Getting Started in Commercial Real Estate Ontario, Canada Questions
I am currently an Agent with REMAX and work with Residential sales. However I am seriously considering becoming a Commercial sales representative. The reason for this is, I have found Residential Sales to be not the right fit for me. I did go to University for Business Administration with a major in International Business. I do not want to give up on Real Estate as a career yet because I do still like it. I just have this constant feeling that commercial real estate will be a much better fit for me. I believe working with business owners will be much more interesting for me, rather than a casual homeowner. Also I really miss working in an office environment with a lot of people/ team members (I work from home right now and I find that I lack motivation quite a lot). I would want to work under a more experienced broker/agent to be mentored while training with other programs. 

I am starting the Commercial course in Ontario soon and will be looking to apply to different firms. I have some questions for anyone that would be willing to share some advice and knowledge.

Should I apply to Brokerage firms right away such as (CBRE, Colliers, Marcus and Millichap etc) or wait until I complete the commercial course?

Should I prepare to be in an interview like a typical corporate job, or will it be similar to joining a normal real estate brokerage where they are mostly looking to gain more sales reps?

Will working with REMAX for a few years (since 2011) help me land a position in a good firm easily?


[{"id": "d6j025m", "text": "Do you have a link to that course? Nothing will be easy about breaking. Do you know anyone who works in commercial?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d6j32wd", "text": "I have a friend who does well in commercial properties after struggling with residential.\nMost of his buyers come from advertising.\nBut how he get the sellers is the interesting part. He has a database of properties which he was acquired by pretty much driving around (city and rural) and talking to owners of small businesses and properties with development potential.\n\nHe doesn't get listings(most sellers won't list, but might be willing to test the waters) but simply gets an agreement for every buyer he might show the property to. \n\nAlso he won't list his properties on mls, as a lot of this side of the business is done the old school way by agents who form part of this \"off the grid\" network.\n\nLot of these agents do well with properties they pick up on assignment, get letters of intent from desirable brands(tims, esso, etc) or get zoning approvals and flip them for considerable profits within  short periods of time.\n\n\nThis is not likely what you are looking for but thought I would share as it might give you some ideas.\n", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d6j6gnz", "text": "I worked in commercial real estate brokerage for 10+ years in Toronto and now manage the leasing for a $2 Billion real estate portfolio. It's an absolutely amazing industry imo, and you really have an opportunity to get out of it what you put in. That being said, getting started is a huge challenge for most people and the attrition rate in the first 5 years is very high. Expect to work very hard. Your success will also be largely influenced by the team you work in and the person or people mentoring you. The knowledge required to operate in this industry takes years and years to acquire and the relationships take even longer to nurture and develop. Expect to start off pounding the pavement, you will need to literally dial for dollars, calling businesses, landlords and investors all day every day. The monotony of cold-calling might get broken up by the occasional market study or showing, but the end goal is to establish your own relationships and build your own book of business. Once you \"break-in\", life gets somewhat easier and your options for movement within the industry expand considerably. Keep in mind it is a fiercely competitive industry dominated by white, alpha males, although this is changing. If it still has your interest feel free to message me any questions you have.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]