How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Canada – 10 Pro Tips by Bestax

The real estate industry in Canada is growing steadily. Between 2022 and 2031, there are expected to be 54,000 new job openings for real estate agents and salespersons. These opportunities come from both expansion and the need to replace retiring professionals.

The Canadian real estate market has faced its share of challenges. From fluctuating house prices to stricter regulations, agents must navigate an ever-changing environment. However, the benefits of working in this field are just as significant. Real estate agents enjoy flexibility, unlimited earning potential, and the chance to help people achieve their dream of owning a home.

In a Hurry to Know How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Canada?

• Complete Licensing Courses
• Pass the Licensing Exam
• Join a Brokerage
• Get CREA Membership
• Build Your Network
• Obtain Insurance
• Clear CRJMC Check

Read on to learn how to start a successful real estate career!

What is a Realtor?

Before we get into the steps on how to become a real estate agent lets look into who a realtor is. 

A realtor is a professional who helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties—whether residential or commercial. Their work goes beyond just showing houses. They:

• Find properties that meet clients’ needs.
• Draft contracts.
• Negotiate deals between buyers and sellers.
• Host open houses and conduct market research.
• Build relationships and networks for future opportunities.

Realtors in Canada are held to high ethical standards as members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). To become a realtor, here’s what you’ll need:

Requirements to Become a Realtor	Details
Courses in Real Estate	Training to learn market laws and skills.
On-the-Job Training	Practical experience under a licensed professional.
Real Estate License	Certification to work legally in your province.
CREA Membership	Ensures adherence to high ethical standards.
Optional Certifications	Boosts expertise in specialized areas.

Note: ‘Realtor’ is a trademarked term for real estate agents who are members of CREA, while ‘real estate agent’ refers to anyone licensed to practice.

10 Pro Tips from Bestax Accountants

If you want to know how to become a real estate agent in Canada, these expert tips can guide you:

1. Research the Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Canada is always changing. In November 2022, there were approximately 288,000 real estate employees, up from 224,000 in April 2020. Although this was a recovery, it’s still below the high of 301,000 employees in May 2019. Knowing these trends will help you make smarter career decisions.

Keep an eye on national trends too. For example, cities like Toronto and Vancouver often set the pace for the real estate market in Canada, with consistent demand and rising property values.

By staying informed, you’ll build credibility and be better prepared to guide buyers, sellers, and investors. 

2. Understand Earnings of a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents can earn a wide range of salaries, depending on their location and experience. 

Here’s a breakdown of real estate agent earnings across Canada:

Province/Region	Low Income	Median Income	High Income
Newfoundland and Labrador	$26,325	$61,130	$205,038
British Columbia	$32,011	$54,354	$139,847
Saskatchewan	$24,173	$53,162	$116,249
New Brunswick	$24,746	$50,332	$97,632
Manitoba	$25,061	$48,408	$137,428
Alberta	$31,668	$47,398	$130,309
Ontario	$30,085	$45,586	$140,661
Quebec	$28,291	$39,562	$103,711
Nova Scotia	–	$24,094	$81,779
Canada (Overall)	$24,173	$46,212	$134,783

3. Obtain the Necessary Training

Getting the right training is a key step to become a real estate agent. The good news? Many real estate courses are available online, making it easy to study at your own pace.

Each province in Canada offers its own licensing courses through approved real estate councils or associations. For example:

• British Columbia: Training is provided by UBC Sauder’s Real Estate Division.
• Manitoba: The Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) oversees education.

The training process starts with completing province’s basic real estate licensing course. You will also need to choose your area of focus from residential, commercial, or rural real estate. If you aim to become a real estate broker, you might consider specializing in all three.

Even though each province has its own education standards, the core requirements are similar nationwide. For those in Ontario, for example, the Real Estate Broker Program is offered for registered salespersons looking to advance their careers.

Another critical step in how to become a real estate agent is to get proper experience. 

4. Find a Reputable Brokerage

Once you’ve completed your training, the next step is joining a brokerage. A brokerage will submit your real estate license application and support you as you start your career.

When choosing a brokerage, meet with different brokers to see what works best for you. Here are some important things to consider:

What to Ask	Why It Matters
Company Culture	Ensure their values align with yours.
Fee Structure	Understand their commission and other costs.
Management Support	Ask about mentoring and training opportunities.
Marketing Assistance	Check if they help promote you to potential clients.
Technology and Tools	Ensure they offer software for easy transaction management.
Conveyancing Services	Look for administrative support to streamline paperwork.

Some brokerages have office spaces, but many let agents work remotely. Depending on the brokerage, you might work from home, a coffee shop, or even rent a small office space. 

If you join a real estate team, there may be more structured schedules, but working independently means you decide your own hours and location. Or you can start your independent firm for that contact Bestax for their company formation services in Canada.

Choosing the right brokerage is critical since you’ll likely spend your first few years building your career with them. Take your time to find a good fit. Also keep in mind that brokerages here only keep 5-10% of the realtor’s deals, with the remainder going to the realtor. 

One of the most significant factors in how to become a real estate agent is to get a Real estate License. 

5. Prepare for the Licensing Exam

Before you can officially get your real estate license, you’ll need to pass a written exam. The specifics vary by province, but most require a separate exam for each designation you choose, whether residential, commercial, or rural real estate.

Here’s what the process usually looks like:

1. Study for the exam using materials provided during your training.
2. Take the licensing test for your chosen designations.
3. Pass a criminal record check, including fingerprinting.

Once you pass the exam, here’s what happens next:

• Your license application will be approved.
• You’ll need to pay a licensing fee.
• In some provinces, you may also need to join a professional organization and pay membership dues.

6. Professional Certification and Licensing

Before starting your career as a real estate agent or broker, you’ll likely need certification from a regulatory authority. Each province in Canada has its own regulations and licensing requirements. Here’s a quick guide:

Province	Job Title	Regulatory Body
Alberta	Real Estate Agents, Brokers	Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)
British Columbia	Real Estate Agent, Associate, Broker	BC Financial Services Authority
Manitoba	Brokers, Salespersons, Representatives	Manitoba Securities Commission – Real Estate Division
Ontario	Real Estate Agents, Brokers	Real Estate Council of Ontario

Make sure to contact the regulatory body in your province for specific certification steps and guidance.

7. Build a Strong Network

Success in real estate depends heavily on building strong relationships. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Know Your Local Market: Understand neighborhoods, property types, and market trends. For example, track how home values change over time in your area. The better your knowledge, the more trust you’ll build with clients.
2. Connect with Your Community: Attend local events, sponsor initiatives, or distribute flyers. The more visible you are, the more likely people will remember and trust you when they need a real estate agent.

Building relationships takes time, but it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of this career. People you meet today could become loyal clients tomorrow.

8. Pursue CREA Membership

To become a realtor, join the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Membership provides many benefits, including:

• Access to market data and tools that simplify your work.
• Continuing education opportunities to grow your expertise.
• A professional network to connect with other agents.

The annual fee for CREA membership is $310, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. Check with your local real estate board for application details.

9. Obtain Insurance

As a licensed real estate agent, you’ll need errors and omissions insurance. This protects you from potential mistakes or mishaps during transactions. Costs vary depending on the provider and risk exposure, so shop around for the best rates.

Lastly, anyone serious about how to become a real estate agent should also focus on obtaining their Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. 

10. Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

A CRJMC (level 2 check) is an essential part of consumer protection and licensing. Follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Apply for your CRJMC 3–4 months before registration to avoid delays.
2. Visit your local police service or an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency.
3. Provide two pieces of identification (one with a photo).

The CRJMC must be dated within six months of your license application. Fees and requirements vary, so check with your local police service for details.

Checklist to Become a Real Estate Agent in Canada

• Complete a province approved real estate licensing course.
• Pass the licensing exam for your chosen designation (residential, commercial, or rural).
• Obtain a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).
• Join a reputable brokerage to submit your license application.
• Apply for your real estate license through your provincial regulatory body.
• Consider joining CREA to become a Realtor and access additional resources.
• Secure errors and omissions insurance.

Quick FAQs

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.