What Happens to Pending Deals If You Change Brokerages Before Closing?

Employment| Education| Productivity| Changing Brokerages

February 04, 2026•3 min read

What Happens to Pending Deals If You Change Brokerages Before Closing?

One of the biggest concerns realtors have when considering a brokerage change is what happens to deals that are

already under contract.

Questions like:

“Will I still get paid?”
“Does the deal follow me?”
“What if it hasn’t closed yet?”

Because commissions, client trust, and timing are all on the line, uncertainty around pending deals can easily stop an agent from exploring their options. The reality, however, is more straightforward than many people expect.

About Realty World Legacy

Realty World Legacy is a boutique real estate brokerage based in Ontario that supports realtors at every stage of their career — especially those who are new, restarting, scaling, or considering a brokerage change. At Realty World Legacy, the focus is on real-world guidance, clear systems, and hands-on support so agents understand how transactions are actually handled in practice.

First, It Depends on the Status of the Deal

When it comes to pending transactions, the most important factor is whether the deal is firm or still conditional at the time of the brokerage change.

This distinction matters more than the change itself.

If the Deal Is Firm and Waiting to Close

When a deal is firm — meaning all conditions have been waived — the transaction stays with the brokerage where it was negotiated.

In practical terms:

the deal remains on file with the original brokerage
the client experience does not change
the commission is paid out as normal once the deal closes

Even if an agent moves to a new brokerage before the closing date, firm deals are typically paid through the original brokerage without issue.

This is often a relief for agents who worry that moving brokerages could interrupt income they’ve already earned.

If the Deal Is Still Conditional

Conditional deals require more attention and planning.

When a transaction is still conditional:

timing matters
communication matters
and the approach may vary depending on the situation

This doesn’t mean there’s a problem — it simply means decisions should be made thoughtfully.

At Realty World Legacy, these situations are always discussed in advance so agents understand:

what their options are
whether it makes sense to wait
how to prioritize the client’s comfort and clarity

There is rarely a single “right” answer — but there is always a right conversation.

Why This Is a Planning Conversation, Not a Crisis

Much of the fear around pending deals comes from not knowing how they’re handled.

In reality:

firm deals are straightforward
conditional deals just require timing and communication
most outcomes are predictable when discussed early

A brokerage change becomes stressful only when it’s rushed or poorly explained.

The Role of a Supportive Brokerage

A brokerage that supports its agents won’t gloss over these questions.

Instead, it will:

walk through each active file with you
explain how firm and conditional deals are treated
help you plan timing responsibly
ensure clients feel protected throughout

Support should remove uncertainty — not add to it.

Final Thought

Pending deals don’t have to keep you stuck in a brokerage that no longer fits.

With the right information and the right conversations, most transactions can be handled smoothly — without risking your income, your clients, or your reputation.

Clarity changes everything.