How to Change Brokers — The Complete Checklist

This is not the episode about whether you should change brokers (Episode 56) or how to pick one (Episode 194). This is the nuts-and-bolts, here-is-your-checklist episode on what to actually do when you've decided to make the switch.

Katy has done it a few times. Alissa has never done it. Together they are the perfect pair for this episode.

The checklist has two major categories: physical assets and digital assets. It's long. But it's long because it has to be. The length of this list is probably the reason so many agents stay at brokerages they've outgrown — they just don't know how to do it. Now you will.

Before we dive in: read your contract first. Know when it's up, know how it auto-renews, know what the notice period is. You may also want to have a couples therapy conversation with your current broker before you start this process — give them the chance to address what isn't working before you pull the trigger.

PHYSICAL ASSETS:
- Read your current contract: auto-renewal dates, notice periods, any clauses about active listings and pending sales
- Get the transfer form from your licensing body — in Louisiana, both old and new broker must sign
- Active listings and pending sales: what does your contract say? Those listings belong to the brokerage, not to you. Plan accordingly.
- Prep the forms your clients will need to sign if they're following you
- Marketing assets: signage (borrow generic from your new broker), business cards (not urgent), flyers, print ads — check your board's marketing rules and update accordingly
- Canva templates: update brokerage info, logos, brand colors, required compliance text

DIGITAL ASSETS — Contact Info:
- Your email address: your broker's email will be shut off — one button, immediately. Set up a new business email before you leave and forward anything critical.
- Email security for wire fraud protection: your new email must meet certain security standards
- Email signature: update everywhere
- Phone contacts digital card (the one you AirDrop or text) — update brokerage, links, handles
- Social media usernames: was your brokerage name involved? What needs to change?
- Bios everywhere: your website, Zillow, realtor.com, Google Business profile (takes extra time — they mail you something)
- Update your photo while you're at it

DIGITAL ASSETS — Software and Websites:
- MLS: update your login, business info, profile, headshot
- Showing service: update login and business info
- Document storage (dotloop, DocuSign, SkySlope, etc.): download everything before the button gets turned off. Your broker has software to help with the bulk export — ask before you leave.
- CRM: this is the big one. Your personal sphere — Aunt Sally and everyone you brought to this brokerage — is yours. Export it to a spreadsheet before you leave. Your broker may own leads they gave you, but not your personal relationships.
- Canva: update saved logos and brand colors
- Email templates: update signature, any brokerage-specific language, office hours

BEFORE YOU ANNOUNCE:
- Do as much as possible behind the scenes before you tell your broker
- You want to flip it like a switch — legwork on the back end, then inform

AFTER YOU SWITCH:
- Google Image search yourself: where is your old headshot living on the internet?
- Keep a running document of every directory, referral list, database, and public profile where your info lives
- Update the Hustle Humbly community referral spreadsheet if you're a member
- If you're on a team and leaving: honor any agreements about leads you received — teams have software tracking this

GENERAL WISDOM:
- Don't switch because of leads alone — it's usually not what you think
- Don't switch because of the split alone — they all come out close once you factor in fees
- Switching doesn't make you work harder. That's still a you problem.
- Don't make a giant public announcement — consumers don't care, only other agents notice
- Don't switch impulsively after a hard day — this is a business decision, not an emotional one
- The grass is green where you water it. Have the hard conversation with your current broker first.

Referenced episodes:
- Episode 56: Should You Change Brokers?
- Episode 194: How to Choose a Broker
- Spruce Up Your Business episode (search "hustle humbly spruce up your business")

Toast of the week from Kaylee Price in Amarillo, Texas, toasting Carly Moreland — her mentor when she was newly licensed who encouraged her to get involved with their local association. Cheers to Carly!

Want to toast someone on the show? Email team@hustlehumblypodcast.com.

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Music:
Straight A's by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/
The Good Life by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life
Be The One by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one