What Do Realtors Actually Do to Earn Their Commission? A Day in the Life of a Penticton REALTOR®

The Reality Behind the Job Title

From the outside, being a real estate agent can seem glamorous flexible hours, nice cars, open houses, and beautiful listings. But behind the polished social media posts lies a profession that demands long hours, deep local knowledge, emotional intelligence, and business acumen.

Many clients wonder: “What exactly does my REALTOR® do to earn their commission?”

In this article, we’ll pull back the curtain on what a day in the life of a professional REALTOR® in Penticton truly looks like and why that commission represents far more than just a percentage of a sale.

Morning: Market Analysis and Client Management

Every productive day starts with data. Before most people finish their first coffee, a full-time Penticton REALTOR® is reviewing new MLS® listings, price reductions, and recent sales.

That information forms the foundation of everything else that happens from helping buyers identify opportunities to advising sellers on price adjustments.

Morning tasks often include:

• Checking overnight listing updates and new inventory

• Reviewing market analytics (average days on market, absorption rate, sale-to-list ratios)

• Answering overnight buyer and seller inquiries

• Sending updated Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) to clients

• Preparing for listing appointments or buyer showings

A top-performing agent doesn’t just “sell houses.” They interpret data and translate it into actionable advice for their clients.

Midday: Showings, Inspections, and Negotiations

By late morning or early afternoon, the day often shifts from computer work to face-to-face activity. This is where the visible side of real estate begins but it’s also where skill and strategy matter most.

Tasks may include:

• Hosting or attending private showings

• Meeting with home inspectors or appraisers

• Coordinating access for contractors or photographers

• Following up with buyer feedback

• Negotiating terms or responding to offers

Every showing represents an opportunity, but also a logistical challenge. Between traffic, client coordination, and communication with other agents, each appointment requires planning and professionalism.

Negotiations, in particular, are a skill that can’t be automated or outsourced. Whether it’s countering an offer, clarifying inspection conditions, or keeping emotions balanced on both sides, a REALTOR®’s negotiation ability can directly affect thousands of dollars in your final sale price.

Afternoon: Marketing, Lead Generation, and Client Care

Real estate is a business built on consistency and no part of it demands more consistency than marketing and lead generation.

Realtors invest heavily in maintaining visibility across online platforms, both for their listings and for their personal brand.

A typical afternoon might include:

• Filming short videos or walkthroughs of new listings

• Creating social media posts, market updates, or blog content (like this one!)

• Responding to online leads or follow-up emails

• Designing promotional materials for open houses

• Recording client testimonials or success stories

• Uploading listings to REALTOR.ca, RiccardoManazza.realtor, and MyPropertyCentral.ca

While it might not always be visible, these behind-the-scenes efforts are what ensure that properties stay top-of-mind with active buyers.

Evening: Client Follow-Ups and Transaction Management

Real estate doesn’t stop when the office closes. Many clients are only available after work, meaning evenings are often filled with phone calls, texts, and contract reviews.

This is where realtors wear many hats: counselor, negotiator, analyst, and sometimes therapist. Clients may need reassurance about financing, clarity on offers, or updates on timelines.

At this stage, your REALTOR® ensures that all communication with lawyers, lenders, and other professionals stays aligned.

Common tasks include:

• Reviewing offers and counteroffers

• Managing subjects and condition removal

• Coordinating with mortgage brokers and inspectors

• Ensuring deposits and paperwork are handled securely

• Checking conveyancing details before completion

The coordination required at this stage is immense one missed detail can delay or even derail a deal. Professional REALTORS® protect clients from those risks by maintaining constant oversight.

Beyond the Daily Routine: The Hidden Responsibilities

What many don’t realize is that REALTORS® are independent business owners. Each one manages their own expenses, marketing budgets, insurance, licensing fees, and continuing education requirements.

In Penticton, full-service agents often invest thousands of dollars upfront before a property even sells with no guarantee of payment until completion.

Behind the scenes, a professional agent also handles:

• Compliance and record-keeping under BCFSA regulations

• Continuing education and professional development

• Networking with other agents and referral partners

• Maintaining client relationship databases

• Coordinating photographers, stagers, and copywriters

• Attending weekly brokerage or team meetings

These unseen commitments ensure that when clients hire a REALTOR®, they’re hiring someone backed by systems, skill, and accountability.

What Commission Really Covers

Realtor commissions are often misunderstood as a “paycheck” when they’re really a reinvestment structure. Out of a typical 5%–6% commission:

• Brokerages take a percentage

• Marketing and advertising consume another large portion

• Professional insurance and licensing fees apply

• Taxes further reduce the net amount

When all is said and done, many REALTORS® retain less than half of the gross commission. That compensation reflects months of effort — not just the few weeks between listing and closing.

Why Passion Matters

The best REALTORS® aren’t in the business for quick wins they’re driven by a genuine desire to help people make life-changing decisions with confidence.

In Penticton, where lifestyle is everything from lakefront properties to vineyard estates representation is about storytelling, connection, and trust.

When you hire a dedicated professional, you’re gaining far more than a sign on your lawn. You’re gaining a strategist, a marketer, a negotiator, and a partner committed to your success from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

So, what does a REALTOR® actually do to earn their commission?

They show up. Every day. Rain or shine. They balance logic with emotion, protect clients’ interests, and turn one of life’s biggest financial moves into a smooth, informed experience.

When you hire a REALTOR® like myself Riccardo (Rico) Manazza with My Property Central Real Estate Group | eXp Realty you’re not paying for time; you’re investing in results, reliability, and relentless dedication.

That’s what your commission really buys and that’s what truly makes the difference.

Ready to Connect?

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or joining a forward-thinking real estate team, I’d love to connect.
I’m Riccardo (Rico) Manazza, REALTOR® with eXp Realty | South Okanagan, and part of the My Property Central Real Estate Group helping clients and agents succeed across Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, and beyond.

💬 Reach out anytime:
📞 Call or text: 236-457-4230
📧 Email: rico@mypropertycentral.ca
🌐 Website: www.riccardomanazza.realtor
🏡 Explore more lifestyle stories: livingintheokanagan.ca
🤝 Team & listings: mypropertycentral.ca
📅 Book a meeting: Book A Call with Rico

Let’s Stay Connected

If you enjoyed this article or want to stay in touch with what’s happening in the South Okanagan real estate market, let’s connect online:

📸 Instagram: @riccardo_manazza_exp-realty
📘 Facebook: @riccardo.manazza.exp
💼 LinkedIn: Riccardo (Rico) Manazza

Follow for weekly market updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and tips from one of the Most dedicated REALTORS® in the Okanagan with eXp Realty and the My Property Central Real Estate Group.

 For immediate assistance or to schedule a showing, contact my assistant (available 24/7) at 236-500-6778.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Eligibility criteria and program details are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified mortgage professional and licensed REALTOR® for the most current information