2025-26 Guide to Becoming a REALTOR in Canada

Thinking about a career in BC real estate?

Becoming a REALTOR in BC gives you the freedom to be your own boss, chase limitless earnings, and experience the joy of helping people find their perfect home.

This guide walks you through the steps required to launching your real estate career in British Columbia, Canada in 2025.

1. Get Licensed as a REALTOR® in BC

Your first step to becoming a real estate agent in British Columbia, Canada is completing the Real Estate Trading Services Licensing Course with UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

✔️ REALTOR pre-licensing is offered by the University of British Columbia, covering essential topics like real estate law, ethics, valuation, and finance.

✔️ Next, you’ll complete the Real Estate Trading Services Licensing Exam with a 70% grade.

✔️ You’ll also complete 20 assignments in the applied practice course (within 6 months of getting your license), the English Language Proficiency Requirement, and a criminal record check.

You can take the course online or in person across BC, then apply for your real estate license with the BC Financial Services Authority.

In 2025, the BC real estate course costs $1,450.

Not sure where to start as a new broker? Contact Vantage West Realty in Kelowna for help.

2. Join a Real Estate Agency or Do It Yourself...

Once you're licensed, you can either join a well-established brokerage, create your own, or start out as an independent agent.

Joining a Brokerage

Most new REALTORS in BC start their careers at a brokerage firm.

Working under a brokerage gives you access to mentorship, branding, administrative support, and a network of experienced agents who can guide you through your first deals.

You’ll also get access to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platforms and valuable industry tools.

When choosing a brokerage, consider factors like:

• Commission Splits – Some brokerages offer higher splits in exchange for monthly fees, while others take a larger cut but cover more expenses.

• Training & Support – Look for a brokerage firm that provides in-depth training, especially if you’re new to the industry.

• Reputation & Market Presence – A well-known brand can help you fill your sales pipeline with potential clients through proven lead generation systems.

• Office Culture & Work Environment – You’ll be spending a significant amount of time with your RE colleagues, so find a firm that aligns with your work style and values right from the start.

Becoming an Independent Agent

If you’re confident in your ability to generate leads, manage contracts, and market yourself, you might make it as an independent agent.

Being a lone-wolf gives you more control over your business and commission earnings, but comes with more responsibilities:

• Marketing & Branding – Advertising services, creating a brand, and building a network & online presence.

• Administrative Tasks – Managing paperwork, contracts, and compliance with BC’s real estate regulations.

• Lead Generation – Without a brokerage’s lead-generation system, you’ll need to find clients through word of mouth, referrals, your own website & social media, and community engagement.

Not sure which path is right for you?

Reach out to Vantage West Realty for expert guidance on launching your real estate career in BC.

Starting with our Kelowna brokerage gets you the experience you’ll need to one day launch your own boutique, firm or partnership.

Starting Your Own Brokerage

For those with experience and a solid understanding of market dynamics, launching your own brokerage in the real estate market — but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Running a real estate firm requires substantial financial investment, extensive regulatory compliance, and the ability to recruit and manage a team of agents.

You’ll need to:

• Get a Managing Broker License – After getting your initial real estate license you can get a broker license via additional coursework and experience.

• Meet the Financial Requirements – Starting a brokerage comes with significant costs like office space, marketing expenses, insurance, and legal fees.

• Comply with BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) Regulations – Make sure all agents in your firm adhere to BC’s strict real estate compliance standards.

• Recruit and Train – A successful brokerage depends on attracting top talent and providing your agents with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.

With the complexity and financial risks involved, most new REALTORS opt to build their careers within an established brokerage rather than going at it alone.

Next, agents typically move upwards within a firm, switch brokerages due to petty differences, or choose to go their own way and run a brokerage.

How to Grow Your Client Base in BC’s Real Estate Market

Once you’ve secured your place in the industry, your next challenge is to build a steady stream of new clientele and work your client database.

Success in real estate depends on your ability to market yourself, build relationships, continually improve your skills, and run a strong lead generation system.

Networking & Lead Generation

Lead Generation: Cold Calling & Online Marketing

If you work with a real estate brokerage you should have access to a list of contacts to prospect into leads, potential leads, and duds. Call them using a traditional call, get active online, or work for a firm with an inside sales team that handles the job for you.

Online Presence

Get more leads by maintaining an active website and social media presence. Use strong branding, compelling words, helpful content, and SEO to help potential clients find you.

Social Media Marketing

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are great for showcasing listings and engaging with buyers and sellers.

Email & Direct Mail Campaigns

Send market updates, showcase new listings, and offer your own industry insights to keep you top of mind with your prospects and past clients.

Community Involvement

Attend networking events, join industry groups, or create online content to build up your reputation and grow your network.

Sphere of Influence (SOI)

Reach out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may need real estate services or can refer you to others.

Personal Branding

Whether you join a firm or go at it alone you’ll need to develop your own personal brand.

In an industry where trust and reputation are everything, your brand is what sets you apart from the competition.

More than a logo & tagline—your brand is a unique identity that portrays the values you stand for, your experience, and the benefits you can offer vs the competition.

Continuing Education & Specialization

Making your clients happy enough to turn yourself into an established brand-name means staying ahead of industry trends, requirements, and market dynamics.

• Certifications & Designations – Set yourself apart from the competition by specializing in an area like luxury homes, investment properties, or working with first-time buyers.

• Market Knowledge – Staying informed on local trends, mortgage rates, and new regulations to make your guidance more reliable, valuable, and believable.

• Coaching & Mentorship – Working with an experienced mentor or coach who can help you refine your skills and accelerate your growth.

Look for Happy Clients

As you go about your real estate journey, notice what sets your happy clients apart from everyone else.

Start asking these people for honest reviews, referrals, testimonials, and feedback to get you at the top of your game.

When you first become a realtor in BC, Canada, you’re bound to experience challenges in finding good clients, keeping them happy throughout the buying and selling process, and managing rejection.

Navigating Challenges in Your First Year

The first year as a REALTOR can be tough, but staying committed to learning and improving will help you succeed.

Here are the top 10 challenges and most common hurdles you can expect as a new real estate agent in BC:

Top 10 Challenges New REALTORS Face in BC

1. Generating Leads – Building a steady pipeline of buyers and sellers takes time, effort, and strategic marketing.

2. Building a Personal Brand – Establishing credibility and a unique identity in the market requires consistency and effort.

3. Managing Rejection – Not every client will choose to work with you; sometimes personalities and priorities clash, but you’ll have to get used to overcoming rejection. Persistence and perseverance are key to building any business.

4. Market Competition – The BC real estate industry is saturated with experienced agents, making it tough to stand out.

5. Slow Start with Clients – It takes time to build a pipeline, so focus on networking and outreach in your local area.

6. Managing Marketing & Advertising Costs – Running ads, maintaining a website, and promoting listings can be expensive.

7. Inconsistent Income – Deals can be unpredictable, and slow months can strain finances without a solid savings plan.

8. Mastering Negotiation & Communication – Effective deal-making and client management are skills that take time to develop.

9. Navigating Licensing & Regulations – Understanding BC’s real estate laws, contracts, and compliance rules is crucial but complex.

10. Balancing Work & Personal Life – Real estate demands long hours, evening showings, weekend availability, and strong organizational skills, making work-life balance challenging during the first few years.

Vantage West Real Estate Agents in Kelowna

New agents often thrive best in a brokerage that offers training, marketing support, and lead generation tools.

At Vantage West Realty, we equip our agents with the leverage and resources needed to build a thriving real estate business.

Looking for an award-winning real estate agency in Kelowna, BC?

Contact Vantage West Realty today and take the first step in your real estate career.

Navigating Challenges in Your First Year

The first year as a REALTOR can be tough, but staying committed to learning and improving will help you succeed.

Here are the top 10 challenges and most common hurdles you can expect as a new real estate agent in BC:

1. Generating Leads – Building a steady pipeline of buyers and sellers takes time, effort, and strategic marketing.

2. Building a Personal Brand – Establishing credibility and a unique identity in the market requires consistency and effort.

3. Managing Rejection – Not every client will choose to work with you; sometimes personalities and priorities clash, but you’ll have to get used to overcoming rejection. Persistence and perseverance are key to building any business.

4. Market Competition – The BC real estate industry is saturated with experienced agents, making it tough to stand out.

5. Slow Start with Clients – It takes time to build a pipeline, so focus on networking and outreach in your local area.

6. Managing Marketing & Advertising Costs – Running ads, maintaining a website, and promoting listings can be expensive.

7. Inconsistent Income – Deals can be unpredictable, and slow months can strain finances without a solid savings plan.

8. Mastering Negotiation & Communication – Effective deal-making and client management are skills that take time to develop.

9. Navigating Licensing & Regulations – Understanding BC’s real estate laws, contracts, and compliance rules is crucial but complex.

10. Balancing Work & Personal Life – Real estate demands long hours, evening showings, weekend availability, and strong organizational skills, making work-life balance challenging during the first few years.

Join Vantage West Group in Kelowna & West Kelowna, BC

At Vantage West Realty, we equip our agents with everything they need to build a thriving business.

• Training & Mentorship - meet one-on-one with AJ Hazzi, our founder, senior agents, and internal groups to up your real estate game.
• Lead Generation Systems - an inside sales team to help you find more clients the hard way.
• Online Marketing - Social media, video content, and an SEO-supported website are all done for you at the Vantage West Group.

Starting out as a new broker? Contact Vantage West Realty in Kelowna for help.

If you're looking at starting your real estate career in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, give us a call or send us a message for guidance on becoming a REALTOR, or taking the next step in your career.

Annual Responsibilities for Realtors in BC

1. Real Estate License Renewal – Realtors must renew their license annually through the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) and ensure all fees are paid.
   
   

2. Continuing Education (RECBC Relicensing Course) – Agents must complete required professional development courses to maintain their license and stay compliant.
   
   

3. Professional Liability Insurance (E&O Insurance) – Errors & Omissions Insurance must be renewed every year to remain licensed and legally protected.
   
   

4. Board & Association Membership Dues – Realtors affiliated with the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) or a local board (e.g., OMREB, REBGV) must pay annual membership fees.
   
   

5. Tax Filings & Financial Planning – Annual income tax filings, GST/HST remittances, and expense tracking are crucial for financial health.
   
   

6. Marketing & Branding Updates – Updating website content, social media strategies, and marketing materials helps stay relevant in the competitive market.
   
   

7. Database & CRM Maintenance – Keep your contacts updated and follow up with past clients to generate a consistent lead pipeline.
   
   

8. Client Engagement & Appreciation – Hosting annual client appreciation events, sending holiday gifts, or personalized check-ins strengthens relationships and referrals.
   
   

9. Market & Legislative Updates – Stay well informed on BC real estate market trends, government regulations, and policy changes so you ensure compliance and provide excellent service.
   
   

10. Business Strategy Review – Analyze your past performance honestly and set new sales goals to help you maintain momentum and adapt to predictable changes in the market.
    

Contact Vantage West Realty, or call 250-717-3133.

We're a top-rated independent real estate agency in Kelowna, BC, Canada with a unique buyer's and seller's system, a deep mentorship program, and a group of award-winning Kelowna REALTORS.