How to Tell Your Clients You're Changing Brokerages (Without Making It Awkward)

How do you tell your clients you're changing brokerages?

Keep it simple.

First, make sure your current broker knows and you understand what will happen with your active listings and transactions. Then talk to the clients who are most affected.

Start with what is staying the same. Keep the conversation short. And don’t make the move sound like a bigger deal than it is.

For most agents, telling clients feels like one of the hardest parts of changing brokerages.

But the actual conversation usually takes a couple of minutes.

What makes it stressful is everything leading up to it.

You think about what to say. You worry about how the client will react. You wait for the perfect time.

And if you wait too long, your client may end up hearing about the move from social media or another agent.

That is when things get awkward.

The truth is, most clients hired you, not your brokerage.

But there is one important part you need to get right before you start making phone calls: the order you do everything in.

Get the Order Right First

Before you start telling clients, make sure the business side of your move is handled.

Here’s the order I recommend:

1. Review your independent contractor agreement and listing agreements.

2. Tell your current broker or manager.

3. Find out what will happen with your active listings and pending transactions.

4. Complete your license transfer with your state.

5. Call the clients who are most affected.

6. Let your past clients and sphere know.

7. Announce the move publicly.

That order matters.

You don’t want to announce that you are with a new brokerage while your license is still connected to your old brokerage or while you are still figuring out what happens with an active listing.

Handle those details first.

Then you can talk to your clients with clear answers.

What Happens to Your Listings?

This is one of the biggest things agents need to understand before changing brokerages.

Your listings do not automatically move with you.

In both California and Texas, the listing agreement is with the brokerage, not the individual agent.

That means when you leave, the listing may stay with your current brokerage unless another arrangement is made.

Some brokerages will release the listing if the seller wants to continue working with you.

Others may have different rules.

Your independent contractor agreement may also explain exactly what happens when you leave.

Read it before calling your sellers.

Because one of the first questions they may ask is:

“Are you still going to be selling my house?”

You want to know the answer before that conversation happens.

The same applies to buyer representation agreements, referral fees, and transactions already in escrow.

In many cases, agents choose to finish pending transactions with the brokerage where the transaction started. It can make the transition easier for everyone involved.

Make Sure Your License Transfer Is Complete

Your license also needs to be properly transferred.

In California, that process goes through the DRE.

In Texas, it is handled through TREC.

Until the transfer is effective, you should not present yourself as being with the new brokerage or start doing business there.

The process can move quickly, but don’t assume it is complete.

Confirm it first.

Who Should You Tell First?

Not every client needs the same conversation.

Start with the people who are most affected by your move.

Clients Already in Escrow

Call them.

Don’t let them find out through an email or social media post.

They already have money, deadlines, inspections, financing, and a closing date to think about.

Your job is to reassure them that their transaction is being handled and explain whether anything changes.

In many cases, very little does.

Sellers With an Active Listing

They also deserve a phone call.

Explain what is happening with their listing and whether any new paperwork will be needed.

Will the MLS listing change?

Will marketing continue without interruption?

Will the listing stay with the current brokerage or move?

Know those answers before you call.

Past Clients and Your Sphere

This group is much easier.

A quick email or text is usually enough.

They don’t need a long explanation about why you changed companies.

They mainly need to know where you are now and how to reach you.

And this is also a good opportunity to remind them that you are still available for referrals.

Everyone Else

Once the important conversations are done, you can make your public announcement.

Post it on social media, update your website, change your email signature, and update your marketing.

What Should You Actually Say?

Keep it short.

The more you explain, the more it can sound like something is wrong.

You are simply letting them know about a business change.

If They’re in Escrow

You could say:

“Quick update. I’m moving my license to a new brokerage. Nothing changes with your closing. Same timeline, same escrow, and I’m still here handling everything for you. I’m finishing your transaction where it started so there’s no disruption.”

Simple.

If They Have an Active Listing

You could say:

“I wanted to let you know that I’m changing brokerages. I’ve already worked out what that means for your listing, and here’s what happens next: [explain the specific details]. Our strategy stays the same, and I’ll send over any updated paperwork if needed.”

Again, no long explanation needed.

If They’re a Past Client

Something like:

“I wanted to share a quick update. I’ve moved my license to Real Brokerage. Same phone number, same email, and same service — just a new brokerage behind me. And if you ever need anything real estate related, I’m still here.”

That’s really all most people need.

What NOT to Do

There are a few things that can make a simple brokerage change much more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

Don’t Badmouth Your Old Brokerage

Even if your experience wasn’t great, your clients don’t need the details.

Keep it professional.

You can simply say you are making a change that makes sense for your business and your clients.

Then move on.

Don’t Explain Your Commission Split

Your clients probably don’t care about your split, cap, revenue share, stock plan, or other agent benefits.

Those things may be important to you, but they usually are not important to your clients.

Instead, focus on how the move helps you serve them.

Don’t Post on Social Media Before Calling Active Clients

This is probably the biggest mistake.

Imagine being in escrow with your agent and finding out through Instagram that they changed companies.

Even if nothing about your transaction changes, it can create unnecessary worry.

Tell your active clients first.

Post later.

Don’t Wait Forever

Once your move is official and your active transactions are handled, tell people.

Waiting too long can make a normal business decision feel like something you were trying to hide.

It doesn’t need to be complicated.

What If a Client Asks, “What Is Real?”

You may get this question after telling someone you moved to Real Brokerage.

Again, keep the answer simple.

You could say:

“Real is a national brokerage built around technology instead of traditional physical offices. It gives me more flexibility and resources to focus on my clients and my business.”

That is usually enough.

You may also get questions about Real and RE/MAX.

In August 2026, Real completed its acquisition of RE/MAX Holdings and formed Real REMAX Group.

RE/MAX and Motto Mortgage continue operating under their existing brands, and Real continues operating under the Real brand.

For most clients, they do not need the corporate history.

The simple explanation is that Real is now part of a larger global real estate platform.

Their transaction is still handled the same way.

If they want to know more, answer their questions.

But you don’t need to turn a quick brokerage announcement into a company presentation.

The Client Conversation Is Usually the Easy Part

If telling your clients is the thing stopping you from changing brokerages, think about what you are actually worried about.

Sometimes it isn’t really the client conversation.

It is uncertainty about the move itself.

Or maybe you feel like you owe your current brokerage a long explanation.

You don’t.

Make sure you understand your agreements. Handle your active transactions correctly. Complete your license transfer.

Then tell your clients clearly and professionally.

Most of those conversations will be much easier than you expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have to Tell My Clients I’m Switching Brokerages?

If you are actively working with them, yes.

Clients with an active listing or transaction should hear directly from you because the brokerage on their paperwork may change.

Past clients do not usually need a formal notice, but letting them know is still a good idea.

It keeps your relationship strong and makes sure they know how to reach you.

Can I Take My Listings With Me When I Change Brokerages?

Not automatically.

The listing agreement is between the seller and the brokerage.

Whether the listing can move with you depends on your agreement with your broker and the brokerage’s policies.

Some brokers will release a listing if the seller asks to continue working with the agent.

But don’t promise that to your seller until you have confirmed it.

When Should I Announce My Brokerage Move on Social Media?

After your current broker knows, your active files are handled, and your license transfer is complete.

Your clients should never learn about your brokerage change from an Instagram or Facebook post.

Talk to them first.

Then make the public announcement.

Thinking About Making a Move?

If you’re looking at Real Brokerage and wondering what the transition actually looks like, I’m happy to talk through it with you.

Not just the good parts.

I can also share the things you should think about before making the move and help you decide whether the model actually fits your business.

No big presentation. No pressure.

Just a real conversation about what makes sense for you.

Amanda Zito, REALTOR®
Real Brokerage
CA DRE #01740063 | TX TREC #840088
SoldByZito.com

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Brokerage transfer rules, listing ownership, and licensing requirements can vary by state, brokerage, and your individual agreements. Review your agreements and confirm current requirements with the California DRE or Texas TREC before making a move.