Understand exactly what you're earning and what you're giving away
Make a smarter move with your eyes open
The right brokerage isn't just a license holder. It's a system that handles compliance, payments, and paperwork so you can focus on clients. Evaluate any brokerage on what it actually delivers, not just what it charges.
5 Questions to Ask Before Joining Any Brokerage
What's in the contract? What does the fee cover? Can you invest on the side? The questions most agents forget to ask.
Ask about fee caps, E&O coverage, investment policies, brand rights, and what tools the brokerage includes. Merge includes a built-in CRM to manage your client pipeline at no extra cost.
Red Flags in Brokerage Contracts
Long lock-in periods, vague fee structures, restrictions on investing. Know what to watch for before you sign anything.
Watch for: annual fees, desk fees, tech fees, E&O fees billed separately, and non-compete clauses.
Run your own name, your own identity, under a full broker license
What Is a DBA for Real Estate Agents?
A DBA (Doing Business As) lets you operate under your own brand name while sponsored by a licensed broker. Here's how it works in California.
Example: "Smith Properties" operates under Merge Brokerage DRE #02252229. Your brand, Merge's license.
FBN Registration in California
A Fictitious Business Name (FBN) is what makes your DBA legal in California. Merge handles the entire registration process for you.
Merge handles DBA/FBN registration for you. Your brand is set up correctly and compliant from day one.
Scale beyond yourself with the right structure and economics
When Does It Make Sense to Build a Real Estate Team?
Signs you're ready to bring on agents, what team structure to start with, and the common mistakes new team leaders make.
Most agents consider building a team once they're consistently closing 20+ transactions per year.
Your license is worth more than just commissions from clients
What you're responsible for and what your broker handles
What Is E&O Insurance and Do You Need It?
Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance protects you if a client sues over a transaction. What it covers, what it doesn't, and why it's required.
Merge maintains an E&O policy, and your cost is included in your monthly membership. If a claim arises from your transaction, you're responsible for $5,000. Coverage is subject to policy terms. Talk to our broker for details.
Transaction Coordination: What It Is and Why It Matters
TC support keeps your deals on track with deadlines, documents, and communication with escrow. How Merge handles TC for agents.
Merge provides transaction coordination support to keep your files compliant and your deals closing on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions from real California agents
You've done the research. Now make the move.
Merge is California's flat-fee brokerage built for agents who want to keep more, build more, and grow on their own terms.
Pro: $99/month + $1,000 brokerage fee/closing · Premier: $495/month · TC costs separate · E&O insurance coverage · DRE #02252229