Fort McMurray agent Alecssa Cerbo shares the habits strategies and mindset that helped her reach National Chairman’s Club status
Success in real estate rarely comes from one defining deal or a single breakthrough moment. More often than not, it’s the result of consistent habits, strong relationships and a commitment to doing the small tasks well.
For Alecssa Cerbo, an agent based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, that philosophy has helped propel her into the Royal LePage’s top 1% of agents since beginning her real estate career in 2023.
She shares the practices and lessons that have shaped her business, along with advice for other agents looking to build long-term success.
Success comes from consistency, not shortcuts
For Alecssa, being recognized as a top agent is meaningful not because of the title, but because of what it represents.
“To me, it represents consistency, trust, and the responsibility that comes with guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.”
Maintaining that level of performance comes down to how she approaches her work every day. She describes herself as extremely hands-on with clients and proactive at every stage of a transaction, from pricing and negotiations, to solving problems when deals become complicated.
“I spend a lot of time educating my clients so they feel confident and protected, not rushed or pressured.”
She also approaches every transaction with the same level of care, regardless of price point.
“I treat every transaction like it matters, whether it’s a first-time buyer purchasing a condo, or a family selling their long-term home. I rely on preparation, communication and genuinely caring about the outcome for my clients.”
Building a business around education and long-term relationships
While many agents can point to a pivotal moment that accelerated their business, Alecssa says her success came from a deliberate decision early on in her career.
“There wasn’t one single deal or moment that changed everything, but there was a very intentional decision that I made early on that shaped my career,” she says. “I chose to build my business around education, transparency and long-term relationships instead of quick wins.”
At the beginning of her career, she noticed that many clients felt overwhelmed when navigating real estate decisions. That observation changed how she approached her role. She made it a priority to slow the process down, explain every step, and advocate fiercely for her clients even when that meant more work on her end.
That client-first approach helped create momentum through repeat business and referrals. At the same time, she treated her business with discipline from the start.
“I invested heavily in learning, systems, marketing and professional standards, and I held myself accountable to a high level of service, regardless of price point or market conditions,” she says. “Those choices compound over time. The success I have now is the result of doing the right things consistently, even when no one was watching.”
The power of proactive habits
Alecssa credits much of her professional success to a single core habit – staying relentlessly proactive and organized.
“I don’t wait for problems to surface,” she says. “I plan ahead, anticipate questions and address issues before they ever become obstacles.”
That includes staying on top of timelines, documents and conditions throughout the transaction process, while maintaining constant communication with clients.
“This habit builds trust. Clients feel supported, informed and protected, and other professionals know they can rely on me.”
For agents looking to improve their performance, she believes the secret is simple but powerful.
“Success in real estate isn’t about doing one big thing once. It’s about doing the small things properly, every single day.”
Structure and systems drive performance
Managing time effectively is another essential part of maintaining high performance in a fast-paced industry.
Alecssa prioritizes any task that directly impacts her clients’ outcomes, and structures her schedule accordingly, focusing on time-sensitive or deal-critical tasks first.
To stay organized, she relies on structured planning, including creating weekly schedules, time-blocking and checklists which help her stay calm and consistent – even during the busiest periods.
She also emphasizes the importance of personal well-being.
“Whether that’s working out before my day starts, or allowing for slower mornings when needed, I’ve learned you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of myself allows me to show up fully present and at a high level for my clients.”
Learning from others and paying it forward
Mentorship and collaboration have played a major role in Alecssa’s growth.
“I’ve learned a lot by surrounding myself with experienced professionals, asking questions and being open to feedback, especially early on in my role,” she says. “No one succeeds in this business completely on their own.”
As her business has grown, she has made it a priority to help other agents whenever she can.
“I’m always happy to share insight, walk through real scenarios or help newer agents think through deals, systems and client situations.”
Why culture and community matter
Alecssa values the training, support and network Royal LePage has to offer, all of which have been valuable in helping her refine her business approach.
“Having access to national-level education, market insights and experienced professionals helps me continuously refine my approach and stay sharp, especially in changing market conditions,” she says. “Royal LePage also gives you the flexibility to build a business that fits how you work best, while still being backed by a brand that supports high standards and professionalism.”
Giving back through real estate
For Alecssa, philanthropy is not something separate from her business.
“Philanthropy is something I believe should be built into the work you do, not treated as a side project.”
As a Royal LePage® Shelter FoundationTM Commission Donor, every transaction she completes helps support women and children fleeing domestic violence.
“Home is supposed to be a place of safety, so supporting organizations that help people rebuild that sense of security aligns deeply with why I chose this career in the first place.”
She also looks for ways to support her local Fort McMurray community through events, charities and initiatives whenever possible.
“Real estate is very community-driven, and I think it’s important to reinvest in the people and places that trust me with such an important milestone in their lives.”
The future of the real estate professional
Looking ahead, Alecssa believes the role of real estate professionals will continue to evolve.
“I get ahead of the game by staying curious and involved,” she says. “I pay close attention to market data, changes in lending and regulations, and I stay connected with other professionals across the industry.”
She also listens closely to her clients, whose questions often reveal emerging trends before the data does.
“I think we’ll see a continued move toward more educated and transparent service,” she says. “Clients expect clear guidance, strong communication and real value, not just access to listings.”
Technology will continue to support the transaction process, but she believes the most successful agents will be those who build trust and provide real expertise.
Defining success beyond the transaction
Despite her rapid success in the industry, Alecssa says her most rewarding moments are not tied to awards or production milestones.
“Some of my most rewarding moments are tied to seeing clients reach milestones they once thought were out of reach.”
In 2025, several of her clients spent more than a year preparing before finally purchasing their homes.
“Seeing them finally get their keys after all that planning, education and patience is incredibly fulfilling.Career milestones are meaningful, but what stands out most is the trust clients place in me and the long-term relationships that come from it.”
