How to Open a Real Estate Branch Office

Open a new real estate branch office for more business.

Real-estate brokerages that have room for expansion choose to do so by opening a branch office. Half the battle when choosing a new branch location is finding an area that has good potential for attracting new clientele. Membership in the new branch office's local board of Realtors as well as access to the multiple listing service (MLS) for the new coverage area will be required. Principal brokers must hire an appropriate associate broker and support staff to handle the new branch operations.

Things You'll Need

• Branch office building
• State application forms
• Local board of Realtors membership forms

Instructions

1. Find an appropriate branch location to house the new real-estate operation. Either lease or purchase the new location and prepare it by installing the proper office equipment.

2. Hire an associate broker who will handle the branch-office operation. Fill out the proper state forms for both the branch office location and the associate broker's inclusion into the real estate company.

3. Contact the board of Realtors for the area in which the branch office is located. Fill out the needed membership forms and pay any MLS access and board fees due.

4. Confirm that the new branch location abides by all local, state and Realtor board guidelines before advertising to the public about the new offices. Register new sales agents under the new branch office as well as the associate broker with both the state real estate authority and local board of Realtors.

5. Create business cards for the new branch office and its new employees. Include the new office location information on any websites associated with the company and any marketing materials currently used by the main office.

Tips & Warnings

• Do extensive amounts of research on the new market areas to determine exactly where to setup a new branch office.

• Hire an experienced and responsible associate broker for the new office

• Make sure that all of the office equipment in the new branch location is fully functional and running smoothly before opening for business.

• Do not attempt to operate the new branch office without confirming all local Realtor board and state guidelines are met.

References

• Iowa Association of Realtors: Opening an Office