Inside Agent Foundations — Event #1
Getting licensed in real estate is one thing.
Knowing how to actually build a business once you are licensed is another.
That gap — between education and real-world readiness — is exactly why we created Agent Foundations, a monthly workshop series hosted by ARIVL for future and newly licensed real estate professionals.
Event #1: How Agents Really Make Money in Their First Year was designed to answer the questions most new agents are quietly asking but rarely get clear answers to.
This session wasn’t about shortcuts, scripts, or hype.
It was about clarity, expectations, and confidence — before pressure sets in.
AGENT FOUNDATIONS: How Agents Really Make Money in Their First Year by ARIVL
Why Agent Foundations Exists
Most licensing programs focus on:
- passing exams
- rules and regulations
- compliance and theory
What they don’t teach is:
- how deals actually start
- what to focus on first
- how income really shows up
- how to avoid burnout early
As a result, many new agents enter the industry feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsure where to start.
Agent Foundations bridges that gap.
What We Covered in Event #1
1. What Year One Really Looks Like
We started by setting realistic expectations.
Year one is rarely linear. Progress often shows up before paycheques. Quiet periods are normal. Confidence is built through action — not assumed on day one.
Understanding this early reduces stress, comparison, and unnecessary burnout.
2. Where Money Actually Comes From
We broke down how income is truly generated in real estate:
- conversations before commissions
- follow-up before closings
- relationships before results
Attendees learned why consistency matters more than intensity, and why most first deals come from patience and follow-through — not pressure.
3. The Activities That Actually Matter
Instead of doing everything, we focused on doing the right things:
- daily conversations
- consistent follow-up
- learning through real exposure
- simple weekly planning
These are the habits that quietly build momentum in the first year.
4. Getting Your First Deals
One of the most valuable sections of the night focused on how new agents land their first clients.
We covered:
- starting with your existing circle (professionally, not awkwardly)
- building proximity to active business
- following up until the timing is right
Attendees left with clear, actionable next steps they could use immediately.
5. First-Year Income Reality
Using a myth-vs-reality lens, we talked openly about:
- delayed income
- uneven cash flow
- the importance of planning
- why progress isn’t always visible at first
The goal wasn’t to discourage — it was to prepare.
6. Avoiding Burnout Early
Burnout doesn’t come from effort — it comes from confusion.
We discussed:
- why doing everything feels productive but isn’t
- how structure creates freedom
- why sustainability beats hustle
- the importance of support and community
7. How to Interview the Right Brokerage
Rather than telling people where to go, we focused on how to choose well.
We walked through key areas to evaluate when interviewing brokerages:
- support & mentorship
- training & development
- costs & structure
- culture & fit
Empowered decisions lead to stronger starts.
8. Networking, Community & Real Connection
We closed with a reminder that real estate is a relationship business.
Networking doesn’t have to be salesy.
Coffee chats matter.
Shared interests matter.
Learning alongside others at the same stage matters.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Why We Do This at ARIVL
At ARIVL, we believe your first year in real estate should be about building well, not just surviving.
Through structure, mentorship, systems, and community — we aim to help new agents start with clarity, confidence, and sustainable momentum.
Agent Foundations is one way we bring that belief to life.
What’s Next
Agent Foundations runs every third Wednesday of the month at Homestead Coworking in Downtown Edmonton.
📅 Next Event: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
📍 Homestead Coworking | Downtown Edmonton
⏰ 6:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Free to attend (registration required)
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1981629433981?aff=oddtdtcreator