Do I have to have my Permanent Residence (PR) Status to enroll in the licensing course?

Technically, no, but proceed cautiously with regard to timelines- as you do require either a PR status or Canadian citizenship when applying for your license upon successful completion of the exam.

Why is there an incorporated license (Approved Sales Corporation) and a salesperson’s license?  What’s the difference between the two?

The incorporated license allows for individuals to recognize income at the time of movement of funds from the incorporated account to their personal.  In order for this license to exist, however, the Approved Sales Corporation license must exist in conjunction with a salesperson’s license. Tax planning is a complicated process – and each person’s financial situation is different. It is wise to discuss these aspects with your tax accountant, financial advisor, lawyer, and other trusted sources, should you be considering incorporating your real estate sales business.

Initially, many find the traditional salespersons license adequate and less complicated. However, there are a range of exceptions that may apply – such as; if you’re entering the real estate industry with a pension, if you’re entering the industry with a release from the Canadian Forces, if you have another business currently operating, if your spouse owns or operates a business, and if you believe you will be significantly delayed from financially “needing” to live off of your real estate earnings due to personal circumstances.

Why do I have to have my license under the umbrella of a brokerage?  Is this an absolute necessity?

To put it simply: real estate is a heavily regulated business. In Nova Scotia, you must have a brokerage sign off on your license application, agree to supervise you and your real estate transactions, trust accounting, and provide guidance and advice. The brokerage/broker/salesperson relationship is one of trust and guidance. You cannot operate as a “rogue” agent without a brokerage in Nova Scotia – unless you are the broker of a single person brokerage (yourself).

Can I apply for a student loan to take the salesperson’s licensing course?

At this time, the licensing course is not approved by federal or provincial student loans.

Will NSAR (the course provider) accept a payment plan for the course?

Unfortunately, not at this time.  The course needs to be paid in full at the time of registration.

What am I looking at for annual NSAR membership and annual NSREC licensing fees?

Contact us for an in-depth breakdown document, we’ll be happy to provide this to you!

What will it cost me for initial licensing/joining fees?

Some of these are pro-rated, so while we cannot give you a definite amount, we would be happy to provide you with an estimate or range if you send our recruiting department an email.

What sets Royal LePage Atlantic apart from the other brokerages in NS?

That’s a large question!  We’re very “untraditional” compared to what many think of when it comes to real estate companies. We consider ourselves extremely innovative in the offerings we have for our agents to use; think an in-house professional photography department, marketing and design, hands-on training, etc.

Our staff AND agents come from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and languages – and we couldn’t be more proud of this. Our offices are safe and inclusive, and our non-competing leadership team is always available to help you as an agent. What do we expect in return? Simple; to attract the best of the best, and real estate’s future top achievers.

Can I commit part-time to my Real Estate career? What about part-time getting started?

Technically speaking, you absolutely can. However, Royal LePage Atlantic will not be the right fit for you – we do expect full time hours devoted to growing this business. We’re investing in you, from both a financial and resources perspective, and hope you’ll take this opportunity to hit the ground running. The first six months of your real estate career are make or break – and part-time, historically speaking, tends to lean heavily on the break side.

How do I apply to write the Real Estate exam in Nova Scotia?

You can apply by completing the Exam Application on the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission’s website. You can find that form on the page for Licensing Forms & Fees, here.

Once complete, you will need to send your application to NSREC’s Licencing Officer via email at: licensing@nsrec.ns.ca