Some Manitoba snowbirds flocking back to Canada over U.S. political climate

Betti and Ross Reinhardt dreamed of having a home in the United States where they could spend winters, but nine years after achieving that goal, the snowbirds are putting their Arizona property on the market, saying they feel pushed out by an unstable political climate — and they aren't the only ones.

"We really don't want to go, but we feel we need to. We are just getting more and more uncomfortable," Betti said. 

The Manitoba couple bought a property in Mesa, Ariz., and remodelled it to make it their dream home.

But they say outside their gated community, tensions began to heighten soon after U.S. President Donald Trump's second term began.

"We've travelled back and forth, and freely. There's never been any grief, and here we are now made to feel so uncomfortable that we have to pick up and go," Ross said.

Tariffs, counter-tariffs and threats of annexation have brought a shift in hospitality for snowbirds like them, easily singled out on the streets by their Canadian licence plates, the couple said.

"It's nothing physical … but usually sharp comments, [like] 'it's time for you to leave' or 'you can go anytime you want,' 'north is your way home,'" Ross said. 

Among their friends, the Reinhardts aren't the only Canadians listing a winter home, with others talking about selling too.

Some, however, are considering staying put and "weathering the storm."

"We just don't see it blowing over any time soon, and we prefer not to spend the next three or four years of our lives waiting for it to be over," Ross said. 

'Unusually busy': real estate agent

At this time of the year, Laurie Lavine, a former Winnipegger who is now a licensed real estate agent in Arizona, said there would normally be two to three listings from snowbirds. 

"Right now, I have 16 listings — nine of them are active, and seven of them are under the sales contract," he said, with more lined up for the fall and next spring.

"I've been unusually busy," he said. "My accountant is so busy with Canadians, he's already fully booked for the 2025 tax year."

LISTEN | Realtor says Canadians are trying to sell their Arizona homes:

Up To Speed8:53Realtor says Canadians are trying to sell their Arizona homes

A Manitoba couple decided to sell their dream home in Arizona this week. A Realtor in the area says his phone's been ringing off the hook with people wanting to do the same thing. Host Faith Fundal speaks to Laurie Lavine, Realtor in Arizona, about what he's been hearing from clients. 

The currency exchange, with a weak loonie against the U.S. dollar, has been a top-of-mind concern for Canadians with winter homes in recent years, Lavine said. 

But the overall cost of living is still lower in Arizona, so he believes the decision to put properties up for sale now is more connected with displeasure over the current U.S. administration. 

"That's the straw that broke the camel's back," Lavine said. "Canadians are feeling bullied." 

While snowbirds are feeling "ticked off" by the threats to Canada's sovereignty, Lavine said they are also feeling concerned about tighter border restrictions. 

"It's just very unsettling," Lavine said. 

Just before retiring in 2013, Brian Jamieson, who now lives in Brandon, Man., bought a home in Florida.

But he says the sense of safety he and his wife once felt living in the U.S. crumbled after Trump's election last year.

"When you elect a convicted felon … to the top office of the land, and he basically dictates the laws of the land, and what to do and when to do it ... you start to feel unsafe in that kind of climate," he said. 

The couple decided to put their park-model home up for sale in November, shortly after the results of the U.S. election.

Jamieson initially had a hard time selling, after a management change led to an increase in rent prices at the complex where the home is located.

But the couple closed the deal with a buyer this year, with the new owner taking possession about a week ago. 

"We took on a loss on the sale, and it was worth it just to leave," Jamieson said. "We didn't know … how the political situation was going to flesh out."

WATCH | Manitoba couple explain why they're selling Arizona dream home:

Some Manitoba snowbirds selling U.S. properties, flocking back to Canada

21 days ago

Duration 2:02

The 'for sale' sign has gone up on a Manitoba couple's dream winter home in the U.S. The Reinhardts bought the home in a gated community in Mesa, Ariz., nine years ago. They say they've made good friends in their community, but the tone has changed since Donald Trump took office again.