What to Export Before You Tell Your Broker You Are Leaving
Short answer. Before you tell your broker you are leaving, export your own contacts, your own marketing, and a list of every open deal with dates and parties. Do not take documents that belong to the broker. In Texas, listings and buyer agreements are contracts with the broker, so read yours and ask an attorney about anything unclear.
Why plan before you give notice?
Leaving a brokerage is easier when you know what is yours. Access to systems can change quickly after notice. If you wait, you may lose your chance to copy your own information.
This is not a guide to taking anything you are not allowed to take. It is a guide to keeping a clean record of your own work. Read your independent contractor agreement first, because it may set rules about records, notice and fees.
What belongs to you and what belongs to the broker?
TREC explains the base rules in its guidance for agents who part ways with a broker. These points matter most.
- A buyer representation agreement is a private contract between the buyer and the real estate broker, not the sales agent.
- A listing agreement is a private contract between the broker and the seller. Whether it can be extended or moved depends on its terms, and TREC points those questions to a private attorney.
- Commissions must go through the sponsoring broker. Under TREC Rule 535.3, an agent who has changed sponsors may receive compensation through either the current sponsoring broker or the broker who sponsored them when they earned it.
- Brokers must keep records of each transaction for at least four years from closing or termination (Rule 535.2(h)).
What can you safely export?
Start with things you created and own. Your own contacts are the heart of your business. Keep them in a tool you control, such as a personal CRM account, so you never depend on a brokerage login for your sphere.
- Your sphere of influence: names, phone numbers, emails and how you know each person, if they came from your own life and work.
- Your marketing: social media accounts, your personal domain, photos you shot, and your email lists, as long as the accounts are in your name.
- Your calendar, notes and templates that you wrote.
- Your own list of past clients, with closing dates, so you can write a thank-you note later.
- Your license information, E&O proof and training records.
What should you ask before you copy?
Some files sit in a gray area. A contact list that lives inside a company CRM may carry rules in your agreement. Use this short test before you copy anything.
- Did I bring this with me or build it myself?
- Does my agreement say who owns it?
- Does it include private details about a client, such as a loan status or a signed contract?
- Would I be comfortable if my broker read this file list?
What deals should you list before you leave?
Make a one-page list of every open deal. This protects your clients and your pay.
| Item | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Active listings | Address, list date, expiration date, seller, and what the agreement says about early termination |
| Buyers under agreement | Buyer name, agreement date and end date, and any properties shown |
| Pending contracts | Address, option period end, financing and closing dates, escrow agent |
| Commissions owed | Deal, expected closing, and how your agreement says you will be paid after you leave |
| Referrals out and in | Who, which deal, and what was agreed in writing |
What happens to pending deals and commissions?
Your pending deals usually stay with the broker who had the contract. TREC's guidance says commissions must be paid through your sponsoring broker, and Rule 535.3 lets an agent who changed sponsors be paid through either broker as described above. An agent can also be paid a commission or referral fee after the license becomes inactive or expires, if the license was active when the work occurred.
Agree on the plan for each deal in writing before you go. Our guide on pending deals and listings goes deeper.
What about your clients?
Clients choose who they work with, but their agreements are with the broker. TREC says a buyer may ask a broker for a release, yet TREC cannot require one, and a buyer whose broker refuses should talk to a private attorney.
Do not pressure anyone. Our plain guide on whether you can take your clients when you change brokerages explains the options. Be honest, be polite and put every agreement in writing.
How do you change sponsorship in REALM?
TREC says brokers and sales agents can request and accept sponsorship changes in the REALM Portal. Once the sponsorship shows correctly in REALM it is considered effective, even if the public License Holder Search lags by a few hours. Then you can update your IABS, list the new broker on contracts and advertise under the new broker.
Walk through the steps in our guide to changing your sponsoring broker in REALM.
What should you update after you move?
Use a short checklist so nothing points to the old broker.
- Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) for new clients.
- Your email signature, business cards, signs and website.
- Your social media bios and Google Business Profile.
- Any team name, which must be registered by the broker before use in advertising (Rule 535.154(c)(3)).
Where do you go next?
If you are weighing a move, read our guide on how to switch brokerages in Texas. Also see what to ask before you commit to a lead source so your next brokerage fits how you work.
How The Bauer Group fits
The Bauer Group is a Frisco brokerage welcoming licensed DFW agents. Opportunities are earned, not guaranteed. If you want a calm conversation about a move, you can start on the join page.
Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm licensing rules with TREC and ask an attorney about your own contracts. Last reviewed October 29, 2026.
Common questions
Can I take my listings when I leave a Texas brokerage?
TREC says listing agreements are private contracts between the broker and the seller, so it depends on the contract terms. TREC points these questions to a private attorney.
Who owns a buyer representation agreement in Texas?
TREC says it is a private contract between the buyer and the broker, not the sales agent. A buyer may ask for a release, but TREC cannot require one.
Can I be paid commission after I change brokers?
TREC Rule 535.3 lets an agent who changed sponsors receive compensation through either the current broker or the broker who sponsored them when they earned it. Commissions must still go through a sponsoring broker.
How long does a broker keep transaction records?
At least four years from closing or termination, under Rule 535.2(h), as described in TREC guidance.
When can I start working for my new broker?
TREC says a sponsorship is effective once it appears correctly in the REALM Portal, even if License Holder Search takes a few hours to update.
Should I get legal advice before I leave?
If you have pending listings, buyer agreements or a non-compete, yes. TREC repeatedly points these questions to a private attorney.
Sources
- TREC: Parting Ways With a Broker, what you need to know (checked October 29, 2026)
- TREC: I am changing sponsoring brokers, do I get to take my listings with me (checked October 29, 2026)
- TREC: How to Change and Accept Sponsorship Requests (checked October 29, 2026)
Education only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm licensing rules with the Texas Real Estate Commission. Results vary and depend on effort, market and lead performance.