What Stops a Realtor from Switching Brokerages?
Why aren’t some agents making the move even when they might benefit from switching?
You may be questioning whether a move is worth it—and here’s what’s really holding agents back.
Most agents stay put because of fear—loss of clients, income uncertainty, and the discomfort of change easily outweigh the potential benefits of a new brokerage environment.
Fear of Losing Clients
You’ve built trust and relationships over time. The worry that clients might not follow you to a new firm—or that you'll disrupt your service during the switch—is a major hurdle. It’s common for agents to delay a move until they’ve created a transition plan or feel confident clients will stay.
Financial Uncertainty
Even if the commission split at a new brokerage is better, the cost, timing, and short-term impact on your income can feel risky. You may hesitate because you’re unsure if the financial upside outweighs account setup fees, switching systems, or a possible downtime.
Comfort with the Status Quo
Despite knowing there might be better options, agents often stick with what they know. Changing systems, building new relationships—and possibly learning new tech or CRM tools—can feel overwhelming. The thought of starting fresh can be more disruptive than staying in place.
Lack of Awareness of Better Options
Research shows that many agents won’t switch unless they see something clearly better. Often, you don’t know what’s out there because brokerages focus only on actively recruiting agents, not those who might be open to change if the right opportunity appears.
Insufficient Training or Support
Agents looking to switch often face a trade-off: commission versus support. If the new brokerage doesn't deliver stronger training, mentorship, or a collaborative culture, the move might not feel worthwhile—especially for newer agents still building skills.
Misalignment of Values or Culture
Even good splits or tools can’t replace a poor cultural fit. If values or leadership style don’t align with yours—whether around ethics, branding, or workplace atmosphere—moving can feel risky or uncomfortable.
Stable but Stagnant Growth
Agents who’ve been around for several years may feel stuck without a clear path for advancement, equity, leadership, or growth. Staying may feel safer, even if newer opportunities could fuel your next phase.
How This Relates to Developing Real Estate Skills
When coaching or training agents, understanding these barriers is essential. Here’s how to frame it in skills development:
Address fear upfront by providing scripts and suggestions for how to discuss transitions with clients.
Build confidence by offering financial modeling, side-by-side comparison of commission structures and calculating the break-even point.
Simplify the switch process with onboarding checklists, CRM tutorials, and vendor introductions.
Highlight unseen value: culture, mentorship, equity, brand support, systems, or lead generation.
Assess readiness: encourage agents to clarify their personal goals—whether growth, income, team leadership, or lifestyle—and choose a brokerage that aligns.
Final Takeaway
Agents often stay where it’s familiar—even when better opportunities exist—because fear, inertia, and uncertainty outweigh perceived benefits. Your job is to reduce those barriers: help agents plan, evaluate meaningful value, and confidently transition when the fit truly supports their long-term success.
How CrossView Realty Approaches This
At CrossView Realty in Jacksonville, we specialize in helping agents navigate every step of the transition process. From client communication scripts to customized onboarding and growth mentoring, our approach is designed to remove friction and boost confidence. If you're asking, "Why consider a brokerage change?" we're here to show you what a well-supported switch can really look like.
Ready to Explore the Next Step?
If you're ready to take control of your growth as a real estate agent, take the next strategic step:
Call CrossView Realty at 904-503-0672
Or submit the Request a Meeting form at joincrossviewrealty.com
