When Edmonton-based eXp Realty agent Aligul (Ali) Arslan joined Zoocasa’s Agent Accelerator Program, he wasn’t looking for a quick fix or a stream of easy leads. He was looking for a system.
Since then, his business has tripled, driven by stronger phone skills, consistent follow-up, and a shift toward treating real estate like a long-term, scalable business. In this Q&A, Arslan shares how Agent Accelerator helped him build that foundation, why he believes Edmonton is one of Canada’s most promising opportunity markets, and what agents should know before they join.
Curious if Agent Accelerator is the right fit for your business? Learn how the program works here.
Q: Before joining Agent Accelerator, where were you in your real estate career?
I wasn’t starting from zero, but I knew I wasn’t operating like a true business. What I lacked was structure.
When I joined Agent Accelerator, I came in very intentionally. I wasn’t thinking, “This will just give me more leads.” I saw it as a chance to build a foundation: processes, habits, and skills that would hold up in any market. I was ready to be coached and to change how I worked if that’s what it took.
Q: What impact has the program had on your business and performance?
Since joining, my business has grown by about 300%. But the bigger change is in how I perform. My phone conversation skills went from maybe a 1 out of 10 to around a 7 out of 10. I know how to open conversations, ask better questions, and move clients forward without being pushy. That shows up in my conversion rates and in the quality of my relationships.
Q: What shifted in your day-to-day systems?
First, follow-up became non-negotiable. When a lead comes in, I call as soon as I can and have a plan for what happens next. A lot of agents decide a lead doesn’t look “strong” and mentally check out. I do the opposite: every lead is a chance to practice, get in front of someone, and strengthen my brand.
Second, I moved as many interactions as possible to in‑person. Nothing beats connecting in person. It takes more time, but the trust and the conversion rate make it worth it. Virtual tools are useful, but they don’t replace sitting across from someone and walking them through the process.
Q: How would you describe your mindset now after experiencing the Agent Accelerator program?
I think like a business owner, not just an agent chasing deals. When I joined, my mindset was, “I’m here to grow, and I’m willing to be uncomfortable.” I wasn’t focused on the next commission cheque; I was focused on building something sustainable. Now my mindset is systems-first. I don’t rely on how motivated I feel day to day. I rely on the routine I’ve built and the activities I know move my business forward.
Q: What role have coaching and daily huddles played?
Coaching and huddles gave me a framework.
From coaching, you get practical guidance from people who have already achieved high conversion rates. It’s helpful because you’re not starting from scratch; you’re adapting proven approaches to your market.
The daily huddles give you rhythm and accountability. They set the tone for the day and remind you you’re part of a community that’s also putting in the work. At this point, I’ve implemented so much that my coach often tells me, “Keep doing what you’re doing.” That’s the goal: using the program to build your own engine.
Q: How do you explain Agent Accelerator to agents who ask you about it?
It’s not for everyone. If you’re not looking to grow, it’s not for you.
The model includes a commission split (there is no upfront cost, but a referral fee is paid at close), but I see it as an investment that’s already paid off: you get leads, coaching, systems, brand support, and a strong network. But those only matter if you’re prepared to execute. This program is designed to grow your business, not to reward half effort.
If you’re an agent who says, “I want to learn, I want to be pushed, and I’m going to use every resource here,” Agent Accelerator can be exactly what you need.
Want to see exactly what’s included before you decide? Explore the full program details here.
Q: From your experience in both Toronto and Edmonton, what makes Edmonton compelling right now?
Edmonton is still undervalued in terms of national attention, but the fundamentals are strong.
When it comes to affordability, the comparison is clear. I bought a property here for about $450,000 that would easily be over $1M in the GTA. That changes what’s possible for both end-users and investors. Overall, Edmonton feels like it’s in its early stages. Some people see what’s “missing” and complain. But I see those gaps as invitations for entrepreneurs who want to grow.
Q: How would you describe your overall philosophy when working with clients today?
My client philosophy is simple: provide great service above all else. That’s the key to longevity in this business. If you focus only on closing a quick deal, you might win in the short term, but you won’t build a lasting career. When clients feel genuinely well-served and supported, they come back and recommend their friends and family, too.
Q: How have media opportunities from the program helped you grow your real estate business and brand?
Agent Accelerator has opened doors I wouldn’t have found on my own. Being part of the program has connected me with media opportunities, including features in outlets such as the Edmonton Journal, The Globe and Mail, and MoneySense, which have strengthened my credibility and expanded my digital footprint.
That visibility has a direct impact on my business. Serious clients research you before they ever reach out. I had a buyer tell me, “I already looked you up and read your reviews, that’s why I called you.” That’s a direct payoff from consistently building visibility.
Media is part of how I build trust before a client ever contacts me. When someone finds you in a real publication, you’re already credible. That credibility makes every other part of the sales process easier.
Q: For an agent on the fence about joining Agent Accelerator, what’s your best advice?
Be very honest about your goals.
If you want to be coached, operate like a business owner, and build real systems and habits, this program gives you a strong platform. It gave me the structure and accountability to move from “figuring it out” to running a growing, predictable business.
This isn’t a quick fix. If you’re not willing to put in the work, this program won’t transform your business overnight. But if you genuinely commit, the upside, in my experience, can be substantial.
Build a More Scalable Real Estate Business
Zoocasa’s Director of Business Development, Evelyn Anders, says agents who succeed in the program understand that Agent Accelerator offers far more than just leads, from structured coaching and daily accountability to media exposure in top-tier national outlets.
“What excites me most about Agent Accelerator is seeing agents like Ali step into a completely different level of performance,” she explains. “When you combine the right training, systems, and support, you start to see real shifts. It’s not just about production. People become more consistent and confident. It becomes less about chasing deals and more about building something sustainable that will help you for years to come.”
Agent Accelerator is currently available across Canada and the U.S., with opportunities in multiple markets.
Ready to build a thriving business like Ali’s? Agent Accelerator was made for you.
Reach out to Evelyn Anders at [email protected] and check out the Agent Accelerator Instagram page to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements.
