At some point in every real estate agent’s career, the thought crosses their mind: Am I still in the right place to grow?
Switching brokerages isn’t uncommon. In fact, studies show 13% of real estate agents switched brokerages in 2024. It’s part of the natural evolution of building a career that actually serves your goals, not someone else’s bottom line.
But how do you know if it’s truly time to make the move? From years of experience coaching and supporting agents through transitions, we’ve seen clear patterns emerge. If you’re nodding along to any of these signs, it might be your cue to start planning.
Signs It’s Time to Leave
Financial Dissatisfaction
If you’re handing over hefty chunks of your hard-earned commissions through low splits, hidden tech fees, or surprise “office dues,” it’s a flashing red light. Your brokerage should be a platform that supports your growth, not a financial anchor holding you back.
Poor Leadership, Culture Mismatch, Outdated Technology
Real estate is a people business. If the leadership culture at your brokerage feels out of touch, negative, or micromanaging, or if you’re stuck using decade-old tools that slow you down, it’s more than an annoyance. It’s a career killer. You deserve an environment that evolves with you.
Career Growth Stagnation
Maybe you once joined a brokerage because it offered great mentorship or access to new markets. But if you’ve outgrown the training, the resources, or the brand itself, staying put can quietly cap your income and potential. Growth is non-negotiable in this business.
What You Need to Know Before Making the Move
Making the decision to switch brokerages is empowering, but the way you handle the transition matters just as much as the move itself. A little preparation can protect your clients, your brand, and your income while maintaining a strong reputation in the industry.
Let’s tackle a few of the biggest questions and concerns agents face before they switch:
Will My Broker Retaliate if I Leave?
Nobody wants to burn bridges or deal with legal headaches. Your broker cannot legally block you from leaving. In every state, real estate agents are independent contractors, not employees. You have the right to choose where you hang your license.
That said, it’s smart to review your independent contractor agreement carefully before giving notice. Some contracts spell out obligations around active deals, database ownership, or referral fees. Know what you’re agreeing to so you can exit cleanly, and confidently.
Contracts and Outstanding Deals
- Listings: Many brokerages view listings as belonging to the brokerage, not the individual agent. If you plan to transfer active listings, you’ll need approval from both your old broker and your clients. In some cases, brokers may negotiate to release you (especially if you have strong relationships with your clients).
- Pending Deals: For transactions already under contract, you’ll typically be entitled to the commission you earned while at your old brokerage. However, always negotiate a clear written agreement about how commissions will be handled before you officially leave.
- Referral Agreements: If you cannot take certain listings or buyers with you, it’s possible to arrange referral fee agreements with your old broker. That way, you’re still compensated for the business you generated.
Document everything in writing. Even if the conversation feels friendly, a simple email confirming the terms can save you a lot of headaches later.
The Hidden Danger: Losing Access to CRM and Client Data
You might lose access to your client database the moment you resign.
If your CRM, email system, or website was tied to your old brokerage’s tools, you could find yourself locked out overnight, along with years of contacts, notes, and transaction history.
Before giving notice, secure a full backup of your client list, including names, emails, phone numbers, transaction notes, and active deal statuses.
(And yes, do it ethically, only export information you personally own and are legally allowed to take.)
Step-by-Step Checklist to Switch Brokerages Without Stress
Switching brokerages doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear game plan, you can make a smooth, professional move, without sacrificing your clients, your reputation, or your momentum. Here’s your step-by-step checklist to transition with confidence:
Step 1 – Research New Brokerages Carefully
Not all brokerages are created equal. Before you make a move, dig deep.
- Talk to other agents who have worked there, ask candidly about support, culture, technology, and leadership.
- Interview multiple brokerages. Don’t just ask about commission splits, ask about training, flexibility, transaction support, and tech tools.
- Prioritize culture fit and growth support over name recognition. A big logo on your business card won’t build your career, systems, autonomy, and support will.
Agents often assume bigger is better, but smaller, virtual brokerages like Realty Hub often offer agents far greater autonomy, lower overhead, and more real-world support. We built Realty Hub specifically for agents who want freedom without sacrificing professional infrastructure.
Step 2 – Get Your Paperwork and Data in Order
Before you even whisper about switching, secure your business assets:
- Backup your CRM contacts, every client name, number, email, and transaction note you legally own.
- Download copies of contracts, templates, and any custom marketing materials you’ve created.
- Collect logins for your personal website, email marketing systems, and social media profiles.
Once you resign, you may lose immediate access to brokerage-owned platforms. Protecting your database and brand assets ensures you can hit the ground running without missing a beat.
Step 3 – Choose the Right Time
Timing your switch smartly can save you money, reduce drama, and protect your pipeline.
- Best time to switch: The end of slow seasons, like winter holidays. Business tends to naturally slow, giving you breathing room to get organized before the busy spring market hits.
- If you must move urgently: Try to time your exit right after a wave of closings. This minimizes commissions you’ll need to negotiate and leaves fewer loose ends to manage.
Step 4 – Inform Your Current Brokerage the Right Way
When it’s time to break the news, professionalism is everything.
- Always resign in person (or, if remote, via a personal Zoom or phone call, not email or text).
- Keep it short and positive. Thank your broker for the opportunity, and briefly explain that you’re making a move to better align with your business goals.
- Be prepared for leadership to try and persuade you to stay. Stay calm, polite, but firm. You’ve already made your decision.
Set up a short, respectful conversation. Express appreciation, avoid negativity, and confirm any necessary steps for finalizing your transition in writing.
The way you exit speaks volumes about your professionalism, your future referrals and reputation can depend on it.
Step 5 – Handle Active Deals and Listings Properly
If you have pending listings or contracts, you’ll need to handle them carefully:
- Discuss listing transfers upfront. Some brokerages will allow you to move listings with client approval; others may require you to leave them behind. Either way, clarify in writing.
- Negotiate commissions on pending deals. Make sure you understand exactly what commissions you’re owed and how they’ll be paid out.
The smoother you make the transition for your clients, the stronger your reputation will be, and the faster you’ll rebuild momentum in your new brokerage.
What Incentives Should You Look for in a New Brokerage?
Not all “opportunities” are created equal. When switching brokerages, it’s easy to get caught up in shiny marketing pitches, big promises of training, leads, or luxury branding. But if you want real career growth and true financial freedom, you need to dig deeper.
Here’s what matters most when choosing your next home:
Fair Commission Structures
One of the biggest reasons agents decide to switch brokerages is financial: they’re tired of splitting their hard-earned commissions. Traditional models often siphon off 20%, 30%, or even 50% of every paycheck—no matter how much work the agent puts in.
That’s why more agents are turning to 100% commission brokerages that flip the outdated system on its head. Instead of losing a percentage on every deal, agents simply pay a flat, predictable fee—and keep the rest.
Low Overhead, High Autonomy
Many brokerages quietly load you up with hidden fees:
- Tech platform charges
- Desk rental fees
- “Franchise” contributions
- Mandatory marketing programs
The list goes on…
Modern Tools and Support, Without Micromanagement
Too many brokerages confuse “support” with “surveillance.” They track your metrics obsessively, pressure you into weekly sales meetings, or try to micromanage how you run your business.
That’s not real support.
The #1 Fear When Switching Brokerages, Losing Clients
If there’s one fear that keeps agents awake at night when thinking about switching brokerages, it’s this:
“What if my clients don’t follow me?”
It’s a legitimate concern, but here’s the reality from years of real-world experience:
Reality Check
Your clients are loyal to you, not your brokerage.
Most buyers and sellers choose to work with you because they trust your expertise, your guidance, and your care, not because of the logo on your business card.
In fact, many clients won’t even notice which brokerage you’re affiliated with unless you make it a focal point. Your relationship is the brand that matters.
When handled professionally, switching brokerages won’t cost you business. In fact, it can strengthen your brand by reinforcing that you’re serious about building the best possible experience for your clients.
How to Protect Your Personal Brand
Timing and communication are everything.
- Announce the move only after all your licensing paperwork is processed. Don’t jump the gun. You want to be fully licensed under your new brokerage before updating your clients or marketing materials.
- Update your CRM, website, and email signature immediately.
As soon as your switch is official:
- Update your profiles across Zillow, Realtor.com, social media platforms, and your personal website.
- Update your email signature with your new brokerage name, address, license number (if required), and new branding if applicable.
Send a simple, confident announcement to your clients.
Let them know you’ve made an exciting move to better serve them, without overwhelming them with internal details.
Should you tell your clients right away?
(Answer: No, wait until the switch is official and your license transfer is complete. Then, update them clearly and positively.)
Introducing an Easier Option: 100% Commission Brokerages
Switching brokerages isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s a chance to build the business you actually want, leaner, more profitable, and truly yours.
Why More Agents Are Choosing Flat-Fee Models
- Keep 100% of your commission with a low flat fee. Why split 20%, 30%, or more of every deal when you can just pay a flat fee per transaction?
- No franchise fees, desk fees, or forced upsells. Forget nickel-and-diming. You should only pay for real value, not bloated corporate overhead.
Realty Hub’s Agent-Friendly Model
- $100/year membership to keep your license active and compliant.
- $100 per closing, and the rest of the commission is yours.
- E&O insurance included.
- Freedom from unnecessary REALTOR® dues if you’re operating referral-only or part-time.
- Broker support available when you need it, without micromanagement when you don’t.
We built Realty Hub for agents who are serious about owning their business, not renting a piece of it.