Guides – How To Do Real Estate

Are you considering a career in real estate in Ontario? The real estate industry offers exciting opportunities for motivated individuals looking to build a rewarding career helping people find their dream homes or investment properties. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of becoming a licensed real estate professional in Ontario in 2025.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before investing time and money in real estate education, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

Possess a Secondary School Diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent credential
Be at least 18 years of age
Be legally authorized to work in Canada
Have no disqualifying criminal history (more on this later)

Step 2: Enroll in Pre-Registration Education

As of 2025, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has expanded education provider options beyond Humber Polytechnic to include three additional institutions. Whichever provider you choose, the core curriculum remains identical, though some may offer supplementary networking opportunities or specialized workshops.

The Pre-Registration Phase consists of:

Seven Mandatory Components:

Course 1: Real Estate Essentials – Covers foundational knowledge including TRESA obligations, fiduciary duties, and real estate legislation
Course 2: Residential Transactions – Examines purchase agreements, title searches, and closing procedures
Course 3: Advanced Residential Transactions – Addresses complex scenarios like condominium sales and seller representation
Simulation 1 – Role-playing residential deal negotiations via Zoom or in-person sessions
Course 4: Commercial Real Estate – Analyzes leasing, zoning bylaws, and income property valuations
Simulation 2 – Commercial transaction simulations with peer feedback
Course 5: Career Launch – Guides brokerage selection, marketing strategies, and ethics compliance

2025 Cost Breakdown:

Courses 1-5: $2,950
Simulation Sessions: $500 ($250 each)
Exams: $480 ($120 per attempt x 4 courses)
Total Education Cost: $3,930

Step 3: Pass Your Exams

Each course concludes with an invigilated exam administered through your education provider’s online proctoring system. To maximize your chances of passing:

Utilize third-party resources like Passit’s study guides and APNA Toronto’s free practice exams
Focus on key exam topics including fiduciary duties, disclosure requirements, commission structures, and conflict resolution
Aim for 85% on practice tests (this correlates with a 94% first-attempt pass rate according to 2025 Humber analytics)

Step 4: Complete Your Criminal Record Check

RECO requires a Canadian Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CCRJMC) as part of your registration application. This Level 2 check discloses:

Pending charges and absolute/conditional discharges
Youth Criminal Justice Act findings
Historical pardons related to fraud or property crimes

Important note: RECO denies approximately 8% of applications annually for offenses directly impacting client trust, including fraud, theft, or violent crimes. Applicants with minor misdemeanors may appeal through RECO’s Compliance Department, which approved 62% of appeals in 2024.

Step 5: Register with RECO

Once you’ve completed all Pre-Registration components and obtained your criminal record check, it’s time to register with RECO:

Submit your digital documentation through RECO’s online portal
Include your CCRJMC, proof of course completion, and registration fee ($385 in 2025)
Allow up to 15 business days for processing (23% of applications were delayed in Q1 2025 due to incomplete documentation)

Step 6: Find a Brokerage

In Ontario, all real estate professionals must work under a licensed brokerage. When selecting yours, consider:

Commission splits (typically 60/40 for new agents)
Mentorship program availability
Technology platforms and marketing support
Office culture and team dynamics
Desk fees ($150-$300 monthly at most brokerages)

Your Course 5 materials will provide brokerage comparison templates to help with this important decision.

Step 7: Complete Post-Registration Requirements

Your education doesn’t end with registration. New agents must complete three Post-Registration courses within 24 months:

Risk Management – Covers errors and omissions insurance
Advanced Ethics – Case studies on conflicts of interest
Business Planning – Client acquisition and financial forecasting

Failure to complete these courses triggers registration suspension, which affected 12% of agents in 2024.

Step 8: Launch Your Career

Now that you’re licensed and affiliated with a brokerage, it’s time to build your business:

Develop Your Marketing Strategy

Create a professional social media presence (87% of 2025 homebuyers start searches online)
Host open houses with virtual tours
Develop partnerships with mortgage brokers and other industry professionals

Maintain Ethical Compliance

Stay vigilant about TRESA violations, which accounted for 74% of RECO disciplinary actions in 2024, primarily involving:

Undisclosed dual agency
Inaccurate property descriptions
Commission disclosure failures

Track Ongoing Expenses

Budget for:

RECO renewal fees ($245 every two years)
Brokerage desk fees ($150-$300 monthly)
Marketing materials and advertising
Professional development courses

Total Investment to Get Started

Component	Cost
Pre-Registration Education	$3,930
RECO Registration	$385
Total Startup Cost	$4,315

Timeline Expectations

The typical journey from enrollment to registration takes 6-12 months, depending on:

Your pace through the coursework (self-paced eLearning)
Exam scheduling and passing rate
RECO application processing time

Final Thoughts

Starting a real estate career in Ontario in 2025 requires significant investment in education, time, and resources. However, for those with determination and strong interpersonal skills, it offers the potential for a flexible, rewarding career path. The expanded education provider options and fully digital registration processes have made the journey more accessible than ever before.

Remember that success in real estate hinges on continuous learning, client-centric practices, and ethical conduct. Use the simulation-based training to develop practical skills, and leverage the guidance of experienced mentors at your chosen brokerage to navigate your first transactions with confidence.

Good luck on your real estate journey!

Note: This information is accurate as of April 2025. Requirements and fees may change over time, so always check with RECO and your chosen education provider for the most current information.