Become a REALTOR®

Becoming a real estate agent in Renfrew County offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while making a real impact in your community. With a growing local market, supportive professional networks, and the chance to help people find their perfect homes, a career in real estate here combines flexibility, earning potential, and the satisfaction of guiding clients through one of life’s most important decisions.

 

Real Estate Council of Ontario

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is the provincial regulator that regulates real estate agents and brokerages in Ontario. Their goal is to protect consumers by ensuring that real estate agents and brokerages in Ontario understand and follow the law.

To become an agent, you need to:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

If you want to become a registered salesperson, you must be 18 years of age or older and meet all of the requirements for registration under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA). 

2. Complete the Registration Education Requirements

RECO’s education programs equip Ontario real estate professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to guide buyers and sellers through transactions. The Real Estate Salesperson Program is the first step, consisting of five courses, two simulation sessions, and six exams to be completed within 24 months. After finishing pre-registration, you must apply for registration with RECO within one year.

3. Find a Real Estate Brokerage to Work for

In Renfrew County, with more than 20 brokerages, choosing the right one is key. Each brokerage has its own culture, training, and compensation structure, so contact several to find the best fit. When you apply for registration, you must provide the brokerage you’ll work for—real estate trading isn’t allowed until you are registered and employed.

4. Obtain a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check

To help protect consumers, RECO requires a background check called a Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) before someone can become or stay a registered real estate professional. New applicants and those renewing their registration complete the check through RECO’s online system, MyWeb. Others will get instructions from RECO on how to provide their check.

5. Apply for Registration as a Real Estate Salesperson

Once you finish the Pre-Registration Phase, choose a brokerage, and complete your background check (CRJMC), you can apply for registration with RECO through MyWeb, RECO’s online portal. You cannot trade in real estate until your application is approved, you have insurance, and you are officially registered.

6. Purchase Insurance Coverage

All real estate agents and brokers in Ontario must have RECO’s professional liability insurance. It protects you and your clients with coverage for mistakes, deposits, and commissions. You buy insurance when you apply and renew it each year. Payments are made through RECO’s MyWeb portal, and you’ll be notified by email when to pay.

For detailed instructions on how to become a real estate agent, visit the RECO website.