Let’s face it: most new real estate agent checklists and onboarding processes are about as organized as a toddler’s toy box. Between the scattered paperwork, forgotten login credentials, and that one crucial form that somehow always goes missing, bringing on new agents can feel super frustrating.
But with a little help from your friends at Humaniz, we can flip that around. Here’s your comprehensive new real estate agent checklist for turning the onboarding chaos into a streamlined process that gets agents producing faster (and keeps your sanity intact).
Why a New Realtor Checklist is Required (If You Want to Be Successful)
The statistics tell the story: 87% of real estate agents quit within their first 5 years. Often, this comes down to poor onboarding and unclear expectations from day one. Without a systematic new realtor checklist, critical steps get missed – maybe it’s forgetting to set up MLS access, skipping key compliance training, or not establishing clear performance metrics. These gaps create frustrated agents who waste time trying to figure out basic processes instead of building their business.
A standardized checklist isn’t just about paperwork – it’s about creating a foundation for success by ensuring every new agent gets the tools, training, and structure they need to start generating revenue quickly. Think of it as your team’s standard operating procedure for turning new hires into productive agents.
First Things First: Welcome and Legal Stuff
- Schedule that crucial welcome meeting
- Verify their real estate license
- Complete the independent contractor agreement
- Provide company handbook and policies
Quick Win: Smart teams are using tools like Humaniz agent onboarding to automate this paper chase. One click sends all necessary documents to your new agent’s portal, where they can electronically sign everything and where nothing can fall through the cracks.
Technology Setup for Modern Agents
- Set up company email and communication tools
- Grant access to CRM and lead management systems
- Provide MLS login credentials and training
- Install essential software and mobile apps
Marketing Essentials for New Real Estate Agents
- Schedule a professional headshot session (no selfies allowed!)
- Order business cards with your new brokerage info
- Craft an authentic agent bio for the company website
- Set up professional social media accounts (LinkedIn is non-negotiable)
Pro Tip for New Agents: Your online presence is your digital handshake. Make it count!
Training: The Foundation of Your Real Estate Career
- Complete comprehensive brokerage orientation
- Master the MLS through hands-on training sessions
- Shadow top-performing agents (and take copious notes!)
- Practice scripts and role-play common scenarios
Industry Hack: Leading teams use real estate team management software like Humaniz to schedule and track one-on-one coaching sessions. Our built-in video conferencing and AI-powered summaries help you drive per-agent productivity, morale, and alignment within your team.
Financial Foundations for New Real Estate Agents
- Review and help the agent understand their commission structure
- Set up a system for tracking business expenses
- Secure necessary E&O insurance
- Develop a realistic marketing budget
Checklist Must-Have: Clear financial understanding from day one prevents headaches down the road.
Ongoing Support: Your Lifeline as a New Agent
- Let your agent know that you’re there to mentor them and ensure their success
- Schedule regular check-ins to support their ramp-up and ongoing training
- Set clear, achievable performance goals
- Identify potential growth opportunities within your team or brokerage
Compliance and Safety: Non-Negotiables for New Agents
- Direct the agent to study fair housing laws and ethical practices
- Learn brokerage-specific risk management procedures
- Understand and implement personal safety protocols for showings
By systematizing these steps – and ideally automating them through a dedicated platform – you’ll create an onboarding process that works. Your new agents will start producing faster, your existing team won’t waste time reinventing the wheel, and you might even get to leave the office before midnight occasionally.
Final Real Estate Agent Checklist Reminder
Automating these onboarding steps through a dedicated platform can significantly streamline the process. New agents can hit the ground running, existing team members save time, and brokers can focus on growth rather than administrative tasks.
