Real Estate Career NS Presented by Century 21 Optimum Realty Talk to Rob

Thinking about a real estate career in Nova Scotia?

Here’s the honest path from where you are to your first deal, and what it takes to build a career that lasts. Written by a broker who has hired and trained agents for 25 years.

  1. Check you qualify

    19 or older, high school or equivalent, background check, English requirement.

    Before you enrol

  2. Take the licensing course

    The Salesperson Licensing Course through NSAR, self-paced online or a 16-week class.

    Up to 6 months, from $3,448.85

  3. Pass the exam

    The provincial licensing exam set by the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission.

    Within 12 months of the course

  4. Choose a brokerage

    You can’t trade on your own in Nova Scotia. Your broker signs your licence application.

    Start talking early

  5. Get licensed

    Apply to NSREC, add errors and omissions insurance, and join NSAR and CREA.

    6 to 12 months in total

Where are you starting from?

I’m not licensed yet

What the job is really like, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to pick the brokerage you start with.

Start here

I’m already a realtor

Commission splits, compliance, the tools that save you time, and what to check before you switch brokerages.

Grow your career

Latest answers

What will it cost you to get started?

Most people budget for the course and forget the rest. The calculator adds up the course, licence fees, memberships, insurance and the savings cushion you’ll want behind you.

Work out your costs

Who writes this

Rob Lough is the Broker/Owner of Century 21 Optimum Realty, with 25 years in Nova Scotia real estate and five years as a certified home inspector. He leads a team of agents working across Nova Scotia, and the brokerage is growing in every region of the province.

More about Rob or read how to become a Realtor in Nova Scotia, the step-by-step guide on the Century 21 Optimum Realty site.

Have a question about getting started?

Ask Rob directly. It’s a no-pressure conversation, whether you’re still deciding or already licensed somewhere else.

Your details go to Rob Lough at Century 21 Optimum Realty and nowhere else. Privacy