Every year, thousands of people dream of becoming a real estate agent in Calgary. The promise of flexible hours, high commissions, and an exciting industry full of possibilities seems like an irresistible career path. But before you jump in, let’s take a closer look at the reality of being a Realtor in Calgary—especially when it comes to the brutal imbalance between demand and supply.
The Hard Truth: More Realtors Than Deals
A quick glance at the latest data reveals a startling truth: the supply of real estate agents far exceeds the number of actual sales happening in the market. Take a look at these numbers:
As of early 2025, Calgary has 8,528 Realtors, including 8,229 associates and 299 brokers.
In December 2024, only 1,319 homes were sold in Calgary.
Even in peak months like May and June, the number of transactions barely exceeds 3,000.
This means that, on average, a vast majority of Realtors aren’t closing deals every month. If every Realtor were to get an equal share of the market (which they don’t), the numbers would still be incredibly discouraging. The reality? A small percentage of top producers dominate the market, while many agents struggle to get even a few sales per year.
The Hidden Costs of Being a Realtor
Beyond the scarcity of sales, being a Realtor comes with a host of ongoing expenses:
Brokerage Fees – Many brokerages charge monthly desk fees, transaction fees, and other costs that don’t go away even if you’re not making sales.
Industry Memberships – You’ll be paying annual fees to the real estate board, CREA, and other required associations.
Marketing Expenses – Websites, business cards, social media ads, signs, and professional photography all add up.
Education & Licensing – Initial training and ongoing professional development come with hefty price tags.
No Steady Paycheck – Unlike a salaried job, real estate income is commission-based, meaning months with no deals mean months with no income.
The Industry's Real Business Model: Recruitment
You’d think the real estate industry would focus on helping existing agents succeed, but instead, the real money is in recruitment. Brokerages and real estate boards rely on a constant influx of new agents to sustain their revenue model. Why?
Brokerages thrive on monthly fees – Even if an agent isn’t selling, their brokerage is still collecting fees.
Industry associations profit from annual dues – More members mean more revenue, regardless of whether those members are making money.
This creates a cycle where new agents are constantly lured in with promises of success, only to discover that making a sustainable income is far harder than they were led to believe.
So, You Still Want to Be a Realtor?
If you’re thinking about becoming a Realtor in Calgary, take a hard look at the numbers and realities of the industry. It’s not just about selling homes—it’s about competing in an oversaturated market, managing high costs, and enduring the stress of unpredictable income.
For those who are business-savvy, relentless, and willing to put in the work, there is potential for success. But for many, the dream of real estate quickly turns into a financial and emotional drain.
Before you take the plunge, ask yourself: Do I want to sell homes, or am I just being sold on a dream?
