A hot housing market in central Alberta
means there’s no better time to consider a
career in real estate. More than 10,000
real estate professionals are licensed by
the Real Estate Council of Alberta
(www.reca.ca).
In central Alberta, there are
approximately 500 real estate brokers and
agents (also known as associates)
working in an estimated 50 real estate
offices. Brokers own and operate real
estate offices (brokerages), while
associates are independent business
people who trade in real estate on behalf
of a brokerage.
Nancy Mackie, executive officer with the
Red Deer and District Real Estate Board
(www.rdreb.ca) says there is a demand
for new associates in the region.
“Brokers around the area are always
looking for new people to come into the
industry,” says Mackie.
A career in real estate is a demanding but
rewarding job that requires motivation
and commitment to customer service.
Associates work for clients on a
commission basis, selling, leasing and
renting houses, condos, apartments,
commercial buildings, land and other real
estate.
“For people who sell real estate, it gets
into their blood. It’s a challenging,
exciting career,” says Mackie.
Real estate realities
Real estate is a highly competitive field
with no guaranteed salary. Many new
associates leave the industry within two
years. Earnings are dependent on local
market conditions and the state of the
economy. Commissions can vary greatly
from month to month.
The 2005 Alberta Wage and Salary
Survey found a wide variation in pay for
people working in real estate. Part-time
and full-time starting salaries for real
estate associates and salespersons ranged
from a low of $13,000 per year up to
$90,300 per year.
Personal job expenses vary and usually
include licensing fees, insurance, real
estate board or association dues,
advertising and office costs. Associates
may be required to work any time of the
day or night, on weekends and holidays,
in order to suit their clients’ schedules.
They are nearly always on