Switching Brokerages in Northeast Florida: What to Know Before You Leap
Thinking about changing brokerages in Jacksonville or St. Augustine? Here’s what to consider first.
Making a move isn’t as simple as picking a new office and updating your email signature. If you're an experienced agent, odds are you have active clients, pending contracts, and marketing systems already in motion. That means switching brokerages is less of a quick decision and more of a strategic handoff—and how you handle that handoff matters.
The Deals in Progress Dilemma
Every productive agent faces the same challenge when thinking about switching: "What happens to the deals I already have under contract?"
And the honest answer is: it depends.
Every brokerage handles this differently. Some will honor the original commission split on those deals. Others may reduce your split significantly if you're no longer affiliated when they close. That's why it's critical to re-read your Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA) before making any moves. It's usually spelled out there—but most agents haven’t looked at it since onboarding.
At CrossView Realty, here’s how we handle it:
If an agent joins us with deals already under contract at their previous brokerage, we don’t touch those commissions. When they close, the agent receives whatever their prior broker has agreed to pay them. Period.
We want to partner with agents, not penalize them for having business in motion. Our goal is to make your transition smooth, not stressful.
Timing Is Everything
There’s never a "perfect" time to switch brokerages, but there are smarter times. Some agents wait until after closings to jump, but that can delay progress by weeks or months. Others time it around personal milestones, tax quarters, or when business naturally slows down. Whatever you choose, make sure you:
Review all active listings, pendings, and upcoming closings
Understand any obligations or risks outlined in your ICA
Communicate with professionalism and tact during your notice period
The earlier you plan, the easier the shift.
Watch the Small Stuff (It’s Actually Big)
Making a clean break involves more than your license transfer. Here’s what experienced agents often overlook:
CRM and client data: Do you own it? Can you export it?
Listing marketing: Will you need to rebrand or relaunch anything?
Signage and print materials: What needs to be updated ASAP?
Online profiles and portals: Zillow, Realtor.com, your website—don’t forget to update them
Most of these things aren’t hard—they just require forethought. That’s why having a broker who walks with you during the process makes a difference.
A Smooth Transition Is Possible
This kind of move can feel daunting, especially when you’ve worked hard to build momentum. But here’s the truth: if you’re already thinking about switching, you probably have a good reason. You might be:
Tired of being unsupported
Wanting more collaboration or mentorship
Looking for better leadership and broker accessibility
Just ready for a fresh environment that fits who you are now, not who you were when you started
Whatever your reason, the logistics of switching should never be the thing that holds you back.
Final Takeaway
If you're an experienced agent with deals in progress, switching brokerages in Northeast Florida isn’t something to rush—but it is something you can do smoothly with the right guidance. Start by understanding your agreement, timing your move smartly, and partnering with a brokerage that respects the business you've already built.
Schedule a confidential meeting today.
If you're ready to explore your options, we're here to help you think through the transition—step by step, judgment-free, and always on your side.
