Hey Hoot I'll try a help you out with your answers, I'm a real estate agent out here in Calgary. I do know that the course is said to be different in Alberta compared to BC and even commissions vary but I'll try to help if I can.
Commissions I take it you mean from your broker, well I'm on a 85-15 percent split with my brokerage up here, I payout 15% of all my commissions earned as well have monthly desk fees of $265 a month. Do the research there are tons of options, some do 85-15, 70-30, 100%, 50-50 try and calculate what it's going to cost you. Being new you may want a low desk fee but that means you'll give up more of your commissions, try and find the best option.
Interview with many brokerages, I loved that I found one that had tons of training which helped me when I first started out. Avoid Remax branches as the support just isn't there when starting plus the fees are high. As well don't just join one that's super cheap as you need lots of help to get started.
With building clientel you just have to work at it. Send letters to all your family and friends letting them know of your new career. Call for sale by owners and let them know of the benefits of using a realtor. Deliever flyers door to door advertising your services. If you're willing, pick up the telephone and start calling people and ask them if they want to sell their house, with a clever script of course.
I don't know of any real estate websites but I too would like to find some.
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