2 answers
ronica
Student
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
1
Question
2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1619
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
One of the most appealing aspects of working in real estate is the ability to set your own hours. This allows you to balance work with personal commitments, making it an ideal career for those with family responsibilities or other interests. Depending on the career path you choose, you may be able to operate like an independent entrepreneur. Here, you can make key decisions about your business—such as choosing a niche, crafting marketing strategies, and managing client relationships—without the constraints of a traditional corporate structure.
• FINANCIAL POTENTIAL: Some jobs earn commissions based on sales instead of a salary. This means your earning potential is tied directly to your efforts and success, offering significant financial rewards as long as you’re dedicated enough. Also, real estate services remain essential regardless of economic conditions. Whether people are buying, selling, or renting, there is a steady need for skilled professionals in this field, giving you a strong sense of job security.
• CAREER GROWTH: The housing industry offers a wide range of roles, from being a broker to a proptech entrepreneur. This diversity allows you to find a path that matches your skills and interests. And because of the industry’s dynamic nature, you can enjoy continuous education through certifications and training to help you stay up-to-date, expand your expertise, and advance your career.
• JOB SATISFACTION: Many real estate professionals take pride in helping their clients achieve significant life goals, such as buying their first home. This aspect of the job often leads to a deep sense of fulfillment. Lastly, a career in real estate is far from routine. Every day brings a different challenge and a mix of tasks, ensuring variety and excitement in the job.
1️⃣ REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
Becoming a real estate investor is arguably the most rewarding ventures in this sector. They are those who buy houses, buildings, or land, try to maximize their value, and then keep them in the long term (buy and hold) or offer them up for a profit. However, there’s more to this gig than just conducting transactions. A good investor understands when and where to buy investment properties. This requires them to have extensive knowledge of real estate market analysis to turn a profit. Buying blindly puts you at risk of losing your cash and portfolio. Knowing the different real estate investment strategies and the different types of real estate
There are amazing benefits to investing, and one of them is the fact that you can invest with little money. On top of that, you can make serious money. While there is no set salary, the
2️⃣ REAL ESTATE AGENT
Real estate agents help clients sell, buy or rent land and buildings, usually for a preset commission. Their duties include creating listings, promoting and showing properties, mediating negotiations and preparing all necessary documents. Agents must be familiar with the most important landmarks, communities and statistics of the area they serve. To pursue a real estate agent career, you’ll typically need to be 18 years old, take some courses and pass a licensing exam. While most employers prefer candidates with a degree, it’s usually not a requirement. Because of the nature of the job, earnings and work schedules can be pretty irregular. Being a real estate agent requires a great deal of flexibility, as most agents need to work on the weekends and evenings and spend a great deal of time away from their desks.
3️⃣ REAL ESTATE BROKER
Just like real estate agents, brokers represent buyers, sellers or renters of a real estate property during a real estate transaction. The main difference between the two professions is that real estate brokers can work independently, have their own real estate firms and employ real estate agents. To become a real estate broker, you must be over 18 years old, complete some relevant courses and pass an exam. In most states, you need at least one to three years of experience as a real estate sales agent and must take several additional courses. Most brokers are self-employed, while many manage a real estate office or work under a franchise agreement. Depending on the form of work, brokers usually need to be flexible regarding work schedules, ready to step in at any hour if or when a negotiation goes awry. They also bear a lot more legal responsibility than real estate agents.
4️⃣ REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
Real estate developers are those who buy land and build real estate on it. This includes everything from small multi family real estate properties for families to office buildings for corporations. A real estate developer is responsible for planning and coordinating the construction of these buildings, financing them, and bringing in a team to execute the plan. This means that real estate developers also work with architects, engineers, contractors, construction teams, leasing agents, and other professionals covering different aspects of the property. Typically, anyone looking to become a real estate developer must have at least a four-year degree in studies such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, or Business Real Estate. Moreover, you need to have a good understanding of the economy, the real estate market, planning processes, and finances. Having skills in multitasking, interpersonal communications, and project management is also necessary to excel in this career path.
5️⃣ REAL ESTATE APPRAISER
Real estate appraisers are professionals who determine the value of properties. Becoming a real estate appraiser means you need to know how to value properties based on their characteristics and how they compare to similar properties. This means conducting a competitive market analysis. To become a real estate appraiser, you need an appraiser’s license, which requires 75 hours of basic appraiser education and passing a state exam. Since you’ll be working in finance and economics with this career in real estate, having an educational background in these areas would be helpful. Moreover, you have the option to work independently or with a larger enterprise to appraise commercial properties.
• FINANCIAL POTENTIAL: Some jobs earn commissions based on sales instead of a salary. This means your earning potential is tied directly to your efforts and success, offering significant financial rewards as long as you’re dedicated enough. Also, real estate services remain essential regardless of economic conditions. Whether people are buying, selling, or renting, there is a steady need for skilled professionals in this field, giving you a strong sense of job security.
• CAREER GROWTH: The housing industry offers a wide range of roles, from being a broker to a proptech entrepreneur. This diversity allows you to find a path that matches your skills and interests. And because of the industry’s dynamic nature, you can enjoy continuous education through certifications and training to help you stay up-to-date, expand your expertise, and advance your career.
• JOB SATISFACTION: Many real estate professionals take pride in helping their clients achieve significant life goals, such as buying their first home. This aspect of the job often leads to a deep sense of fulfillment. Lastly, a career in real estate is far from routine. Every day brings a different challenge and a mix of tasks, ensuring variety and excitement in the job.
1️⃣ REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
Becoming a real estate investor is arguably the most rewarding ventures in this sector. They are those who buy houses, buildings, or land, try to maximize their value, and then keep them in the long term (buy and hold) or offer them up for a profit. However, there’s more to this gig than just conducting transactions. A good investor understands when and where to buy investment properties. This requires them to have extensive knowledge of real estate market analysis to turn a profit. Buying blindly puts you at risk of losing your cash and portfolio. Knowing the different real estate investment strategies and the different types of real estate
There are amazing benefits to investing, and one of them is the fact that you can invest with little money. On top of that, you can make serious money. While there is no set salary, the
2️⃣ REAL ESTATE AGENT
Real estate agents help clients sell, buy or rent land and buildings, usually for a preset commission. Their duties include creating listings, promoting and showing properties, mediating negotiations and preparing all necessary documents. Agents must be familiar with the most important landmarks, communities and statistics of the area they serve. To pursue a real estate agent career, you’ll typically need to be 18 years old, take some courses and pass a licensing exam. While most employers prefer candidates with a degree, it’s usually not a requirement. Because of the nature of the job, earnings and work schedules can be pretty irregular. Being a real estate agent requires a great deal of flexibility, as most agents need to work on the weekends and evenings and spend a great deal of time away from their desks.
3️⃣ REAL ESTATE BROKER
Just like real estate agents, brokers represent buyers, sellers or renters of a real estate property during a real estate transaction. The main difference between the two professions is that real estate brokers can work independently, have their own real estate firms and employ real estate agents. To become a real estate broker, you must be over 18 years old, complete some relevant courses and pass an exam. In most states, you need at least one to three years of experience as a real estate sales agent and must take several additional courses. Most brokers are self-employed, while many manage a real estate office or work under a franchise agreement. Depending on the form of work, brokers usually need to be flexible regarding work schedules, ready to step in at any hour if or when a negotiation goes awry. They also bear a lot more legal responsibility than real estate agents.
4️⃣ REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
Real estate developers are those who buy land and build real estate on it. This includes everything from small multi family real estate properties for families to office buildings for corporations. A real estate developer is responsible for planning and coordinating the construction of these buildings, financing them, and bringing in a team to execute the plan. This means that real estate developers also work with architects, engineers, contractors, construction teams, leasing agents, and other professionals covering different aspects of the property. Typically, anyone looking to become a real estate developer must have at least a four-year degree in studies such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, or Business Real Estate. Moreover, you need to have a good understanding of the economy, the real estate market, planning processes, and finances. Having skills in multitasking, interpersonal communications, and project management is also necessary to excel in this career path.
5️⃣ REAL ESTATE APPRAISER
Real estate appraisers are professionals who determine the value of properties. Becoming a real estate appraiser means you need to know how to value properties based on their characteristics and how they compare to similar properties. This means conducting a competitive market analysis. To become a real estate appraiser, you need an appraiser’s license, which requires 75 hours of basic appraiser education and passing a state exam. Since you’ll be working in finance and economics with this career in real estate, having an educational background in these areas would be helpful. Moreover, you have the option to work independently or with a larger enterprise to appraise commercial properties.
Hosna Saba
23
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Hosna’s Answer
Hello Ronica,
Here’s the ultimate crash course on real estate, with a dash of wit, professionalism, and my "been-there-heard-that" touch. Let’s break it down.
How Real Estate Works
Real estate is like the lovechild of business and Monopoly. It revolves around buying, selling, leasing, and managing properties—cozy homes, sleek commercial buildings, or raw land just waiting to become someone’s empire. Think of it as matchmaking for spaces: you connect buyers and sellers and make sure everyone walks away feeling like they’ve won.
Roles in Real Estate
Real Estate Agents
These are the deal-makers, the negotiators, and sometimes, the accidental therapists (buyers can get emotional about countertops). Agents earn a commission—a slice of the selling price pie, shared among the buyer's agent, seller's agent, and broker.
Hack: Become the go-to person with charm, market knowledge, and the ability to turn “not enough closet space” into “imagine the minimalism you’ll embrace!”
Real Estate Investors
These treasure hunters buy properties, wait for the market to do its magic, and sell for a profit—or rent them out for a steady income. Some go solo, others team up, pooling resources for bigger deals.
Hack: Look for hidden gems in growing neighborhoods. That slightly sketchy street today? Tomorrow, it’s hipster central.
Land Improvements
Land upgrades—like adding roads, utilities, or buildings—skyrocket their value. It’s like taking a plain cake and frosting it with everything good.
Hack: If you’re investing, buy land before it gets "improved." The early bird gets the ridiculously high ROI.
Real Estate and the Economy
This industry doesn’t just trade properties, it powers the economy. From job creation to local business growth, every handshake over a deed is a mini-economic boost.
Skills Needed
Communication: Selling a property? You’re not just moving bricks and mortar; you’re selling dreams.
Market Knowledge: Trends change, and so does property value. Be the first to know.
Negotiation: This isn’t just about getting the best deal; it’s about making everyone think they got the best deal.
Patience: Deals don’t close overnight. Stay calm and persistent.
Adaptability: The market is unpredictable—ride the waves without sinking.
Getting Started in Real Estate
Get Licensed: Yeah, it’s boring, but it's your ticket into the game.
Study the Market: Know the hotspots, the not-spots, and everything in between.
Network Like Crazy: Attend events, join groups, or just chat up that one neighbor who knows everyone.
Hone Your Hustle: Practice pitching, negotiating, and smiling through even the oddest buyer demands.
My Friendly Advice
Living around real estate pros taught me this: don’t just watch—engage. Ask questions, learn the tricks, and pick up the lingo. And if you love it, go all in. Real estate is about connecting with people, mastering the market, and finding opportunities where others see obstacles.
Sure, it’s not always glamorous—there’s paperwork, demanding clients, and the occasional “fixer-upper” that’s one gust of wind away from falling over. But when you close a deal or see someone’s face light up when they find the one, it’s all worth it.
Steps to Join Real Estate in Canada
Here’s a roadmap to becoming a real estate pro in Canada.
1. Research and Licensing Requirements
First things first, real estate isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig in Canada. Each province has its own set of hoops to jump through. For example, in Saskatchewan, you’ll need to complete pre-licensing courses approved by the Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission (SREC).
Pro Tip: Think of this step as reading the recipe before baking. You don’t want to end up with a cake—or career—that didn’t rise because you skipped the basics.
2. Complete the Courses
These pre-licensing courses are your crash course in all things real estate: property law, ethics, contracts, and the art of sealing the deal. It’s where you learn the difference between a lien and a lease (trust me, you’ll need this).
Bonus: Some courses might throw in a module on “How Not to Panic When Your Client Wants a House That Doesn’t Exist.” You’ll thank them later.
3. Pass the Licensing Exam
Now it’s showtime. After completing your coursework, you’ll take the provincial licensing exam. Ace this, and you’re officially on your way to becoming a real estate professional.
Hint: Treat this like your driver’s test—study hard, stay calm, and avoid crashing (figuratively, of course).
4. Join a Brokerage
No, this isn’t Hogwarts, but yes, you’ll need to join a “house.” A real estate brokerage will be your professional home, offering you mentorship, resources, and the legal ability to operate. It’s where you’ll learn the ropes and probably discover how many ways a deal can go sideways (don’t worry, you’ll figure it out).
5. Build Your Career
Now the real fun begins. Start networking like it’s your new favorite hobby, build a client list, and put your name out there. Success in real estate is all about relationships—people need to trust you before they’ll let you help them make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Pro Tip: Always carry business cards, charm, and a willingness to answer the inevitable “So, what’s the market like these days?” at every dinner party.
Real estate in Canada is more than just selling houses, it’s about building trust, adapting to trends, and loving the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re helping a family find their dream home or guiding an investor to their next big win, it’s a career full of challenges, rewards, and the occasional weird story about why someone needed a secret room in the basement.
Go on, make your mark! And remember, the key to success in real estate is knowing when to talk—and when to let the client do the talking. 😉
Master the art of listening. Buyers and sellers often reveal their true priorities between the lines—whether it’s the dream of a big backyard or the need to close a deal fast. Tune into their story, and you’ll not only win their trust but also tailor solutions they didn’t even realize they needed. Oh, and never underestimate the power of enthusiasm—sometimes, your excitement about a property can be contagious enough to seal the deal! 😊
Here’s the ultimate crash course on real estate, with a dash of wit, professionalism, and my "been-there-heard-that" touch. Let’s break it down.
How Real Estate Works
Real estate is like the lovechild of business and Monopoly. It revolves around buying, selling, leasing, and managing properties—cozy homes, sleek commercial buildings, or raw land just waiting to become someone’s empire. Think of it as matchmaking for spaces: you connect buyers and sellers and make sure everyone walks away feeling like they’ve won.
Roles in Real Estate
Real Estate Agents
These are the deal-makers, the negotiators, and sometimes, the accidental therapists (buyers can get emotional about countertops). Agents earn a commission—a slice of the selling price pie, shared among the buyer's agent, seller's agent, and broker.
Hack: Become the go-to person with charm, market knowledge, and the ability to turn “not enough closet space” into “imagine the minimalism you’ll embrace!”
Real Estate Investors
These treasure hunters buy properties, wait for the market to do its magic, and sell for a profit—or rent them out for a steady income. Some go solo, others team up, pooling resources for bigger deals.
Hack: Look for hidden gems in growing neighborhoods. That slightly sketchy street today? Tomorrow, it’s hipster central.
Land Improvements
Land upgrades—like adding roads, utilities, or buildings—skyrocket their value. It’s like taking a plain cake and frosting it with everything good.
Hack: If you’re investing, buy land before it gets "improved." The early bird gets the ridiculously high ROI.
Real Estate and the Economy
This industry doesn’t just trade properties, it powers the economy. From job creation to local business growth, every handshake over a deed is a mini-economic boost.
Skills Needed
Communication: Selling a property? You’re not just moving bricks and mortar; you’re selling dreams.
Market Knowledge: Trends change, and so does property value. Be the first to know.
Negotiation: This isn’t just about getting the best deal; it’s about making everyone think they got the best deal.
Patience: Deals don’t close overnight. Stay calm and persistent.
Adaptability: The market is unpredictable—ride the waves without sinking.
Getting Started in Real Estate
Get Licensed: Yeah, it’s boring, but it's your ticket into the game.
Study the Market: Know the hotspots, the not-spots, and everything in between.
Network Like Crazy: Attend events, join groups, or just chat up that one neighbor who knows everyone.
Hone Your Hustle: Practice pitching, negotiating, and smiling through even the oddest buyer demands.
My Friendly Advice
Living around real estate pros taught me this: don’t just watch—engage. Ask questions, learn the tricks, and pick up the lingo. And if you love it, go all in. Real estate is about connecting with people, mastering the market, and finding opportunities where others see obstacles.
Sure, it’s not always glamorous—there’s paperwork, demanding clients, and the occasional “fixer-upper” that’s one gust of wind away from falling over. But when you close a deal or see someone’s face light up when they find the one, it’s all worth it.
Steps to Join Real Estate in Canada
Here’s a roadmap to becoming a real estate pro in Canada.
1. Research and Licensing Requirements
First things first, real estate isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig in Canada. Each province has its own set of hoops to jump through. For example, in Saskatchewan, you’ll need to complete pre-licensing courses approved by the Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission (SREC).
Pro Tip: Think of this step as reading the recipe before baking. You don’t want to end up with a cake—or career—that didn’t rise because you skipped the basics.
2. Complete the Courses
These pre-licensing courses are your crash course in all things real estate: property law, ethics, contracts, and the art of sealing the deal. It’s where you learn the difference between a lien and a lease (trust me, you’ll need this).
Bonus: Some courses might throw in a module on “How Not to Panic When Your Client Wants a House That Doesn’t Exist.” You’ll thank them later.
3. Pass the Licensing Exam
Now it’s showtime. After completing your coursework, you’ll take the provincial licensing exam. Ace this, and you’re officially on your way to becoming a real estate professional.
Hint: Treat this like your driver’s test—study hard, stay calm, and avoid crashing (figuratively, of course).
4. Join a Brokerage
No, this isn’t Hogwarts, but yes, you’ll need to join a “house.” A real estate brokerage will be your professional home, offering you mentorship, resources, and the legal ability to operate. It’s where you’ll learn the ropes and probably discover how many ways a deal can go sideways (don’t worry, you’ll figure it out).
5. Build Your Career
Now the real fun begins. Start networking like it’s your new favorite hobby, build a client list, and put your name out there. Success in real estate is all about relationships—people need to trust you before they’ll let you help them make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Pro Tip: Always carry business cards, charm, and a willingness to answer the inevitable “So, what’s the market like these days?” at every dinner party.
Real estate in Canada is more than just selling houses, it’s about building trust, adapting to trends, and loving the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re helping a family find their dream home or guiding an investor to their next big win, it’s a career full of challenges, rewards, and the occasional weird story about why someone needed a secret room in the basement.
Go on, make your mark! And remember, the key to success in real estate is knowing when to talk—and when to let the client do the talking. 😉
Hosna recommends the following next steps: