Real Estate Agents and Salespersons
(NOC 6232)
in All Sales and ServiceReal estate agents and salespersons act as agents for the sale or purchase of houses, apartments, commercial buildings, land, and other real estate and are employed in the real estate industry. They may specialize in residential, commercial, industrial/institutional, or rural real estate sales.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Real Estate Agents and Salespersons most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 64% of Real Estate Agents and Salespersons who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $31,488. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$24,094
Median$81,779
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Real estate agents and salespersons act as agents for the sale or purchase of houses, apartments, commercial buildings, land, and other real estate and are employed in the real estate industry. They may specialize in residential, commercial, industrial/institutional, or rural real estate sales.
Job duties
Real estate agents and salespersons:
- Solicit property sales listings from prospective vendors.
- Help vendors in selling property by establishing asking price, advertising the property, listing the property with listing services and conducting open houses for prospective buyers.
- Help prospective buyers in selecting, visiting, inspecting, and making offers of purchase on real estate properties.
- Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements, and related matters.
- Draw up sales agreements for approval of purchaser and seller.
- May rent or lease properties on behalf of clients.
Sample job titles
- real estate agent
- real estate broker
- real estate dealer
- real estate sales consultant
- real estate sales representative
- real estate sales supervisor
- real estate salesperson
Skills
You need excellent communication and negotiation skills. The ability to analyze complex information accurately and quickly is necessary for decision-making. Computer skills would be a definite asset.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A real estate training course is required.
- Licensure in the province or territory of employment is required.
Other considerations
Real estate agents and salespersons normally work on a commission basis. Real estate agents may operate independently by obtaining a broker's licence in accordance with the regulations of the province of employment. A broker's licence is required to become a manager in real estate.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Southern
North Shore
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Real estate and rental and leasing
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
65+
35-44
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$21,860 median annual incomeBachelor
$32,802 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,255 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$25,325 median annual incomeMaster
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Practice: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.