MaxWell Realty REALTORS® Program
General Information on Becoming a REALTOR®
Well over half of the REALTORS® in Alberta (61%) earned less than $75,000 from real estate transactions in 2005. Thirty-five percent earned between $75,000 and $225,000. Source: CREA
A career in real estate is demanding and rewarding. It requires commitment, discipline, motivation, enthusiasm and flexibility. A basic understanding of the real estate industry and market is a must. After all, the market is dynamic and competitive, legislation changes frequently and new technologies continuously emerge.
Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Successful REALTOR®?
Careers in the field of real estate have changed significantly over the years and are more exciting than ever. Advancements in the areas of technology and communications, the greater need for specialized knowledge and the expansion of marketplaces, are redefining the role of the real estate professional and creating new demands and opportunities.
REALTORS® must be:
- enthusiastic self-starters
- continually developing leads and cultivating clients
- prepared to make many sacrifices in their daily lives
- familiar with technology (computers, the Internet, cell phones, etc.)
There is no quitting time and the phone will ring at any time of the day or night. Personal schedules must be arranged to suit clients' needs. Still, successful REALTORS® are able to keep perspective and create balance.
Most REALTORS® earn their income by commission. They may make a sale one week, then not another for two months. They have to budget their money to last between sales. Earnings will vary by area, type of property sold, local market conditions and specific brokerage policies. Personal expenses, however, apply to all real estate associates and include licensing fees, insurance, real estate board/association dues, advertising and other costs associated with telephones, cell phones or computer services.
Real estate practitioners must successfully complete a number of courses to acquire and maintain their license and must keep up-to-date with changes and trends in the industry.
A real estate career offers tremendous potential beyond the selling of property. Your real estate education can open new doors and help you pursue other opportunities in property management, appraisal, financing or office management.
Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Associate
- Phase 1: Introduction to a Career in Real Estate
is the prerequisite course for the Real Estate Associates Program. Participants must pass the final exam of the course to be eligible to proceed to phase two. - Phase 2: Fundamentals of Real Estate
this phase contains common education modules for anyone trading in real estate. Participants must achieve at least 70 percent on the final exam before proceeding to the next phase. - Phase 3: Real Estate Areas of Practice
this phase introduces three areas of real estate practice: residential, commercial and rural real estate. Participants must pass the final examination at the end of each section.
Need More Information?
There are a number of ways to find out more about a career in real estate.
- Download the Career in Real Estate brochure.
- Take the Introduction to a Career in Real Estate course which provides you will information you need to make an informed decision whether or not to pursue real estate as a career. It's also the prerequisite course for taking the prelicensing course, the Real Estate Associates Program.
- Contact Us and have a real estate career professional talk to you about your options.
Some information provided by the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) & the Real Estate Council of Alberta
