If you think that selling real estate takes little more than knowing the right sales pitch, think again.
When consumers today choose a
REALTOR® to help them buy or sell a home, they are enlisting the services of a professional who has undergone an intensive program of self-study and examination.
To sell real estate in Manitoba, an individual must successfully complete all the necessary courses required for registration under The Real Estate Brokers Act. These courses are offered by the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) on behalf of the Manitoba
Securities Commission which administers the act. An individual must also be at least 18 years of age, a permanent resident of Canada for at least one year and be employed by a registered
broker.
A successful career in real estate doesn’t just happen; it requires diligence, flexibility and hard work. The rewards, however, can be great and the potential for growth limitless.
What does it take to be a good REALTOR®?
To understand the individual needs of their client and provide the best possible service and advice, a REALTOR® needs to be a good listener and a good communicator. Things don’t always go smoothly in this fast-paced, ever-changing business, so a REALTOR® needs to be objective, confident and service oriented.
Listings don’t just arrive out the blue. A REALTOR® must be self-motivated. It takes hard work and lots of referrals to build up a solid client base. As with many professions, a REALTOR® needs to be flexible enough to be able to work with all types of people, and at all kinds of hours while dealing with disruptions to their daily life.
Honesty and professionalism are the cornerstones of the real estate business. Everything a REALTOR® does in his or her real estate dealings affects them, their ethics, their brokerage and their profession. Trustworthiness and good business ethics are key to ongoing success.
In addition to these essential traits, a REALTOR® needs some specific skills. A basic grounding in the fundamentals of math is necessary for measuring and appraising property and for arranging mortgage financing.
A REALTOR® also needs to be a good “sleuth” in order to search for legal documents and assist clients in finding that one-of-a-kind deal they are seeking. As well, a REALTOR® needs to be able to juggle showing properties, taking
listings, handling offers and negotiations, often all at the same time.
In today’s technologically-driven economy, it is also vital that a REALTOR® have the basic computer skills to access the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) as well as other systems and data.
Finally, a REALTOR® must be able to negotiate in a manner that is mutually acceptable to all parties so that a successful transaction can be made. To do this effectively, a REALTOR® must quickly understand the needs and wants of sellers and buyers. And, they must genuinely enjoy working and dealing with the people who have placed their trust in them.
Purchasing or selling property is a very complex business. REALTORS® who are well-educated, knowledgeable, sincere and able to provide sound, effective and timely professional advice will do well.
— provided by the Mantoba Real
Estate Association.