Real Estate Sales Agent

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Real Estate Sales Agent?

A Real Estate Sales Agent is a licensed professional who assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. They serve as the mediator between buyers and sellers, providing advice, conducting negotiations, and helping clients understand the complexities of real estate transactions.

Sample job titles:

Real Estate Agent, Realtor, Realtor Associate, Sales Agent

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Real Estate Sales Agent.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Real Estate Sales Agent earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Real Estate Sales Agent.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$32K per year	$27K per year	$58K per year	$106K per year	$178K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.6K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Real Estate Sales Agent do?

Work environment

Real Estate Sales Agents typically work in a real estate office, but much of their time is spent outside the office: visiting properties, meeting with clients, and attending networking and marketing events. They often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate clients' schedules.

Quick task list

Advises clients on market conditions, prices, and mortgages.
Arranges property showings and open houses.
Prepares and submits documents, like offer letters and purchase agreements.
Promotes sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and listing services.
Negotiates prices and terms on behalf of clients.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Real Estate: Specializing in the sale and rental of homes and apartments.
Commercial Real Estate: Focusing on business properties, such as office spaces and retail locations.
Luxury Real Estate: Dealing with high-end properties and affluent clients.
Rural and Agricultural Real Estate: Specializing in farms, ranches, and rural properties.
Property Management: Managing properties on behalf of owners, including leasing and maintenance.

Description

Real Estate Sales Agents play a crucial role in the housing market, guiding clients through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. They need to have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market, be knowledgeable about property law, financing options, and government programs. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as building trust and rapport with clients is crucial for a successful career in real estate.

Agents must be self-motivated and proactive in seeking out new clients and listings. Marketing skills are increasingly important in this role, as agents need to effectively promote properties and their services through various channels, including social media. The job can be competitive and requires resilience, as agents often face fluctuating market conditions and income.

Career growth in real estate sales can be significant, with opportunities to become a Real Estate Broker or to specialize in a particular type of property or client. Success in this field often comes from dedication, excellent customer service, and a strong professional network.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Helping clients find their ideal home or property.
The potential for high earnings based on commission.
Flexibility and variety in daily work activities.

You might make a good Real Estate Sales Agent if you are...

Passionate about real estate and enjoy helping others.
Good at networking and building relationships.
Comfortable with negotiation and persuasion.
Self-motivated and able to handle work independently.
Organized and attentive to details, especially in legal and financial aspects.

Pros:

High earning potential through commissions.
Flexible work schedule and variety in daily tasks.
Opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

Cons:

Income can be unpredictable and largely commission-based.
Work hours can be long and irregular, including weekends.
The job can be competitive and stressful, especially in fluctuating markets.

How to become a Real Estate Sales Agent

Typical education

Real Estate Sales Agents typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete approved real estate education or training courses. Licensure is required in the jurisdiction where they work and usually involves passing a licensing examination. Some agents choose to pursue additional education (coursework or a degree in real estate, business, or a related field) to support career advancement.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies to understand basic business principles.
Mathematics for financial calculations and understanding mortgages.
Psychology to develop skills in understanding client needs and negotiation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Join debate or public speaking clubs to improve communication skills.
Participate in business clubs or competitions.
Volunteer in community service to build interpersonal skills.

Preparation after high school

Complete a real estate training program and obtain a license.
Gain experience through internships or working as an assistant in a real estate office.
Network and build contacts in the real estate industry.
Continuously learn about market trends, property law, and financing.

More resources

National Association of Realtors (NAR) - Provides educational resources and industry news for real estate professionals.
Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) - Offers certifications and training for real estate professionals.
Inman - A resource for real estate news, technology, and professional development.
Zillow Premier Agent - Offers tools and resources for real estate agents, including training and market insights.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.