Embarking on a career in real estate isn’t always as simple as new agents think. There are bound to be some obstacles in the early stages, and one of the biggest is not knowing where to begin. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your journey a low-stress and successful one. It’s all about knowing the requirements, planning for the future, and regularly assessing the progress that you make towards your goals.

If you’re ready to get started in real estate, here are a few things you can do to set the scene for your success…

Get licensed

The first step to a career in real estate is obtaining a license to work in Ontario. Many aspiring agents don’t know that they’re now required to take courses and examinations through Humber College.

Your education, which is designed to give you a solid grasp of the real estate fundamentals, is split into two phases: pre and post-registration. After completing the first section, you’ll be required to register as a salesperson with RECO. The time it takes to complete the program will depend on your circumstances, but you’ll be given up to 24 months to do so.

Find the right brokerage

The brokerage you choose to work with is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a new agent. It helps set the stage for your potential success by determining the level of support you’ll receive.

At RE/MAX Professionals, we believe that laying a solid foundation is crucial for agents who are just getting started. We offer ongoing education, lead generation training, digital and print marketing resources, and (perhaps most importantly) top-tier leadership. Whichever team you decide to join, don’t settle for less than comprehensive, ongoing support.

Create a business plan

When it comes to setting yourself up for success, having a strong sense of direction is key. One of the most crucial steps you can take is crafting a strategic plan that lays out the big picture—from your target market to your goals to any obstacles you foresee.

The Harvard Business Review has found that entrepreneurs who spent 6 to 12 months creating a business plan had an 8 per cent greater chance of success than those who took longer. In other words: put some serious thought into the document you create, but remember that it should play a role in building your momentum—not hindering it.

Think about your niche

During the business-planning stage, don’t underestimate the importance of a well-developed niche. Too many new agents believe that serving a specific market will make it harder to obtain leads. The truth is, having one particular audience in mind will help you market more effectively—and truly understand the needs of your future clients.

Start by finding an underserved market, or the people you’re most passionate about helping. It could be based on their stage of life, the property type they’re buying or selling, their community, or something else altogether. So long as the market is large enough, identifying it could help define your niche—and your success.

Consider mentorship

As a new agent, you’re bound to make (and learn from) a few mistakes. Working through these experiences can help you become a better agent, and you don’t have to do it alone. A mentor can offer sage wisdom, personalized advice, and gentle guidance when you need it.

Every great relationship starts with a personal connection. That’s why those of us at RE/MAX Professionals are so dedicated to matching new agents with the right industry vets. Your mentor can be your main pillar of professional support, so long as they truly understand the unique challenges you face—and are fully invested in your success.

Ready to work with a team that has your best interests at heart? Contact us to learn more about the advantages of joining RE/MAX Professionals.