You’ve hit “submit” on your RECA application — congrats! 🎉
Now comes the waiting game. But here’s the secret: this in-between time is your golden opportunity. Instead of watching your inbox, use this time to set yourself up for real-world success — so when that licence arrives, you’re ready to launch.
1️⃣ Start Building Your Brand
Even before you’re licensed, start shaping your professional identity.
- Secure your Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn handles.
- Decide who you want to serve — first-time buyers, investors, relocations, or new builds?
- Begin sharing content about local living, real estate insights, and your journey into the industry.
Pro tip: Clients connect with authenticity — your story is your superpower.
2️⃣ Get Familiar With the Tools of the Trade
You’ll soon be navigating CRMs, MLS systems, and digital forms daily. Get ahead by exploring:
- Google Workspace for file management
- Canva for easy social media design (opt)
- Pipedrive for client tracking
- Pandadoc to Generate, Negotiate, & eSign Proposals.
- Notion for workflows (opt)
- AREA and RECA learning resources
At ARIVL, our agents don’t just learn the tools — they master them. That’s part of the ARIVL Difference: structured mentorship, tech training, and the confidence to thrive right from day one.
3️⃣ Connect With Your Future Brokerage
Now’s the time to interview brokerages that align with your goals and values.
Before you choose, read our Real Estate Interview Tips.
“Ask questions that reveal how a brokerage supports new agents in marketing, lead generation, and accountability. You’re not just joining a company — you’re choosing your launchpad.”
At ARIVL, we’ve built a brokerage that helps you grow through:
- No monthly desk fees
- 50/50 split on your first 5 deals
- Our 100 Days at ARIVL onboarding program designed to help new agents succeed faster
4️⃣ Learn Your Market
You can’t sell what you don’t understand — so start by exploring your own backyard.
Use tools like realtor.ca, Matrix (once licensed), and local market reports to get familiar with pricing, property types, and trends.
10 Ways to Start Learning Your Market:
- Start with your neighbourhood. What’s currently for sale nearby?
- Search active and sold listings. Learn how to use MLS data or public platforms to see price history.
- Find the average sale price. Use REALTOR.ca, RAE stats, or your brokerage tools to compare sold prices within 6–12 months.
- Identify what type of homes dominate your area. Are they detached, duplexes, or townhomes?
- Compare price ranges by property type. What do entry-level, mid-range, and luxury homes typically go for?
- Look at days on market. Which homes sell quickly, and why?
- Study listing photos and descriptions. What features seem to attract buyers (renovations, yards, garages)?
- Check new developments nearby. How are builders pricing compared to resale homes?
- Map your community. Learn the local amenities, schools, and transit — the lifestyle factors that drive value.
- Repeat in other areas. Compare neighbourhoods to develop your pricing intuition and local expertise.
Knowing how to find and interpret this data is what separates a good agent from a great one.
5️⃣ Sharpen Your Skills
While you wait, focus on mastering the craft.
10 Ways to Sharpen Your Skills:
- Listen to top REALTOR® podcasts: Our favs are 🎧 The Richard Robbins Show and 🎧 Practically Speaking – The Alberta REALTOR® Podcast
- Visit our Suggested Book List — it’s packed with reads for every stage of your career.
- Role-play client conversations with friends or mentors.
- Read industry updates from RECA, AREA, and the Realtors® Association of Edmonton (RAE).
- Practice writing listing descriptions and social media captions.
- Attend open houses and show homes to observe different selling styles.
- Learn about mortgage financing, inspections, and condition terms.
- Shadow an experienced agent or mentor if possible.
- Join local real estate events and networking groups.
- Keep a daily “real estate learning journal” — reflect on what you learned each day.
6️⃣ Prep Your Business Foundations
The moment you’re licensed, things move fast — so get your systems ready now.
- Set up your professional email and voicemail greeting
- Create a startup budget (marketing, licensing, and board fees)
- Review ARIVL’s Licensing Checklist to make sure you’ve got every step covered
7️⃣ Stay Positive and Patient
Licensing can take a few weeks, but don’t let that slow you down. Use this time to learn, network, and prepare. Every bit of effort now will pay off when your career officially begins.
When your licence hits, you won’t just be ready — you’ll be unstoppable. 🚀
Final Thoughts
Waiting for approval doesn’t mean waiting to grow.
Join a brokerage that helps you hit the ground running with mentorship, marketing tools, and real support.
At ARIVL, your real estate adventure truly awaits.