Choosing a brokerage is one of the biggest business decisions you'll make as a real estate agent. It affects what you keep from every commission, how much support you get, which tools you use, who you learn from, and how you're seen by clients.
So when you start thinking about switching, it pays to slow down. This guide walks through what Ontario agents should weigh before changing brokerages, how the RECO transfer works, the questions to ask any new brokerage, and the mistakes worth avoiding.
Please note: this article is general information for Ontario real estate agents, not legal advice. It was prepared in October 2026, and rules and fees can change. Read your own agreement carefully, speak with your Broker of Record, and consult a lawyer if you have questions about your situation. Check RECO's website for the current transfer process.
Before comparing brokerages, get clear on what's driving the thought. The answer tells you what to look for, and sometimes it shows you the problem can be fixed where you are.
Fees, splits or desk costs are eating too much of your income, or your costs no longer match your production.
You can't get timely answers on contracts, compliance or a tricky deal, or training has dried up.
The office feels competitive, disconnected, or simply doesn't fit the way you want to work.
You want mentorship, leads, a team, or a platform that helps your business grow.
Your current systems for CRM, marketing, forms and transaction management are holding you back.
You want a different brand, more independence, or a structure that better suits your business model.
Commission structures differ a lot between brokerages, and the headline number rarely tells the full story. Common models include:
The brokerage keeps a percentage of every commission (for example 70/30 or 80/20). Support is usually built in, but the cost rises with your production.
You pay a percentage until you reach an annual cap, then keep more (or all) of your commission for the rest of the year, sometimes with a smaller per-deal fee.
You keep most or all of each commission and pay the brokerage a monthly fee, a per-transaction fee, or both. The cost is predictable, but the support may be lighter.
The only reliable way to compare is to calculate your total annual cost at your expected production. Add up splits, caps, monthly fees, transaction fees, technology fees, franchise or marketing fees, and HST on anything charged to you. Here's an illustration of how the same agent could come out very differently depending on volume.
| Model (illustrative) | How it works | You keep at 4 deals a year | You keep at 12 deals a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight 70/30 split | Brokerage keeps 30% of each commission | $25,200 | $75,600 |
| 80/20 split, $16,000 cap | Brokerage keeps 20% until $16,000 is reached | $28,800 | $92,000 |
| Flat fee | $400 a month plus $500 per transaction | $29,200 | $97,200 |
Notice how the answer changes with volume. A model that looks expensive at 12 deals may feel perfectly reasonable at 4 if it comes with the training and support you need, and a cheap model may cost you in other ways if you're missing support. Always ask what's included in the price, and what isn't.
2. Look at support, training and your Broker of RecordIn Ontario, your Broker of Record is responsible for supervising the brokerage and its agents. That makes access to the broker one of the most valuable things a brokerage can offer, especially when a deal gets complicated.
How quickly are questions answered? Who reviews your agreements and deals? Is the broker accessible when something urgent comes up?
Is there training for new agents and for experienced ones? Is mentorship offered, and does it fit where you are in your career?
Who looks after trade records, deposits and file reviews? How much does the brokerage do for you, and how much falls on you?
Find out which CRM, e-signature, forms, website and transaction tools are included, and what costs extra. Ask to see them in action.
Ask about design support, branding rules, signage, social media help and what you can do on your own.
Does the brokerage offer leads? If so, on what terms? Be clear on any referral fees you'd owe on them.
A brokerage can look perfect on paper and still be the wrong fit. Culture shows up in the small things: how agents talk about each other, whether people share knowledge, how disputes are handled, and how the brokerage treats agents who aren't top producers.
Talk to several current agents, not just the ones the brokerage introduces. Ask what they like, what frustrates them, and whether they'd recommend it to a friend. Also think about brand. Does the name help you with the clients you want, and do you have the freedom to build your own identity alongside it?
4. Read your current agreement before you do anythingYour existing agreement with your brokerage governs how you leave. Read it closely before you resign or talk to clients, and look for:
Is there a minimum notice period, a termination fee, or a rule about timing? Does the agreement renew automatically?
What happens to deals that haven't closed yet? Who is paid, when, and are any referral or split fees owed to the old brokerage?
Check for rules on signs, branded materials, shared leads, client data and any non-solicitation terms.
In Ontario, listing and buyer representation agreements are made with the brokerage, not the individual agent. When an agent moves, the usual approach is for the client to agree to cancel the agreement and sign a new one with the new brokerage, if they want to continue working with you.
That decision belongs to the client. Be transparent, don't pressure anyone, and follow your agreement and RECO's rules. RECO has handled complaints about how registrants dealt with listings and signs when moving brokerages, so if you're unsure, ask your Broker of Record or a lawyer first.
The process is straightforward when you plan it. Here's the usual sequence.
You can only trade in real estate through a registered brokerage, so line up your new home before you resign. Get the new brokerage's terms in writing.
Decide, according to your agreement and with your Broker of Record, how each active listing, buyer client and pending closing will be handled.
Under TRESA, you must give your current Broker of Record written notice of resignation, including the effective date.
Your new brokerage completes the transfer through its RECO MyWeb account, uploads your notice and pays the $25 fee. The transfer must be processed within 60 days of the termination's effective date, and it can't be backdated more than 30 days or post-dated.
Confirm that your board membership, MLS access, forms, e-signature, lockboxes, website, signs and business cards all move with you, and update your information with RECO and your clients. Some agents prefer not to switch right before a weekend, in case system access takes a little time to catch up.
Bring this list to your interviews. A good brokerage will answer directly and in writing.
What exactly will I pay in splits, caps, desk fees, transaction fees, technology fees and any other charges, plus HST? Can I see the full fee schedule in writing? What happens to my fees if I have a slow month?
Who is my point of contact for questions? How fast are deal reviews? What training is offered, and who is available to mentor me?
What are the brokerage's policies on branding, teams, referrals and advertising? How does the brokerage handle compliance and disputes?
What notice is required if I ever leave? Are there termination fees? What happens to deals in progress and to clients if I move on?
Sometimes the best move is not to move. Consider staying put if your issue could be fixed with a conversation, if you're in the middle of a busy stretch with many deals in flight, if the costs of switching (time, disruption, lost momentum) outweigh the benefits, or if what you're missing is really about your own business systems rather than your brokerage.
A good test: write down the three biggest problems you want to solve, then ask your current broker whether they can be addressed. If they can, you may save yourself a lot of effort. If they can't, you have a clearer reason to look elsewhere.
How Ali Realty Group approaches itAli Realty Group is an Ottawa-based brokerage with a straightforward, transparent fee structure: $95 per month, $349 per sales transaction and $199 per rental transaction, plus HST. If you're weighing your options, we're happy to walk through how that compares with what you pay today, and answer your questions on support, tools and how we work. There's no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questionsHow do I change brokerages in Ontario?
You give written notice of resignation, with an effective date, to your current Broker of Record. Your new brokerage then processes the transfer of your registration through RECO's MyWeb system. Line up your new brokerage first, since you can only trade through a registered brokerage.
How much does it cost to transfer my registration?
RECO's transfer fee is $25, paid by the new brokerage when it submits the transfer. You'll also want to budget for other costs that vary by brokerage, such as board or technology fees, new signs and marketing materials.
What happens to my listings if I switch brokerages?
Listing and buyer representation agreements are with the brokerage. If a client wants to continue working with you, the usual route is to cancel the agreement and sign a new one with your new brokerage. The client decides, so be transparent, and follow your agreement and RECO's rules.
Do I still get paid on deals that close after I leave?
It depends on your agreement with your current brokerage. Many agreements address pending deals and any fees or splits owed, so read yours closely and agree on the details in writing before you move.
How long does a brokerage transfer take?
RECO requires the transfer to be processed within 60 days of the termination's effective date, and it can't be backdated more than 30 days or post-dated. Board, MLS and system access can take additional time, so plan around active deals.
Can I be registered with two brokerages at once?
No. An individual agent can trade in real estate only through one brokerage at a time, which is why timing your transfer matters.
Is a higher commission split always better?
Not necessarily. A higher split may come with desk fees, transaction fees and less support. Compare your total annual cost at your expected production, and weigh what's included.
Thinking about joining Ali Realty Group?
We'd be glad to talk. Call us at 613-327-0131 or visit alirealtygroup.com to learn more about working with us.
Changing brokerages can be a smart move, or an expensive distraction. The difference usually comes down to preparation: knowing why you want to switch, comparing the total cost and the real support on offer, reading your agreement, and handling clients and pending deals with care.
Take your time, ask for everything in writing, and choose the brokerage that helps you build the business you want. From all of us at Ali Realty Group, good luck.
