Compare the model with your own priorities
Write down why you are considering a change: overhead, commission structure, broker access, technology, training, office obligations, or the freedom to work from home. Then compare the actual program documents and resources against those priorities.
Ask how you will reach the broker, how files are submitted for review, which services are included, and what costs are optional. A brokerage can be a good fit financially and still be the wrong fit for your way of working. HomeBased Realty® is designed for self-directed professionals who stay organized and take responsibility for their business.
Compare annual costs at a realistic production level
Use your recent commission history rather than an optimistic sales goal. Calculate a quieter year as well as a strong year. Include affiliation, monthly plan charges, transaction fees, professional dues, marketing, and any optional transaction coordinator or CRM costs.
The HomeBased Realty® calculator compares the posted brokerage fees. It shows the net from one closing, with monthly subscription and yearly affiliation fees listed separately.
Coordinate your current business before changing affiliation
Review your existing independent contractor agreement and any obligations to your current brokerage. Prepare an inventory of open escrows, active listings, representation agreements, outstanding commissions, client records, and marketing accounts.
Discuss the handling of pending business with the brokers involved. Do not assume agreements, listings, files, or commissions automatically move to the new company. The California DRE advises salespeople changing affiliation to tell their responsible broker and follow the provisions of their agreements.
Request and review the hiring package
Provide your CalDRE number, service area, experience, local association, MLS, production, and preferred commission program. These details help the brokerage evaluate the affiliation and explain the next steps.
Review all hiring documents and ask questions before signing. Confirm the commission program, affiliation payment option, use of your home office, advertising standards, insurance arrangements, training expectations, and transaction-review procedures. Broker approval and the signed documents govern the final arrangement.
Confirm the affiliation through the DRE
The DRE provides eLicensing procedures for changing a salesperson’s responsible broker. The new responsible broker must certify the affiliation. Use the current DRE instructions and the onboarding directions supplied by the brokerage, and confirm completion before conducting licensed activity under the new affiliation.
Broker-associate procedures may differ from salesperson procedures. Confirm the correct process for your license type rather than assuming one set of steps applies to everyone. This checklist does not promise a processing time or replace the DRE’s current instructions.
Make the client-facing transition organized
After approval and affiliation are confirmed, coordinate MLS and association records, advertising, signs, business cards, your website, email signature, transaction platforms, and the location of your files. Test access to contracts, electronic signatures, training, and the Agent Virtual Office.
Keep clients informed through the appropriate brokerage process and make sure they know how to reach you. To begin a HomeBased Realty® conversation, request your hiring package and tell us what you are looking for.
Common questions
Will changing my DRE affiliation automatically move my listings or escrows?
Do not assume pending business transfers automatically. Review your agreements and coordinate the handling of existing clients, listings, files, and commissions with the brokers involved.
Does the new broker have a role in the DRE transfer?
Yes. The DRE describes broker certification as part of a salesperson’s change of responsible broker. Follow the current process for your license type.
Can I review the hiring package before making a final decision?
Request the package and review its program terms and documents carefully. Ask the brokerage to address questions before you sign or proceed with a transfer.