Calgary Real Estate Agent
Why become a real estate agent in the first place one might ask? You need to be able to sell both the house/property and yourself in a combined process that demands commitment, motivation, self-discipline and a flexible schedule. If you are a creature of habit and like a steady job with regular hours, then real estate agent is not for you! You should be prepared to meet clients anytime, on your time. Because you do not usually get a salary from whichever company you work for, you should be prepared for uncertainty as most real estate agents earn their paycheck on commission.
Newcomers may find this hard as initial sacrifices may eat up more time and money than they can bear, as a result, many real estate agents will take their brokerage part time and make a gradual switch over if they do not already have the funding in place. Real estate is a gratifying field, you are aiding people with the most important purchase of their lives in many cases, and more importantly you are giving them a chance to make a home out of an inanimate house. It takes work to make a home after all, just like it takes work to build your real estate business and let people trust you. You facilitate the buying and selling process by making things easier for both homebuyers and homesellers alike.
There are three steps or courses one must make in order to become a Calgary real estate agent, these being:
As of January 1st, 2006, all entry level agents into the Calgary Real Estate Board are required to take this 6 hour day or night class through CREB (Calgary Real Estate Board). Deciding whether or not real estate is for you is a key component to becoming one. Not only will you get perspective on real estate as a whole, but insight into the world of a broker. The first part of the course is a general overview of the industry and the role the real estate industry plays in the economy, the size of the industry and its various sectors. These include occupations in real estate and industry organizations. The second part of the course lets you imagine what it is like to work as a real estate agent. For more information you should visit the Calgary Real Estate Board Website (CREB) for course times and fees. (www.Calgaryrealestateboard.net). Upon completion of this course you may decide you wish to go on to step 2 – the Real estate Agent’s Program. Before this can take place, you have to pass a written examination at the conclusion of the Introductory course. This course will cost you approximately $180 of which $55 is paid to write the final exam.
The purpose of this course is to make certain that you have an sufficient understanding of the requirements needed to become a real estate agent. This course provides a base for your ensuing practical education.
Prerequisite for this program is the completion of the first step Introduction to a Career in Real Estate. You will also need a High School Diploma or the equivalent. Transcripts should be sent to the Alberta Real Estate Association before booking can commence.
The approximate cost of this course is $1145.00 and this includes a $500 fee for course materials and services are generously provided for by the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA).
The next step to marking your real estate career is at the Agent’s Licensing Program at the Calgary Real Estate Board. This 90-hour program prepares you for a real estate agents career. Core course weeks are week one and two. During the third week students may wish to choose either a Residential or Commercial option. For more information in the commercial real estate, its qualification and exams, contact the Alberta Real Estate Association, at 403.228.6845.
You need to successfully complete this course and the then write the Provincial Real Estate Qualifying Exam. Once you have passed the qualifying exam you are ready to become licensed with the Real Estate Council of Alberta and launch your new career from there.
Course Fee for either residential or commercial sessions: $1145.00
includes a $500 fee for course materials and services provided by the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA).
To register for the Real Estate Agents’ Program:
- Complete the Introduction to a Career in Real Estate course and pass the exam.
- Fill out the Alberta Real Estate Association Application Form and send to the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) with a copy of your driver’s licence or passport.
- Transcripts should be sent directly to AREA. Transcripts must be received at AREA before you will be permitted to register with CREB®
- Fill out the CREB Registration Form, (available online at http://www.calgaryrealestateboard.net/uploads/ed_creb_reg_form.pdf ) and fax to the Calgary Real Estate Board (403 ) 218-3687 with your payment information.
- Remember to make cheques payable to “The Calgary Real Estate Board”
- CREB also acceptS Visa®, MasterCard® and Debit Interac®
To view the course outline visit: http://www.calgaryrealestateboard.net/public/careers/bec-a-realtor/new-realtor-courses.php#courseoutline
This third and final step is mandatory if you are going to work for a company that is a solid member of the CREB. After completing the Real Estate Agents Program, the next step is to become a member of the Calgary Real Estate Board. This will allow you to access the Multiple Listing Service or MLS®.
This is a 3 day program that will cost approximately $214.00 (non-refundable) and the prerequisite is to first obtain sponsorship from a Member of the Calgary Real Estate Board. This is mandatory.
Upon successful completion of the orientation Course and a passing grade of at least 70% and your Broker or Manager has registered you with the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) you must fill out the application forms and pay the balance of the fees.
The total costs to becoming a Calgary real estate agent are found online at http://www.calgaryrealestateboard.net/public/careers/bec-a-realtor/costs-to-be-realtor.php
TOTAL COSTS WILL RUN YOU AT LEAST $3548.13 .
For those interested in the commercial division an additional fee of $256.80 will be required ontop of the course fee of $3548.13.
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