Full-Time real estate agent

Home sellers and, in some deals, buyers. Commission is normally paid from the sale proceeds when the deal closes, then split with your brokerage.

A commission on each completed sale or purchase, shared with your brokerage. Income is lumpy: nothing until a deal closes, then a larger payment.

• Talking comfortably with all kinds of people
• Negotiating and staying calm under pressure
• Organising paperwork and deadlines
• Self-discipline to find your own clients

• Licensing rules, courses and fees differ by province, and Quebec has its own system, so check your provincial regulator
• Errors and omissions insurance and association or board fees, check what your brokerage includes
• Irregular income: you are usually self-employed, so plan for taxes, GST/HST on commission and slow months
• Markets are often quieter in winter, so plan your cash flow for it
• Brokerage desk fees and marketing costs can add up before your first sale

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $12,000, depending on your province, course fees, licensing and brokerage costs. These are estimates, so check what your brokerage includes, as desk fees and marketing can add up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your market, clients and sales, from about 30 hours a week. Income is irregular, so plan for slow months and winter.

Check licensing rules, courses and fees with your provincial regulator, as they differ by province and Quebec has its own system. Also check errors and omissions insurance, association or board fees, and GST/HST on commission.