How to Transfer to eXp Realty from Another Brokerage: Complete Guide
Transferring to eXp Realty from another brokerage is a structured business transition that affects licensing, commissions, branding, systems, and client continuity. When done correctly, the move can reduce downtime, protect active deals, and set up cleaner operations from day one. Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® with eXp Realty explains the transfer process by focusing on sequence, risk management, and what experienced agents should prepare before initiating the switch so there are no surprises.
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® brings more than 13 years of residential appraisal management experience and an MBA in Applied Management to helping agents plan brokerage transitions with minimal disruption. This guide lays out the full process, what to do before giving notice, how transfers typically work, common mistakes that cause delays, and how to evaluate whether the timing is right.
What “Transferring Brokerages” Actually Involves
A brokerage transfer is not just a paperwork event. It touches multiple parts of an agent’s business at once.
A complete transfer typically includes:
License transfer approval through the state
Brokerage onboarding and compliance setup
Managing active listings and pending transactions
Updating branding, marketing, and disclosures
Rebuilding or migrating systems and workflows
Communicating clearly with clients
The goal is continuity. Clients should experience no disruption, even while backend systems change.
The First Decision: Is the Timing Right to Transfer?
Before starting paperwork, timing should be evaluated carefully.
Situations when a transfer is usually smoother
No active listings or pending contracts
One or two manageable transactions with clear timelines
Business systems already documented
Marketing and CRM under the agent’s control
Situations that require extra planning
Multiple active listings
Several pendings with tight deadlines
Team transitions
Brand-heavy marketing tied to the current brokerage
A transfer can still happen during busy periods, but it should be planned, not rushed.
Step One: Pre-Transfer Preparation Before Any Paperwork
This step is where most problems are avoided.
Review current brokerage obligations
Before announcing anything, review:
Independent contractor agreement
Notice requirements
Branding rules for active listings
Commission and fee obligations
Team or office-specific policies
Some agreements require notice periods or restrict certain actions during the transition.
Inventory active business
Create a list of:
Active listings and expiration dates
Pending transactions and key milestones
Buyer clients actively under contract
Marketing materials currently in use
This list drives the transition plan.
Step Two: Understand What Happens to Active Transactions
Active deals are the biggest concern for most agents.
Listings
Listings are typically tied to the brokerage, not the individual agent. This means:
Listings usually remain with the current brokerage
The seller may need to re-sign if the listing is transferred
In some cases, listings close under the old brokerage
This is a legal and compliance issue that must be handled carefully.
Buyer transactions
Buyer-side transactions may be handled differently depending on state rules and broker policies. Some may transfer cleanly, others may require additional disclosures.
The safest approach is:
Do not assume
Verify procedures with both brokerages
Prioritize client clarity and consent
Step Three: Initiating the Transfer to eXp Realty
Once timing and preparation are clear, the formal transfer begins.
Application and onboarding
The process typically includes:
Submitting an application to eXp
Providing license and compliance information
Completing onboarding tasks and acknowledgments
Setting up required systems and accounts
Accuracy matters. Errors can delay license activation.
License transfer
The state licensing authority must approve the brokerage change. This step controls when the agent can legally conduct business under the new brokerage.
Planning around this approval window prevents downtime.
Step Four: System Setup and Workflow Alignment
A clean transfer includes system alignment early.
Key systems to address:
CRM and contact database
Transaction management platform
Email and communication tools
Marketing templates and disclosures
Calendar and task workflows
Agents who delay system setup often experience unnecessary stress in the first few weeks.
Step Five: Branding, Marketing, and Compliance Updates
Once the license transfer is approved, branding must be updated promptly and correctly.
This includes:
Email signatures
Website disclosures
Social media bios
Listing and buyer materials
Marketing templates
Compliance rules should be followed carefully to avoid violations during the transition period.
The Transfer Timeline at a Glance
| Phase | What happens | Key risk | How to reduce issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-transfer planning | Review agreements, inventory deals | Unexpected restrictions | Read contracts and confirm policies early |
| Application and onboarding | Submit info, complete setup tasks | Incomplete paperwork | Double-check forms and licensing details |
| License transfer | State approves brokerage change | Downtime between brokerages | Time transfer between transactions if possible |
| System alignment | CRM, transactions, workflows | Missed follow-up or deadlines | Set systems before taking new clients |
| Brand and compliance updates | Marketing and disclosure updates | Compliance errors | Use approved templates and checklists |
Common Mistakes Agents Make When Transferring
Announcing the move too early
Premature announcements can complicate active deals and internal office relationships.
Underestimating listing transfer complexity
Listings are not automatically portable. Each one must be handled correctly.
Delaying system setup
Waiting to set up CRM, transaction management, or workflows creates unnecessary chaos.
Assuming support will appear automatically
Support quality depends on the onboarding path and mentorship structure chosen.
How to Reduce Downtime and Income Gaps
Experienced agents often worry about income gaps during a transfer.
Practical ways to reduce risk include:
Timing the transfer between closings when possible
Keeping marketing pipelines active
Scheduling onboarding tasks in advance
Communicating clearly with clients
Maintaining strict follow-up routines
A well-timed transfer can be nearly invisible to clients.
Who a Transfer to eXp Usually Works Best For
Transfers tend to go smoothly when:
The agent already has lead sources
CRM habits are consistent
Business systems are documented
Autonomy improves productivity
There is a clear support or team pathway
Agents who rely heavily on office-driven structure may need additional planning.
Questions to Answer Before Initiating the Transfer
These questions prevent surprises:
What happens to each active listing?
How will pending deals be handled?
What notice is required by the current brokerage?
What systems must be ready on day one?
Who provides immediate support during the transition?
Clear answers reduce stress and protect income.
Helpful Related Reading
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/exp-realty-vs-keller-williams-which-is-better-for-agents
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/exp-realty-vs-compass-complete-agent-comparison
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/exp-realty-vs-remax-commission-split-breakdown
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/exp-realty-vs-century-21-franchise-vs-cloud-model
https://www.movesmartwithamanda.com/blog/exp-realty-vs-coldwell-banker-technology-comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an agent transfer to eXp with active listings?
Often yes, but listings are brokerage-owned and may require seller consent or may close under the current brokerage. This must be verified case by case.
How long does a transfer usually take?
The timeline depends on state licensing approval and paperwork accuracy. Planning ahead reduces downtime.
Will clients be notified of the transfer?
Clients should be informed clearly and professionally, especially when disclosures or agreements are affected.
Does transferring brokerages affect commissions on pending deals?
It can. Commission handling depends on broker agreements, state rules, and transaction status.
Is there a best time of year to transfer?
The best time is usually when active deals are minimal, but transfers can be done year-round with proper planning.
What causes most transfer delays?
Incomplete paperwork, licensing errors, and unclear handling of active transactions.
Does eXp provide onboarding support?
Onboarding support exists, but the experience depends heavily on mentorship and team alignment.
Should systems be set up before or after the transfer?
Before. Having systems ready reduces stress and prevents missed follow-up.
Want to Talk Through a Clean Transfer Plan?
Every brokerage transition has unique variables. A short planning conversation can clarify timing, identify risks, and outline a step-by-step path that protects active deals and income. Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® works with agents considering eXp Realty to map the transition realistically, answer practical questions, and ensure the move is structured rather than reactive.
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
Phone: 317-750-6316
Email: amullinsmba@gmail.com
