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 decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. 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. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 63% 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
$11.55
Minimum$18.00
Median$32.01
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$24,094
Median$81,779
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- Solicit property sales listings from prospective vendors.
- Assist vendors in selling property by establishing asking price, advertising the property, listing the property with listing services and conducting open houses for prospective buyers.
- Assist 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
To work in this field 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
- Completion of high school is required.
- Completion of a real estate training course is required.
- Provincial or territorial 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
Northern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
Educational Services
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$41,086 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$40,218 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$41,808 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$39,284 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$52,648 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Real estate
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to develop, buy, sell, appraise, and manage real property. These programs include courses in land use development policy, real estate law, real estate marketing procedures, agency management, brokerage, property inspection and appraisal, real estate investing, leased and rental properties, commercial real estate, and property management.
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 work in this job.