Is becoming a real estate broker for me?

Finding a field that you are passionate about and that will motivate you to excel every day is not always easy. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?

Is real estate brokerage on your list of options? Or you are ready to go into real estate but are not sure if you have the right profile? Here are some tips to help you decide if becoming a real estate broker is right for you.

What is a real estate broker's job like?

The work of a real estate broker varies from day to day, with some periods busier than others.

 

What is their role?

The role of a residential real estate broker is to act as an intermediary in the sale, rental or purchase of real estate: houses, condos, plexes (multi-units) or land.

The practice of real estate brokerage is regulated by the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ). The organization's mission is to ensure that real estate brokerage standards and laws are respected in order to protect the public.

The role of real estate brokers

Their main tasks

As a self-employed person, the real estate broker is in charge of finding clients. A lesser known part of becoming a real estate broker is the need to solicit. The search for prospects is an important task that will require a lot of time, especially in the early years, the time to build the clientele.

However, the most important part of the job is to accompany clients through all the steps of their buying, selling or renting process:

  • Analyze their needs.
  • Advise them to make the right decisions.
  • Negotiate and defend their interests.
  • Keep them informed about market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements, etc.
  • Answer all their real estate related questions.
  • Ensure that they clearly understand the entire real estate transaction process.

For buyer clients, the real estate broker's work consists of evaluating offers on the market, advising them in their search for properties, accompanying them during visits, in the depository of the offer to purchase and during the inspection.

On the seller's side, the broker estimates the market value of the property, ensures the visibility of the ad, organizes visits for potential buyers and accompanies them during the reception of purchase offers.

There are of course a multitude of other actions taken in between all these steps that may go unnoticed by the clients, but which are always aimed at serving the public well.

 

Variable hours

The work schedule of a real estate broker depends entirely on his clients. One week may be full of appointments and visits, while another may be quieter and more conducive to solicitation. In the same way, to adapt to the needs of the clients, the broker often works evenings and weekends.

Balancing work and personal life requires a little more management than a fixed schedule job, but one advantage of being self-employed is having control and being able to adapt as it works best for you.

The qualities and skills of a good real estate broker

What does it take to be a broker? What makes a good broker? Real estate brokerage is a demanding profession that requires several essential skills to succeed in the business.

 

Human qualities and good interpersonal skills

The real estate broker's job involves a lot of interaction not only with his clients, but also with his colleagues, the management of his agency and the various stakeholders involved in a real estate transaction. 


The main assets to become a real estate broker are his relational skills.


 A real estate broker must create a relationship of trust with his clients, understand their needs in order to be able to meet them, in order to become a true partner.

Human qualities to become a real estate broker

 A good knowledge of the real estate field

Real estate is a constantly evolving field and it is important to constantly educate oneself, to stay informed, to stay up to date on market news and to be familiar with the realities of the field throughout one's career.

 

Management and organizational skills

Being self-employed, regardless of the field, requires a great sense of organization and an entrepreneurial spirit. As mentioned above, real estate brokers manage their schedule and their time according to their files and the needs of their clients. Time management requires being proactive and disciplined in order to provide excellent customer service.

Thus, an important skill is to be able to manage stress well. Juggling multiple files can put pressure on you as much as a time-out can bring anxiety. You have to be prepared to deal with one situation as well as the other.

These qualities and skills are essential to becoming a real estate brokerage expert. Some are important when you first start out and others will develop with time and experience. As with any profession, real estate brokers evolve, improve and sharpen their expertise over the years to become the benchmark in the field. In fact, real estate brokers are required to take several training courses each year to keep their knowledge up to date.

The Sutton Difference

Becoming a real estate broker also means joining a banner and a real estate agency that correspond to your values. Sutton's values are transparency, integrity, collaboration and competence. Click here to discover the code of honor of Sutton Quebec brokers.

Testimonial of a Sutton real estate broker

Joining Sutton means :

  • Benefiting from the support and coaching of a dedicated management team.
  • Evolving according to your own objectives.
  • Having access to training and powerful tools to constantly evolve.
  • Receiving 100% commission for your work.
  • Being part of a big family with a collaborative spirit.
  • Bonus: free movement in the 200 Sutton offices across Canada.
  • And much more!

How to become a real estate broker?

To become a real estate broker, the OACIQ requires that you take and pass a basic real estate brokerage training program lasting approximately one year. This training is a prerequisite for obtaining a permit to practice real estate brokerage in Quebec.

The steps to become a real estate broker

If you are interested in learning more about the steps involved in becoming a real estate broker, consult our article on the subject: The steps involved in becoming a real estate broker.

Want to know more?

Write to us! Our team is available to answer any questions you may have, whether you're just starting to think about your career or are ready to start the training.

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