Start a Real Estate Agency: Step-by-Step Launch Guide

Starting a Real Estate Agency: From Idea to Opening

A quick reality check before you launch

You’ve watched agents tour homes, hang signs, and close at the table—so you’re thinking, “I can build a brokerage and do this right.” Maybe you’re tired of limits at your current job. Maybe you want control. Either way, let’s start with a candid check-in.

First, decide if owning a business fits your life right now. You’ll trade a steady paycheck for uncertainty, shoulder legal duties, and make hard calls.

Use this quick primer to think it through: Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business. Then go deeper on the fuel that keeps you moving when deals fall through: How Passion Affects Your Business.

Finally, talk to people who know the day-to-day. A thirty-minute chat with the right broker can save months of trial and error. Start here to find those conversations and what to ask: How to Get an Inside Look.

What a real estate agency actually does

A real estate agency (brokerage) represents clients in real property transactions. You operate under state real estate law, supervised by a designated or qualifying broker, and you follow strict rules on advertising, trust funds, and recordkeeping.

Your firm may focus on residential, commercial, leasing, or property management. Access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) usually comes through membership in a local association. That access drives listings, showings, and cooperation with other firms.

Before you choose a niche, outline what you’ll offer on day one and what you’ll add later. Keep it simple and clear so clients know exactly what you do.

Residential services: listing representation, purchase representation, comparative market analysis, showing coordination, offer preparation, negotiation, and transaction coordination through closing.
Commercial services: landlord or tenant representation, purchase or sale representation, lease analysis, site selection, and basic market studies.
Leasing: rental listings, tenant representation, application coordination as allowed by law, and lease negotiation.
Optional (state-dependent): property management; broker price opinions where permitted. Verify any extra licensing or authority your state requires.

Who your customers are

Your customers depend on your chosen segment and market. In most communities, residential demand is broad, while commercial demand is concentrated by corridor and industry mix.

List your primary customer profiles now. It will shape your messaging, pricing, and the skills you develop first.

Keep each profile short and tied to a real need you can solve from day one.

Home sellers needing valuation, staging guidance, market exposure, and offer management.
Home purchasers needing search support, showings, negotiation, and transaction guidance.
Residential landlords needing rent-up services and tenant placement.
Commercial property owners needing representation to lease or sell space.
Commercial tenants needing site selection, lease terms review, and negotiation support.
Investors needing acquisition/sale strategies, rental market insight, and referral coordination (title, inspection, finance).

Pros and cons to weigh early

Every startup has tradeoffs. Real estate is no different. The upside is leverage: you can scale through affiliated licensees and market reach.

The downside is regulation and liability: you must meet state rules, and in some states carry errors and omissions insurance.

Use this to spot blind spots before you commit and to plan for risk controls from the start.

If a point doesn’t apply to your model, skip it and focus on what does.

Pros: scalable through affiliated agents; broad demand in many metros; MLS access enables cooperation and data-driven pricing; low inventory carrying costs compared to product-based businesses.
Cons: state licensure and ongoing compliance; potential liability exposure; strict handling of client funds if you hold earnest money or rents; income variability tied to transaction cycles.

Ordered startup steps

Think in passes: design the model, prove demand, make it legal, then set up systems you’ll actually use. Don’t try to do everything at once—sequence it.

When a step is location-specific, verify on your state and local portals. You can also lean on professionals for setup, like forming the entity, building your accounting system, or designing your brand. Getting help isn’t a luxury—it prevents costly errors.

Use this as your high-level checklist, then expand each step inside your business plan.

Define your brokerage model and niche. Choose residential, commercial, leasing, or a mix. Decide if you’ll operate solo or supervise affiliated licensees. Confirm how you’ll access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) through your local association.
Confirm licensing path. Identify your state’s broker license requirements and whether your firm/entity also needs a license. If opening additional offices, check whether branch office licenses are required.
Validate demand and margins. Use public data and conversations with practitioners to estimate volume and fees in your area. For a quick primer on demand and pricing logic, see Supply and Demand and Pricing Your Products and Services.
List equipment, software, and office needs. Size your setup to match your first-year plan. Then estimate your costs step-by-step with this guide: Estimating Startup Costs.
Choose a business structure and register. Many start as sole proprietorships by default; others form a limited liability company to formalize ownership and limit liability. If you need help, here’s a plain-English path: How to Register a Business.
Apply for your Employer Identification Number with the IRS. You’ll use it for banking and payroll if you hire.
Apply for state real estate licenses. Complete the broker (individual) license and, if required, the firm/entity license. Designate your qualifying broker as your state requires. Add branch office licenses if applicable.
Register for employer accounts if hiring in the first 90 days. Set up state unemployment and payroll tax accounts. Ask your accountant to configure payroll and withholdings correctly.
Check tax registration at the state and local level. Confirm any sales/use or business tax account your jurisdiction requires. Rules vary—verify on your state Department of Revenue portal.
Secure a location or set up a compliant home office. For a storefront, confirm zoning and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) if required. Use this guide for siting choices: Choosing a Business Location.
Obtain local licenses. Many cities or counties require a general business license or tax certificate before you open. Verify on your city or county business portal.
Set up banking. Open a business operating account. If you will hold client funds, open a separate trust/escrow account and adopt required recordkeeping per your state.
Get the right insurance. Start with general liability and property for your office. If your state requires errors and omissions for active licensees or firms, obtain it before activating your license. For a clear overview, see Business Insurance Basics.
Create your business plan. Even if you’re not seeking funding, a plan keeps you on track. Use templates and examples here: How to Write a Business Plan.
Line up funding. Confirm your cash needs for deposits, licensing, insurance, gear, and the first months of operating expenses. If you need capital, start with How to Get a Business Loan.
Choose your name and secure the domain. Check availability for your state, file any assumed name if required, and reserve matching social handles. Then build a simple, clear site using this guide: How to Build a Website.
Develop your corporate identity. Create a logo, business cards, letterhead, and a clean office sign. Start here: Corporate Identity Package, Business Cards, and Business Sign.
Join your local association and MLS. Complete orientation, obtain lockbox credentials, and set up your data access.
Adopt forms and workflows. Use state-approved or attorney-prepared listing, representation, and disclosure forms. Set up secure digital signatures and a file checklist that matches your state’s retention rules.
Prepare compliant advertising. Confirm required brokerage name display and supervising broker identification per your state. Configure website footer, yard signs, and online ads accordingly.
Recruit your professional advisors. Consider a real estate attorney, CPA, insurance broker, and technology consultant. Use this primer: Building a Team of Professional Advisors.
Plan how you’ll get clients. Draft a simple marketing plan and pick a few repeatable tactics. Start here: Create a Marketing Plan and How to Get Customers Through the Door.
Run a soft launch, then a grand opening. Test your systems with two or three sample files. When you’re ready, announce with a clear offer and a small event. Use this primer: Grand Opening Ideas.
Final compliance check. Licenses posted, trust account ready if applicable, insurance on file, local license obtained, MLS credentials active, and your office passes any occupancy requirement.

Equipment and software checklist

Buy what you’ll use now and what will last through your first year. Keep security in mind—client data, access devices, and keys must be protected.

Start with a basic office kit, then add field gear for listings and showings. If you plan to accept trust funds, set up secure handling from day one.

Use this list to build your shopping spreadsheet and to compare vendors and lead times.

Office and workstations: laptops or desktops (broker and staff), dual monitors, docking stations, laser printer, high-speed document scanner, multi-function device, secure Wi-Fi router, networked storage/backup drive, surge protectors and uninterruptible power supply, VoIP desk phones or headsets, webcam, conference speakerphone, whiteboard, fireproof document safe, lockable filing cabinets, cross-cut shredder.
Field and showings: reliable vehicle, phone car mount, mobile hotspot, electronic lockbox access device (per your association), spare mechanical lockboxes where permitted, measuring tape or laser measurer, basic toolkit for sign placement, shoe covers and doormats, flashlight.
Signage and marketing: yard sign panels and posts, sign riders, open-house A-frame signs, brochure boxes, branded folders, business cards, simple photo/video kit (tripod, gimbal, portable lights) if you’re not outsourcing.
Security and access: key lock cabinet with tags, secure key log system, password manager (consider a hardware token), visitor sign-in materials for the office.
Records and trust funds: check scanner for deposits (if you accept earnest money or rents), secure check stock storage for trust accounts, archival storage for closed files per your state’s retention rules.
Core software: email and calendar suite; document e-signature; cloud file storage; contact and lead tracking; basic accounting; listing presentation tools; photo editing; website/content management; digital ad accounts; lockbox/MLS apps from your association.

Skills you’ll need (or can learn or hire)

You don’t need to be great at everything to start. Learn the essentials, then outsource what’s outside your strengths. That’s normal and smart.

Be honest here. If negotiation is a gap, plan training. If bookkeeping isn’t your thing, hire a pro to set up your chart of accounts and monthly close.

When it’s time to add people, this guide can help you time it right: How and When to Hire.

Broker-level practice knowledge: agency duties, disclosures, fair housing, advertising rules, trust fund handling, and supervision requirements.
Market analysis: pricing property and creating a clear comparative market analysis.
Negotiation: offers, counters, timelines, and contingencies.
Contracts and forms: using state-approved or attorney-prepared documents correctly.
Compliance oversight: file checklists, audit readiness, advertising review.
Recordkeeping: ledgers and reconciliations for trust funds if you handle client money.
Local market knowledge: inventory, absorption, and seasonal patterns.
Marketing: positioning, online profiles, basic photo and copy standards, consistent follow-up.
Vendor coordination: title and escrow, inspectors, appraisers, photographers, and sign installers.

Legal and compliance basics (location-aware)

Rules change by state and city, so confirm each item on the correct portal. When in doubt, call the office listed on the state site. Document names and confirmation numbers as you go.

Use this structure: federal first, then state, then city or county. Only complete what applies to your model. If you’re unsure, ask your CPA or attorney to review your plan.

Here’s the overview you can work through step by step.

Federal
- Employer Identification Number — What: obtain an Employer Identification Number. When: before opening bank accounts or hiring. Verify: IRS → search “Apply for an Employer Identification Number.”
- Hiring — What: understand baseline federal employment rules if you will have employees. When: upon hiring. Verify: U.S. Department of Labor → state contacts and employer guides.
State
- Entity formation — What: form a limited liability company, corporation, partnership, or operate as a sole proprietorship as allowed. When: before licensing the firm. Verify: Secretary of State or equivalent (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “Business entity formation.”
- Real estate licensure — What: broker (individual) license; firm/entity license if required; designate a qualifying broker; branch office license if opening additional locations. When: before conducting brokerage. Verify: your state real estate commission page (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “broker license” and “firm or entity license.”
- Errors and omissions insurance — What: may be mandatory in some states. When: before activating/renewing licenses where required. Verify: state real estate commission → search “errors and omissions requirements” (Varies by jurisdiction).
- Employer accounts — What: register for state unemployment insurance and payroll withholding if you will pay wages. When: once you become a liable employer. Verify: state workforce and revenue portals (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “register employer payroll tax.”
- Sales/use or business tax — What: confirm whether brokerage activities trigger registration. When: before first taxable transaction. Verify: state Department of Revenue (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “business tax registration.”
- Trust/escrow account rules — What: separate account, deposits, ledgers, and monthly reconciliation if you hold client funds. When: before accepting funds. Verify: state real estate commission → search “trust account” or “escrow account.”
City/County
- General business license or tax certificate — What: often required to operate within the jurisdiction. When: before opening. Verify: city or county business licensing portal (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “business license” or “business tax certificate.”
- Zoning and home-occupation — What: confirm your office location is permitted; obtain a home-occupation permit for home offices where required. When: before opening. Verify: planning and zoning portal (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “home occupation permit.”
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO) — What: may be required for commercial offices. When: before occupying space. Verify: city building department (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “Certificate of Occupancy.”
- Sign codes and right-of-way — What: open-house and temporary signs may be regulated. When: before placing signs. Verify: city planning or public works (Varies by jurisdiction) → search “sign permit” and “temporary signs.”

Owner questions to decide applicability
- Will you open a storefront or operate from a home office?
- Will you have employees in the first 90 days?
- Will you hold client funds such as earnest money, rent, or security deposits?

Plan, funding, and identity

Don’t skip planning because you’re busy. A simple plan gives you a place to test ideas and numbers before you spend. Build it in layers and keep it current.

Next, confirm cash needs and the sources to cover them—savings, partners, loan, or a mix. Set up a clean banking structure with separate accounts, and track spending from day one.

Then present a consistent identity: your name, logo, sign, cards, and web presence should say the same thing the same way, everywhere.

Create your plan: use How to Write a Business Plan to outline your model, costs, and targets.
Estimate costs and a runway: use Estimating Startup Costs to size deposits, fees, gear, and the first months of expenses.
Set funding: see How to Get a Business Loan to compare options and documentation.
Build your identity: start with Corporate Identity Package, then add Business Cards and Business Sign, and launch a simple website with How to Build a Website.

Physical setup and location

Choose what fits your model: a small, visible storefront or a lean home office that meets local rules. Either way, set up a space that’s tidy, private, and secure.

For a commercial office, verify zoning, exit routes, and whether you need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). For a home office, confirm any home-occupation permit requirements and sign limits.

If you plan to meet clients in the office, pay attention to parking, wayfinding, and signage. Location matters even if most work happens online. For a practical overview, see Choosing a Business Location.

Reception and conference: simple seating, a clean table, and basic privacy.
Workstations: secure computers, locked storage, and shredding for sensitive documents.
Showings kit station: signs, riders, lockboxes, shoe covers, and a small toolkit ready to go.

Pricing and service packages

Set prices that match your value and local norms, and be clear about what’s included. If your state restricts how you quote fees, follow those rules exactly.

Use simple packages for common needs—listing, purchase representation, leasing—then outline add-ons. Keep the language plain and the scope tight.

For a structured approach, use this guide: Pricing Your Products and Services.

Define what’s included: representation scope, marketing activities, and timeline checkpoints.
State what’s not included: repairs, staging inventory, or paid advertising beyond a set budget.
Document terms: payment timing and any retention or cancellation language allowed by law.

Pre-launch readiness

A smooth launch comes from testing your systems before the first client calls. Run through a sample listing and a sample purchase file from start to finish.

Fix anything that feels clunky. Shorten steps, tighten checklists, and confirm you can find every document in seconds.

Then stage your materials—signs, forms, presentations—so you’re never scrambling.

Compliance: licenses posted, errors and omissions proof if required, local business license on file, trust account open if applicable.
MLS access: orientation complete, credentials active, lockbox access device set up.
Forms and workflows: state-approved or attorney-prepared agreements loaded in your e-signature platform; file checklist aligned to state retention rules.
Document templates: listing presentation, representation agreements, disclosures, and closing checklists.
Marketing: website live, profiles claimed, yard signs and riders on hand, business cards ready.
Payments: invoicing method configured; operating and trust accounts separated if you handle client funds.
References: short list of title/escrow, inspectors, photographers, and sign installers.

Getting your first clients

Start with a clear offer and a short list of consistent actions you can repeat weekly. Consistency beats complexity at launch.

Use channels you can maintain—your personal network, local events, and basic online profiles. Track what works and adjust next month.

Build a simple plan you can follow in an hour a day. This guide helps you structure it: Create a Marketing Plan.

Website and profiles: simple site with contact forms, plus clean profiles on major platforms.
Local presence: yard signs, open-house signs where allowed, and community introductions.
Direct outreach: short emails to your circle, a monthly update, and a clear call to action.
Launch moment: a small open-house event at your office or a community venue—see Grand Opening Ideas.
Traffic to action: use How to Get Customers Through the Door to move interest into booked consultations.

What day one will look like

Day one is about clean execution. You’ll answer new leads, prepare a presentation, and start files that must be complete and compliant.

Plan the flow now so it feels natural when it’s real. Keep checklists visible and short.

If you’re supervising affiliated licensees, schedule quick file reviews and advertising checks on a set cadence.

New listing onboarding: collect data and disclosures, prepare a comparative market analysis, secure signatures, schedule photos, place yard sign and lockbox, and enter the listing in the MLS according to local rules.
Home purchaser onboarding: confirm needs, set search criteria, schedule showings, and prep offer documents in advance.
Transaction file setup: create digital folders, save emails and documents, and match your state’s retention and audit expectations.
Trust funds (if applicable): receive, deposit, and reconcile funds per state timing and ledger requirements.
Advertising and compliance: review all signs, website pages, and ads to ensure required brokerage identification appears as your state requires.

Avoid common startup mistakes

Most early mistakes come from skipping steps, rushing compliance, or guessing instead of verifying. Slow down at the decision points and use checklists.

When you’re stretched thin, bring in help for legal, accounting, or brand work. That’s how you protect your launch and your license.

For a quick refresher, use this plain guide: Avoid These Mistakes When Starting a Small Business.

Verify state licensing and advertising rules before you print signs or launch your site.
Don’t handle trust funds until your account and reconciliation process are in place.
Keep personal and business finances separate from day one with clean banking.
Document every file with a simple, repeatable folder structure.

Go-live checklist

This final pass catches loose ends. If a box isn’t checked, don’t go live—fix it and then move.

Print this list and keep it in your opening folder. It’s your rapid check on launch day.

When everything is ready, announce with a single, clear message about who you serve and how to reach you.

Licenses posted (broker and firm/entity, if required); local business license on file.
Errors and omissions in force if required; general liability bound; proof stored.
Operating bank account set; trust/escrow account open if applicable.
MLS credentials active; lockbox access device working; signs and riders on hand.
Website live with required brokerage identification; ads and profiles compliant.
State-approved or attorney-prepared forms loaded in your e-signature platform.
File checklist printed; digital folder templates ready.
Professional advisor list ready (attorney, CPA, insurance, technology).
Marketing kickoff plan scheduled; launch email and social posts queued.
Office ready: reception tidy, conference area set, shredders and lockable storage in place.

Before you commit—ask yourself three final questions

Are you moving toward this work because it fits your skills and interests, or away from something else? That answer matters when challenges show up.

Do you have the support at home and the runway to handle slow months while you build? Realistic planning beats wishful thinking every time.

Are you willing to learn new skills or bring in pros for things you don’t want to handle? You don’t have to do it all—you just have to do it right.

Start here to think it through: Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business.
Check your motivation: How Passion Affects Your Business.
Talk to the right people: How to Get an Inside Look.

101 Tips for Running Your Real Estate Agency

Launching a real estate agency is exciting—and regulated. These tips give you practical steps you can act on today, with notes where state rules vary. Use them to plan, verify, and set up clean systems before you open the doors.

Move through each category in order, and document what you complete. When a tip involves state or local rules, verify on your official portals before you proceed.

What to Do Before Starting

Define your model: residential, commercial, leasing, or property management, and write down the exact services you’ll offer on day one.
Confirm your eligibility for a broker license and whether the firm/entity also needs a license in your state.
Decide whether you’ll operate solo or supervise affiliated licensees; note supervision duties and file review cadence.
Confirm how you’ll access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) through your local association and budget for dues and lockbox access.
Estimate local transaction volume and typical fees to size your first-year revenue conservatively.
List startup costs: licensing, association dues, insurance, technology, signage, and office setup; set a target opening date.
Choose a legal structure with a CPA or attorney; document ownership, decision rights, and tax treatment.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number for banking, payroll, and tax filings.
If you’ll hold client funds, plan a separate trust or escrow account and written deposit procedures.
Check city or county business license requirements and timing for approval.
Verify zoning or home-occupation rules and whether a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required for your office.
Map out pre-licensing education, exams, background checks, and application timelines for your state.
Draft a simple business plan with niche, pricing approach, marketing channels, and a three-month cash forecast.
Line up your professional advisors: real estate attorney, CPA, insurance broker, and technology consultant.

What Successful Real Estate Agency Owners Do

Create a written listing onboarding process: data collection, disclosures, photos, and MLS input steps.
Set a weekly file review for supervision and compliance; document findings and fixes.
Use current, state-approved or attorney-prepared forms and track version changes.
Keep fair housing and ethics training current and log completion dates.
Reconcile trust accounts monthly using a three-way reconciliation and keep reports on file.
Post all required licenses and ensure your brokerage name appears as required on every ad and sign.
Track core metrics: new listings, active clients, contracts written, and average days to close.
Schedule proactive client updates and send them even when nothing changed.
Adopt a clear policy for handling multiple offers and share it with clients before offers arrive.
Use written representation agreements before delivering services beyond basic showings.
Maintain relationships with title or escrow, inspectors, photographers, and sign installers with service standards.
Participate in your local association to stay ahead of rule changes and market shifts.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Build a file checklist that matches your state’s retention rules and use it on every transaction.
Adopt a secure e-signature platform with audit trails and signer authentication.
Use cloud storage with access controls and folder templates; restrict who can delete files.
Require compliance review of all advertising before publication and archive approved versions.
Create a structured onboarding program for affiliated agents with milestones and sign-offs.
Classify people correctly as employees or independent contractors and follow payroll or contract rules.
Write an office policy manual covering fair housing, advertising, trust funds, supervision, and safety.
Back up data daily and test your ability to restore a sample file each quarter.
Use a shared calendar to track contingency deadlines, option periods, and closing dates.
Keep a showing kit ready: sign riders, shoe covers, basic tools, and a flashlight.
Maintain a key and lockbox log with check-in/check-out times and responsible persons.
Standardize your listing presentation and comparative market analysis templates for consistency.
Collect vendor documentation, including W-9 where needed, and verify insurance for on-site work.
Use an incident report form to document property damage or injuries during showings.
Schedule quarterly compliance audits with your attorney or a qualified consultant and remediate promptly.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Real estate brokerage is state-regulated; do not perform licensed acts until your license is active and in good standing.
Most states require a designated or qualifying broker responsible for supervision and compliance; confirm your state’s rule.
Some states require errors and omissions insurance for active licensees or firms; verify limits and proof requirements.
Trust funds must be kept in a separate account with strict deposit deadlines; follow your state’s accounting format.
Fair housing laws apply to ads and conduct; review protected classes and common violation examples.
Referral and settlement service arrangements may be restricted by federal law; avoid unlawful kickbacks.
Seasonality affects listings and showings; plan staffing and outreach around local peaks and lulls.
Local construction and permitting trends influence inventory; watch municipal permit data.
Mortgage rate movement impacts demand; monitor weekly rate surveys to anticipate shifts.
Commercial deals often require longer due diligence and specialized clauses; build longer timelines into plans.
Property management may need additional licensing or escrow rules; verify before offering it.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Write a positioning statement that names your ideal client and service area in one sentence.
Publish a simple website with required brokerage identification and a clear contact path.
Claim and verify your business profiles and keep address, phone, and hours current.
Use consistent, professional headshots and bios for trust and recognition.
Create neighborhood spotlights that share factual amenities and market stats without steering.
Offer a free home value review based on a comparative market analysis, and explain its limits.
Run open houses with local sign rules in mind and a plan for visitor follow-up.
Send market update emails with opt-out and a physical office address to meet legal requirements.
Track lead source and conversion so you can shift budget to channels that produce clients.
Sponsor community events that align with fair housing principles and local rules.
Record short explainer videos on steps in the process and post them on your site.
Build relationships with relocation coordinators and local employers for warm introductions.
Use a listing launch checklist covering photos, remarks, syndication, disclosures, and lockbox placement.
Review every ad for fair housing and state name display rules before it goes live.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Explain agency relationships at the first substantive contact and provide required disclosures.
Set communication expectations for response times, methods, and updates.
Use plain language to explain contingencies, deadlines, and common risks at the start.
Provide estimated net sheets for home sellers and cash-to-close estimates for home purchasers and label them as estimates.
Confirm receipt and deposit of earnest money in writing when applicable and store the proof.
Record all verbal agreements in writing and place them in the file the same day.
Send post-showing summaries to help home purchasers compare properties objectively.
Give first-time home purchasers a one-page steps overview with who does what and when.
For commercial clients, outline key lease clauses and recommend attorney review for legal terms.
After closing, request a factual review and permission to use it in your marketing.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Create a service level policy that defines response windows and escalation paths for urgent issues.
Use a central help inbox or ticket system so questions never get lost.
Write a complaint handling procedure with response and resolution targets and stick to it.
Analyze service issues quarterly and fix the root cause in your process or training.
Ensure your website and documents follow basic accessibility practices so everyone can engage.
Publish a privacy notice that explains data collection, use, and retention in plain language.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Adopt digital forms and e-signatures to reduce paper use and storage needs.
Reuse sign posts and riders; recycle damaged materials where local facilities accept them.
Choose energy-efficient lighting and equipment for your office to lower utility use.
Plan showings to minimize driving by clustering appointments geographically.
Offer video consultations when suitable to cut travel time for you and clients.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Review state commission bulletins monthly for rule updates and disciplinary trends to avoid repeat violations.
Read association market reports to track inventory, days on market, and pricing shifts.
Follow federal housing policy updates that affect advertising and fair housing compliance.
Calendar license renewal, continuing education deadlines, and association requirements so nothing lapses.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Maintain a cash reserve to bridge slow months caused by seasonality or interest rate spikes.
Shift focus between listing and purchase representation as local conditions change, and adjust messaging accordingly.
Pilot new technology with a small group first, collect feedback, and train before full rollout.
Keep a remote-work plan ready so you can serve clients if office access is disrupted.

What Not to Do

Do not practice without an active license or required supervision; penalties can include fines and suspension.
Do not mix client trust funds with operating money; use a separate account with written reconciliation procedures.
Do not promise outcomes, appraised values, or guaranteed timelines; stick to data and process.
Do not steer clients toward or away from neighborhoods; follow fair housing rules in all conversations and ads.
Do not accept referral fees that violate federal or state rules; verify legality before agreeing.
Do not publish any ad without required brokerage identification and a final compliance check.

Sources: Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, National Association of REALTORS®, California Department of Real Estate, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, Federation of Tax Administrators, U.S. Department of Labor, New York Department of State, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Kentucky Real Estate Commission