Going to a New Agency? 4 Templates for Announcing the Change

According to the National Association of Realtors an agent spends about three years with each broker. Is it about that time for you? If you’re wondering how to tell your real estate broker you’re leaving, and then inform your clients, read on.

First and foremost, don’t burn any bridges with your current team or brokerage, even if you’ve been frustrated beyond belief. Real estate is a tight industry and there will almost undoubtedly come a time when you need help from your former broker or an agent. Or you may end up working with them as a buyer’s agent with your new brokerage. Awkward!!

Always leave on a high note. Thank them for what they’ve done for you in terms of opportunity and education. Take the high road. Oh and you don’t need to give a reason why – just an exciting new opportunity you could not pass up.

Keep it Professional and Friendly. Always Leave on a High Note. 

Remember real estate is highly personal, so work that golden rule! No email quitting, zoom or text message. Do it face-to-face. Be respectful. Leave with no hard feelings. And never talk smack about your old office with your new co-workers, the walls have ears.

Now you’ll want to collect your data, including your client data. This can vary depending on the brokerage. Most realtors own their client data. In fact, it’s a very bad idea to enter into any contract that doesn’t give you complete control over this information.

Input Your Data into a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or an Excel File.

Collect all the information you have from your past clients, current clients, and even prospective clients. You can be sure a new brokerage will expect that you bring your business with you.

Finally, if you have a potential buyers or sellers that you’re working with, you should let them know right away that you’re leaving. It’s equally important to tell your current clients that you’re leaving your broker so that they know where to reach you.

Here are four creative ways to do just that.

For past clients:

Referrals are a big part of the real estate business, so it’s always important to alert your past customers — no matter how long it’s been — of your upcoming move. A great option here is a postcard, sent to the last home you helped them purchase.

Try something like:

“Hi, XX,

This time, I’m the one making the move! I’m proud to announce I’ve joined the XYZ Real Estate team, and I hope you’ll join me next time you need to buy or sell a home.  

Learn more about my new agency at XYZ.com or email today to get an updated valuation on your home.

Thanks again for your continued business!

Sincerely,

Your neighborhood expert Jane Doe.”

For current buyers:

Contractually, you’ll likely have to leave your current listings behind with your old agency, but your buyers? You can take those with you. Just make sure to alert them long before the move occurs, as any sudden change might make them question your reliability as an agent.

Send them an email like the following:

“Hi, XX,

I want you to be the first to know that I’m changing agencies. I will now operate as part of XYZ Real Estate — an agency well known for its customer service, local knowledge, and dedication to its clients.

Let me assure you: This move won’t impact our relationship or my commitment to helping you find your dream home. That being said, if you would like to learn more about XYZ or my move, please visit us at 123 First Street, check out XYZ.com or email me at [email protected]. I’m happy to address any concerns you might have.

Now let’s find you that dream home!

Sincerely,

Jane Doe”

For current listing clients:

Since you won’t be able to take your listings with you, you’ll need to send your sell-side clients a break-up letter. If you can, figure out who will be taking over your listings and include that agent’s contact info in any communications you send out.

Here’s a good template to follow:

“Hi, XX,

I want you to be the first to know that I am leaving XYZ Real Estate. While I am unable to keep your listing in my new career at ABC Agency, I promise you will remain in confident and capable hands at XYZ.

Your new agent will be Sally Ride, a longtime agent with decades of experience in our market. She will handle all marketing, contract negotiations, and closing documents from here on, and you’ll be hearing from her directly in the coming days. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please email me at [email protected] or call me at 123-456-7890. You can also contact Sally directly at 234-567-8901.

It’s been my pleasure working with you the past few months, and I apologize for any inconvenience this change has caused. I wish you the best of luck in the sale of your home!

Sincerely,

Jane Doe”

For your partners and professional network:

Finally, you’ll also want to let your professional partners know about your big move — particularly lenders, title companies, home insurance agencies, and other vendors who send you referrals. This is especially important if it will impact their ability to do business with you (maybe their firm has an exclusive agreement with your old agency) or if it will change the terms, fees or deliverables between you both.

Here’s a good script to follow:

“Hi, XX,

As of [XX date] I will no longer be a part of the XYZ team. On [XX date] I will move to ABC Realty, located at 123 First Street. My new office number will be 123-456-7890 and email [email protected].

If possible, I would love to continue our professional partnership in my new career at ABC Realty. Though my locale will change, my ability to serve your clients and help you achieve your business goals will remain the same. I hope the feeling is mutual.

If you have any questions about how this career move will impact you, your business, or your clients, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Here’s to our continued mutual success!

Sincerely,

Jane Doe”

The Bottom Line

No matter who you’re alerting of the move, the earlier you can do it, the better. No one wants to be surprised with big and unexpected changes — especially when their livelihood, large amounts of money, or their future home is on the line. Make sure to give your clients and partners plenty of heads up and fully outline how the change will impact them and their goals. Always give them a number or email to contact you on in the event they have questions or concerns.