Getting real estate jobs Canmore is a simple process for those who take the time to complete each step. Last month, we went over the first two steps in becoming a REALTOR® in Alberta. Becoming an agent is a rewarding and in-demand career. One of the most common questions that we get about being an agent, is what the process is like to get your real estate license. It can be hard to find the right information about starting your career as an agent. However, that’s why we wanted to write this article series about how you can obtain your real estate license in Alberta! In this post, we cover the last steps in getting your real estate license.
Follow along below to learn more about this topic!
Step 3: Get a Criminal Record Check for Real Estate Jobs in Canmore
As you get closer to obtaining your real estate license, you must have a certified criminal record check (CCRC) completed. A CCRC is a certified fingerprint-based criminal record search for non-criminal purposes that is conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ottawa. This can be done by your local law enforcement branch upon your request. RECA needs to have received and processed your CCRC before you can become licensed. Furthermore, if you are an agent who has not been licensed with a brokerage in the past 12 months, then you also need to submit a CCRC.
The reason that RECA requires you to have a CCRC is to insure buyers and sellers that agents are reputable. Moreover, requiring a CCRC helps to prevent mortgage fraud. If you are curious about how long it will take, you can visit the RCMP website for approximate processing times. Generally, you can expect the process to take 2-3 weeks. In addition, if you want to avoid delays, your CCRC can be completed no more than 6 months prior to the data you apply to RECA for your license. This is because your CCRC is only valid for 6 months!
Once your CCRC has been processed by RECA, you will receive an email.
Step 4: Join a Brokerage like RE/MAX Alpine Realty!
The next step is to join a brokerage. In order to get a real estate license, you need to be employed by a brokerage. As you look for a brokerage to work with, it is important that you take your time—just as you would when finding any new job. Not all brokerages are created equal. So, it is important to find one that matches your best interests. For example, do you want to work somewhere with lots of opportunities for mentorship? Do you want the brokerage to be big? Small?
Before you make your decision, consider making a list of things that you want in your ideal brokerage. This will help you weed out some of the options. Moreover, when you are meeting with brokers about joining their team, be sure to ask lots of questions. Below, we have listed some inspiration for questions you might want to ask:
- How are new agents supported in this brokerage?
- Are there any costs associated with brokerage training or support?
- Does this brokerage offer any continuous learning opportunities?
- Does the brokerage pay commissions by cheque or direct deposit?
- What resources are available to agents at this brokerage?
- What areas of real estate does this brokerage generally practice?
- Is this brokerage part of a franchise? If yes, what does this mean for agents?
- How many people are employed by this brokerage?
- How long has this brokerage been in operation?
- Who will pay for my licensing fees?
Once your brokerage hires you, you will need to complete employment contracts and your licensing application.
Step 5: Apply for your Real Estate License in Alberta
Congratulations! You’re on the last step of your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent! Now that you have been hired by a brokerage, your broker will begin the licensing process. In order to complete the process, they will need to have your myRECA username. Once they begin the process, you can complete the remainder of the application from your myRECA account. Then, your broker will review your application and determine if they are going to accept it or not. If your license application is successful, either you or your broker will need to pay the licensing fees. As soon as your fees have been paid, you are ready to begin work as a real estate agent!
Contact us About Real Estate Jobs in Canmore!
If you are looking for real estate jobs in Canmore, contact us today! We’d be happy to help you get started with a career in real estate. For more information about the process of becoming an agent, check back on our blog next month for part two of obtaining your real estate license. Additional information about becoming an agent can be found here. Be sure to stay tuned to our social media for more exciting content!