Can I Move Brokerages Mid-Transaction?
Can you switch real estate brokerages while you still have deals under contract?
Yes—you absolutely can.
And if you’re producing at any level, there’s a very good chance that when you make a brokerage move, you’ll have one or more transactions mid-stream.
Honestly, it’s almost impossible not to be mid-transaction unless you’re not doing business at all.
Why Waiting Until You “Have Nothing Going On” Is a Mistake
A lot of agents tell themselves:
“I’ll just wait until I don’t have anything under contract.”
Here’s the problem with that thinking.
If you truly have nothing going on:
You’re not prospecting
You’re not growing
You’re not building momentum
And waiting creates a lull that can cost you far more money than any commission adjustment you might face by moving mid-transaction.
Delaying a move often delays your next paycheck—and sometimes several of them.
Yes, You Can Move Mid-Transaction — But the Details Matter
While the answer is yes, how it plays out depends entirely on one thing:
👉 Your independent contractor agreement.
This is where everything lives.
Commission handling during a brokerage switch is all over the place, and no two brokerages handle it exactly the same way.
Common Ways Brokerages Handle Mid-Transaction Deals
Here are some scenarios agents commonly see:
1. You Lose the Commission Entirely
Some agreements state that if you leave mid-transaction, the brokerage keeps the entire commission.
Yes, it happens.
2. You Can Take the Deal — But at Your Original Split
In some cases, you can still work the transaction, but your split reverts to whatever it was when you first joined.
For example:
You started at 50/50
You’re now at 90/10
The deal pays out at 50/50
3. You Receive a Referral Fee Instead
Some brokerages won’t allow you to continue working the deal, but they’ll pay you a referral fee once it closes.
4. You Can Work the Deal — But Owe a Referral Fee
Other brokerages allow you to stay involved but require a referral fee paid back to them.
Again—it all depends on what you signed.
This Is Why You MUST Read Your Agreement
Before you even think about making a move, you need to:
Read your independent contractor agreement
Confirm any updates or amendments
Understand commission treatment in writing
Do not assume.
Do not rely on verbal explanations.
If it’s not written, it doesn’t exist.
Document Everything Before You Say You’re Leaving
This part is critical.
Once you tell a broker you’re leaving, things can move very fast.
Access may be cut to:
Email
CRM
Transaction files
MLS tools
Internal systems
Some brokers are gracious and give you time. Others shut things down immediately.
Before you give notice:
List every active deal
Save documentation you’re legally allowed to retain
Know exactly where each transaction stands
Understand how each will be handled
Preparation protects you.
The Real Math: Cost of Waiting vs. Cost of Moving
Yes, it’s true—some agents make less money on deals when they move mid-transaction.
But here’s the bigger question:
What is waiting costing you?
Waiting can mean:
Missed prospecting time
Slower growth
Delayed income
Lost momentum
Often, the money lost by delaying a move is far greater than any reduced commission on one or two transactions.
Final Takeaway
Yes, you can move brokerages mid-transaction.
And in many cases, you should—if the move positions you for long-term growth.
The key is:
Knowing what you signed
Understanding your options
Preparing before you make the move
And weighing the cost of waiting against the cost of switching
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
Let’s Talk
If you’re considering a brokerage change and want to talk through how a mid-transaction move might affect your deals, we’re always happy to help you think it through.
CrossView Realty
📞 904-503-0672
📧 info@crossviewrealty.com
No pressure. Just honest guidance and transparency.
