Sales skills and people skills are a starting point, but earning a real estate license requires a solid foundation in land law, contract law, finance, appraisals, marketing and many other aspects of the real estate industry. The first step in becoming a Realtor in British Columbia is completing an extensive training program administered by the Real Estate Division of the UBC Faculty of Commerce.
Students have a year to complete the pre-licensing requirements and pass a final examination.
If they decide to focus on property management or to open their own real estate company, further coursework and exams are required. Strict legal guidelines govern these relationships. Earning a real estate license is only the beginning of a long process of professional development. The real estate industry and real estate law are constantly evolving, and technology has an ever-growing impact. Courses cover a vast range of topics, from technology and legal issues to environmental updates, business planning, and marketing.