Making a career change is something many people think about during tough Monday mornings or after a long week at work. If you're exploring real estate jobs in Canada, you're not alone—interest in real estate hiring, "real estate jobs near me," and other real estate employment opportunities has increased as people look for flexible, people-focused careers.
This guide shares practical tips for transitioning smoothly, plus a quick look at what real estate agent jobs actually involve and what other jobs within real estate might fit your strengths (including commercial real estate jobs, remote real estate jobs, and entry level real estate jobs).
The best way to switch into real estate
A successful career change usually comes down to:
- Understanding the day-to-day of a real estate job (not just the highlight reel)
- Choosing the right role (agent vs. broker track vs. corporate/support roles)
- Planning finances and time for a ramp-up period
- Building skills and consistency with small daily actions
- Starting structured education without quitting your job immediately
Pros vs. Cons of switching into real estate
Pros (why people choose real estate) — and what to be ready for
-
Pro: Flexible schedule and independence.
Con: Evenings and weekends can be common (client-driven calendar). -
Pro: Income upside over time (often commission-based).
Con: Income can be inconsistent, especially early on. -
Pro: Meaningful work helping clients through big milestones.
Con: Emotional situations and pressure. -
Pro: Variety (marketing, negotiation, strategy, showings).
Con: Heavy admin: docs, deadlines, compliance. -
Pro: Many paths: residential, commercial, operations.
Con: Ramp-up takes time and consistency; results usually aren't immediate.
Tip 1: Do your research on real estate agent jobs (not just the highlights)
Before making a career change, research what it's really like working in real estate agent jobs. Day-to-day responsibilities often include:
- Prospecting and follow-ups
- Client consultations (buyers and sellers)
- Market research and pricing strategy
- Writing offers, negotiating, and managing conditions
- Coordinating with lenders, lawyers, inspectors, and other agents
Also review job-market info and role expectations. For Canada-wide labour market data, region-level information, and role details, the Government of Canada Job Bank is a useful starting point.
Tip 2: Explore different real estate jobs (you may have more options than you think)
A career change doesn't have to mean "become an agent immediately." There are many different real estate jobs depending on your strengths and lifestyle goals:
- Entry level real estate jobs (assistant, coordinator, admin, marketing support)
- Part time real estate jobs (possible, but requires consistent availability and follow-up)
- Remote real estate jobs (more common in operations, marketing, coordination, or support)
- Commercial real estate jobs (often longer cycles; relationship-driven)
- Salaried real estate jobs (more common in corporate real estate, operations, or support roles)
- Real estate broker jobs (often additional responsibility/education depending on province)
And if you like the industry but not sales, adjacent paths like property management jobs, property management positions, and home staging jobs can be a better fit.
Tip 3: Find a mentor (or a network) before you make the leap
Talk to a few professionals in different roles—someone in real estate agent jobs, someone who understands real estate broker jobs, and if possible someone in commercial real estate jobs. Ask:
- What does a typical week look like?
- What do new agents struggle with most?
- What would you do differently in your first 90 days?
- How long did it take to build a consistent income?
Better yet, connect with several people across different jobs within real estate so you can compare paths.
Tip 4: Plan the practicalities (finances, time, and expectations)
Career changes go better with a realistic plan:
- Review your budget and build a buffer (variable income is common early on)
- Decide whether you're transitioning gradually (often best)
- Block weekly time for learning, networking, and admin practice
- If you're attracted to high paying real estate jobs, treat your first phase like building a pipeline and reputation—results usually compound with consistency.
Tip 5: Do something every day (small steps compound fast)
Changing careers doesn't need to be dramatic. A low-stress transition could look like:
- 20–30 minutes of learning per day
- 10 minutes of outreach/networking per day
- One small business-building action (systems, scripts, scheduling, follow-up plan)
Small steps create momentum—and momentum creates confidence.
Take a course (without quitting your current job)
You don't need to quit immediately to get started. Structured education helps you build confidence and momentum.
- Start with the basics: Fundamentals of Real Estate
- Then learn real-world transaction flow: Practice of Residential Real Estate
- If you're planning to practise in Alberta, follow the step-by-step guide: Alberta licensing pathway
- For official Alberta requirements and updates, see the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are real estate agent jobs hard for career changers?
They can be at first. Real estate agent jobs usually require consistent lead generation, strong follow-up, and comfort with negotiation and paperwork.
Are there entry level real estate jobs if I'm switching careers?
Yes. Entry level real estate jobs (and entry level real estate positions) can include assistant, coordinator, administration, marketing, or operations roles—often a solid way to learn before moving into sales.
Can I do part time real estate jobs while changing careers?
Sometimes. Part time real estate jobs can work if you can stay consistent with follow-up and remain available when deals move quickly.
What other jobs within real estate should I consider?
Beyond agent and broker roles, jobs within real estate can include corporate roles, commercial roles, and some remote real estate jobs in operations, coordination, or marketing.
Ready to get licensed?
Our Real Estate Course Bundle gives you both the 'Fundamentals of Real Estate' and the 'Practice of Residential Real Estate' courses with built-in savings and a study path tailored to you.