Let’s talk about how to build a real career in real estate, one that actually lasts and grows.
1. Choose the Right Real Estate Brokerage in Toronto
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make early on. A good real estate brokerage in Toronto will offer training, support, and a positive environment. A bad one? Well, they’ll just give you a desk and expect you to figure everything out on your own.
Ask questions like:
Do they offer mentoring?
Are there team opportunities?
What kind of marketing tools do they provide?
Your brokerage should help you succeed, not just use you to grow their numbers.
2. Get Comfortable Talking to People
If you’re shy, don’t worry—many successful agents started out that way. But real estate is a people business. You’ll need to talk to clients, other agents, mortgage brokers, lawyers, and more. Don’t just talk at people. Listen. Ask questions. Be curious.
Start with your own circle. Let friends and family know you’re in the business. Not in a pushy way—just let them know you’re there to help if they ever need it.
3. Use Social Media Like a Pro
In today’s world, you can’t ignore social media. Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok are platforms where people hang out. You don’t have to be an influencer, but posting useful info regularly helps build trust.
Here are some simple content ideas:
Share listings (even if they’re not yours—just give credit)
Talk about neighbourhoods in Toronto
Give tips on buying or selling
Post behind-the-scenes of your day
Over time, people will start to see you as a go-to expert.
4. Know the City
Toronto is huge. It’s not just one market. There’s downtown, the east end, the west end, the suburbs, condos, houses, pre-construction, it’s a lot.
Pick one or two areas to focus on. Get to know the local parks, schools, transit, and shops. People love working with agents who really know the neighbourhood they want to live in.
If you specialize, you’ll stand out. You don’t need to be everywhere—just be great somewhere.
5. Stay Educated
You may be done with school, but the learning never really ends. Markets change. Laws change. Technology changes. Good agents stay sharp.
Attend webinars. Read articles. Follow smart agents online. A good real estate brokerage in Toronto will offer training and you have to take advantage of it. Every bit of knowledge helps you sound more confident and professional.
6. Don’t Expect Fast Money
This part is hard. Movies and TV shows make it look like agents are swimming in money. In reality, it can take months before you get your first sale. And even when you do sell something, the commission takes time to come in.
That’s why many new agents work part-time jobs at first. And that’s totally okay.
The key is to stick with it. Focus on building relationships, not just chasing money. If you help people and do a good job, the money will follow.
7. Work Hard, Rest Hard Too
Real estate can be 24/7. Clients call you at night. Offers come in on weekends. You may feel like you always need to be “on.” But burnout is real.
Make time to rest. Take a day off each week if you can. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with clients (politely, of course). You’ll be a better agent if you’re not always running on empty.
8. Build a Long-Term Mindset
Here’s the thing: one sale doesn’t make a career. Ten sales don’t even make a career. What makes a real estate career is consistency. It’s showing up day after day, even when things are quiet.
Think of each client as a relationship, not a transaction. If they have a great experience, they’ll come back and they’ll send their friends.
You’re not just helping people buy homes. You’re building a reputation.
Final Thoughts
Getting your license is like getting your learner’s permit; it means you’re ready to start learning on the road. Toronto is a busy, exciting place to work in real estate, but it takes more than just signing up.
Be patient with yourself. Ask for help when you need it. Celebrate the small wins.
And remember: success doesn’t come from one big moment. It comes from all the little things you do every single day.
Welcome to the world of real estate. You’ve got this.