A career as a real estate agent is very challenging, rewarding, and financially gratifying. In Canada, if you are interested in the fast paced world of real estate, there are a number of steps you have to take to get your real estate license.
To get your license, you have to be at least eighteen years old. You had to have completed high school and be fluent in English. The criteria and regulations to be an agent will vary among the provinces so you need to check with your provincial real estate board to get the specific requirements. You have to take and pass a real estate exam. In most provinces, it is the Provincial Real Estate Board that is responsible for issuing the real estate exam.
One must take a real estate program before they take the licensing exam. You can take the course in a traditional classroom setting or online. You can check with your provincial real estate board to find out where programs are being held. You will take a number of courses. The first course covers such areas as what is involved with having a career as a real estate agent including what skills you need and what you have to do register as a real estate agent. The next course you take is a more detailed class on real estate that includes: the rules and regulations governing the Canadian real estate industry, National and Provincial laws for the real estate industry, and other aspects that deal with the policies concerning the real estate industry. The third course goes into the specifics of being a real estate agent. One will choose to study either Residential or Industrial Commercial Investment (ICI).
The Industrial Commercial Investment, ICI, course usually consists of 80 hours of classroom study. Areas of study include: vacant land procedures, retail sales, office building sales, and multiple unit sales. The Residential Course also requires about 80 hours of class time. Such areas covered include: marketing procedures, finding buyers, finding sellers, and how to plan for and present offers...etc. Both courses provide an in depth study of the real estate market so that one is ready to start their career as a real estate agent.
Once you have completed the real estate program, you must then apply to work for a real estate broker. You must then acquire a specific amount of hours of work experience before you take your licensing exam. The amount of work experience required will vary among provinces. Ask your employer or contact the real estate board about the criteria required to take the exam. Some provinces will require that you take a pre licensing course. The time it takes to get a real estate license in Canada will vary among the provinces. It also depends on how well one meets the criteria for the licensing requirements. The costs associated with getting a real estate license vary among the provinces. You will be required to pay for such fees as real estate courses, pre licensing expenses, and the exam fee.
There are many opportunities available to have a successful career as a real estate agent. There is a wide range of specialties that require specific certification but they are well worth exploring. Real agents are an important component of the real estate industry that offers potential agents a rewarding and stimulating career.
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