How to Switch Brokerages (Without Burning Bridges)
Leaving a brokerage can feel a lot like breaking up with someone:
“It’s not you, it’s me… but actually, it’s a little bit you.”
Most agents don’t leave because they hate their colleagues or their office culture (though that happens too). More often, it’s because they’ve outgrown the environment, want different tools, see better splits, or are looking for a new kind of leadership.
Whatever your reason, the move itself can feel daunting. You don’t want to lose clients, upset your broker, or make the transition messier than it needs to be. So let’s break it down—both the logistics and the emotions—so you can leave with confidence, professionalism, and maybe even some friendships intact.
Step 1: Get Clear on Why You’re Leaving
Before you start writing your resignation email in your head during sales meetings, ask yourself:
What’s missing for me here?
Can I fix it without leaving?
Will the new brokerage actually solve this problem, or just swap it for a shinier version?
Sometimes clarity alone can calm your nerves. And if leaving still feels like the right move, you’ll have a solid answer ready when people inevitably ask, “Why are you leaving?”
Step 2: Quietly Get Your Ducks in a Row
Think of this like moving houses—you don’t start hauling furniture out the front door before you’ve signed the lease on the new place.
Line up your next brokerage first. Get your agreement signed, tools set up, and marketing pieces ready to go.
Check your contracts. Some brokerages have non-solicitation or non-compete clauses (yes, even if they’re rarely enforced). Know the rules so you don’t accidentally step into legal hot water.
Wrap up your transactions. Ideally, you don’t want messy pending deals hanging in limbo. Smooth closings mean fewer headaches.
Step 3: The Actual Breakup
Keep it short, professional, and respectful. A few tips:
Do it in person or over a call, not just an email.
Avoid the laundry list of grievances—it rarely goes over well.
Focus on gratitude: “I’ve learned a lot here, I appreciate the opportunities, but I’m moving in a different direction.”
It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare. Clear and kind wins.
Step 4: Handle the Emotional Side
This is the part nobody talks about…
You’ll probably feel guilty, anxious, or like you’re “betraying” your broker and colleagues. That’s normal. But remember: this is business. Good brokers know agents move on—it happens all the time.
And if you’re worried about losing friendships? The good ones will stick. Your happy hours and coffee chats don’t have to disappear just because your email signature does.
Step 5: Announce With Class
Once it’s official, let your sphere know you’ve made the move. Keep it positive and future-focused:
“I’m excited to share I’ve joined XYZ Brokerage, where I’ll have access to new tools and resources to better serve you/my clients.”
Not: “Finally escaped that dumpster fire of a company!”
People notice how you leave. A graceful exit says a lot about your professionalism.
Final Thought
Switching brokerages is rarely comfortable—but growth never is. If you approach it with clarity, preparation, and respect, you’ll not only land on your feet, you might even level up your career faster than you expected.
And hey—your old office might even miss you enough to keep inviting you to happy hour.