Movin' on Up: 15-Point Checklist for Switching Real Estate Brokerages

Has your current brokerage lost some of its shine? Maybe the commission split is lackluster, or the company doesn't offer the resources you need, or maybe its goals no longer align with your own.

Whatever the case, part of career growth is recognizing when you've grown beyond your current situation.

But switching brokerages can be an involved process with multiple steps. To make it easier for you to move on to bigger and better things, we've put together this handy checklist of tasks you need to complete when you change real estate firms.

Before Switching

Review your current contract. Before you make the leap, carefully review your contract with your current brokerage so you don't make a misstep that could cost you. Make note of any clauses related to commissions or notice periods.

Collect your contacts and any personal marketing materials. Once you give notice to your current firm, you may find yourself immediately cut off from email and the company's contact database. Before giving notice, export your contacts from your current brokerage's email and CRM systems. Make sure you are compliant with data protection and confidentiality regulations first, however.

The Switch

Inform your current brokerage of your intention to leave, adhering to the notice period specified in your contract.

Transfer your license. Contact your local real estate regulatory authority to transfer your license to the new brokerage. This can be done online in some states. Complete any necessary paperwork and pay the required fees.

Notify your MLS and local association that you will be switching your license to another real estate brokerage.

Sign a new independent contractor agreement with the brokerage you'll be switching to.

Obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. Be sure you have the necessary E&O insurance coverage with your new brokerage. This includes understanding coverage details and any associated costs.

Steps to Take at Your New Brokerage

Set up a new email and agent profile/website. Whether or not you maintain your own, non-brokerage related email and website, you'll likely still need to sign up for an email address at your new company in order to log-in to the firm's systems and programs. If your brokerage offers agent websites and/or profiles, take advantage of that too, even if you already have your own — the more places to market your services, the better!

Create logins for all of your new brokerage apps and resources.

Attend training and orientation sessions. Set yourself up for success by participating in any training or orientation sessions offered. If these aren't available, set aside time to familiarize yourself with the tools, software, and systems used by the new brokerage. Sign up for training webinars offered by the software vendors your new firm uses.

Import your contacts into your new email and CRM system. Remember all those contacts you exported from your old brokerage? Time to set them up in your new apps.

Update your marketing materials. Revise your business cards, website, and any marketing materials to reflect your new brokerage affiliation. Bonus points if you decide to get new headshots (hey, this is a great time for rebranding, right?).

Order yard signs for all the new listings that are bound to come your way at your new brokerage.

Update your mailing address wherever it appears on documents, contracts, agreements, etc. Make sure you also update these items with your brokerage's name and info wherever it's relevant.

Inform your clients and contacts. Now that you've got all the fussy administrative tasks out of the way, it's time for the fun stuff. Let your clients and sphere of influence know about your move to the new brokerage. You can do this via direct mail, email, social media, digital ads — or even via phone calls to your top clients. This mini-marketing blitz is a great reason to reach out, start new conversations, and ensure you remain top-of-mind with clients and prospects.

Tips to Make Future Transitions Smoother

As we mentioned, it's not uncommon for your previous brokerage to cut off access to any email address, website, or CRM system when you give your notice. That's why we recommend purchasing a website domain name to set up your own website and email address rather than relying on brokerage-provided options.

Why? Because a website you personally own is under your control and cannot be turned off when you change brokerages. This helps you maintain brand consistency and ensures no important opportunities or messages are lost when switching brokerages. Your website provider can help you set up email, or you can use Google Workspace to manage your business email.

Not sure where to get started? Explore website vendors in our Product Directory.

Unless your new brokerage requires that you use their CRM, we recommend subscribing to and setting up a CRM that you control. That way, you never have to leave your valuable contacts behind when you change brokerages next. Find a CRM solution in our Product Directory.