manitoba - indeed, in Canada - are listed and sold. Thousands of real estate practitioners across Canada are represented by a local real estate board and/or provincial real estate association, as well as the national body, the Canadian Real Estate Association. At present, there are over 64,000 members of CREA, which makes CREA one of the largest trade associations in the country.
Buying a home is a major event in most people's lives. Often, homebuyers are so caught up in the excitement that they can easily overlook any flaws their new home may have. However, a house is also one of the most expensive purchases you are likely to make so it's best to know as much as possible about potential problems before you make a commitment to buy.
The Manitoba Real Estate Association recommends homebuyers hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly check out the property before buying. A home inspection can give you the peace of mind of knowing what to expect and help you make an informed decision about the value of the home and the future upkeep.
Not only will a home inspection help you determine the condition of the house, its structural soundness, and its mechanical systems, but it also brings any problems to the seller's attention at a time when they can be resolved before closing a sale.
A home inspector will go through the property and perform a comprehensive visual inspection. A typical inspection includes an examination of the structure from top to bottom, including the heating, air conditioning systems, the interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and the visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure.
Following the examination, the inspector will provide a report that not only points out possible defects or areas of concern, but also the positive aspects of the structure as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep the home in good shape. The home inspector should be willing to answer any questions you have as well as clarify any limitations of the inspection to avoid misunderstandings. Avoid firms that issue only a verbal report. The report should be more than a checklist of the items inspected. The home inspector should also issue a written report with accurate cost estimates for any major defects discovered during the inspection.
A professional assessment will provide complete information about the condition of the property you are considering and will help avoid any unpleasant surprises after the sale. In addition, a home inspector can remain totally objective, while you as the prospective homebuyer may be emotionally involved. A home inspection usually lasts about three hours. The inspection fee for a typical single-family house can vary depending upon the geographic area. The particular features of the home such as size, age and special structures will also be taken into consideration.
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