Royal LePage®’s Carl Rivest-Marier, an Alberta-based REALTOR® and 2023 Rookie of the Year award winner, shares his advice for up-and-coming agents.
What does it take to stand out in the competitive world of real estate? How can a new agent build a successful career from the ground up? Can the traditional methods of prospecting still yield impressive results in today’s digital age? For Royal LePage agent Carl Rivest-Marier, named the 2023 Prairies Rookie of the Year, the answers to these questions lie in his rapid success.
Carl has emerged as a standout newcomer in Edmonton’s real estate market. His knack for prospecting and seizing opportunities has shown that success in real estate is built on relentless effort and a strategic approach to connecting with potential clients.
You’ve quickly made a name for yourself in Edmonton’s real estate market. What advice would you share with an agent looking to build a successful and meaningful real estate career?
Leverage every single opportunity that comes your way. For me, door-knocking has been one of the most effective strategies throughout my career. I actually started early at age 10. I was selling chocolate bars. By 12, it was alarm systems, and at 18, I launched an asphalt company – all through door-to-door sales. It’s been part of my DNA for as long as I can remember, and it’s something I’ve carried over into real estate with great results.
Whenever I list a property, I take a hands-on approach. I print 40 four-page brochures – 10 for inside the house, 10 for outside, and 20 for door-knocking in the surrounding neighbourhood. I introduce myself to the neighbours, strike up a conversation, and let them know that if they know someone who wants to be a part of that community, they should reach out to me. It’s an old-school method, but it’s personal and builds trust, which is key in this industry. My advice is to find what works for you and run with it, but never underestimate the power of direct, face-to-face connection.
Having a daily routine is a critical aspect of running a successful real estate business, especially considering how fast-paced this career can be. How do you set yourself up for success each day?
I definitely believe that making the most of your time is key in this business. For me, I spend about four to five hours driving every day, and I use that time to look for new business opportunities. Whether I’m reaching out to past clients to maintain those valuable relationships, or actively seeking out future deals, I make sure that time on the road isn’t wasted. It’s a great chance to have meaningful conversations, follow up with leads, or even brainstorm new ways to grow my business. Staying proactive during this time helps me keep the momentum going so I’m always moving toward my goals.
You’ve mentioned the importance of staying connected. What tools have you leaned on to stay connected to your existing and potential clients?
Social media has been key to my success, especially as a French-speaking REALTOR® in Edmonton. It has allowed me to stay connected with a wider audience, particularly buyers moving from outside the province. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook help me showcase Edmonton’s neighbourhoods and lifestyle while staying engaged with my community. It’s a great way to build trust, answer questions and expand my reach beyond traditional methods.
If you were chatting with an aspiring agent, what benefits would you highlight for choosing Royal LePage?
Having served 14 years in the military, I know how important strong representation is. That’s why I’m proud to represent Royal LePage, a leading Canadian real estate company with a great reputation. I always tell my sellers: support Canadian brokerages that are fully committed to our community. Unlike some American brokerages that operate here, Royal LePage prioritizes providing the highest quality service and supporting our own.
If you’re in search of more real estate career inspiration, look no further than royallepage.ca/joinus.
