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    Launch Your Own Real Estate Business

    Build your real estate business under your own brand, with Merge's brokerage supervision. Get guidance on DBA filings, systems, and setup. This is not a separately licensed brokerage. Learn more about our real estate brokerage model.

    Ask about plans, switching, or your business.

    Guided launch process
    Full compliance package
    Optional branding services
    Ongoing support included

    Speak with our broker

    Ask about plans, switching, or your business.

    No commitment to join. Tell us what you'd like to discuss. We'll reach out, or you can choose a call time after submitting.

    Why Entrepreneurs Choose Merge to Launch

    A guided path to establishing your own real estate brand in California under Merge Brokerage's license.

    A supported business launch

    Work through your business name, DBA setup, compliance, and operating systems with Merge.

    A guided process

    Full Compliance Package

    Merge serves as broker of record, providing brokerage supervision, E&O coverage, and compliance guidance under our license.

    Compliance under Merge

    Complete Infrastructure

    Transaction management tools, back-office support, and platform access are included. A professional TC is required and paid separately.

    Everything you need

    Your Brand

    Operate under your brand with Merge's brokerage supervision. Required brokerage disclosures apply.

    Optional branding services

    Which path is right for you?

    Different path - Team Plans

    Build a team inside Merge

    Lead a team within the Merge umbrella. Agents are Merge agents. Lower cost, simple structure - no separate business entity.

    See Team Plans

    You are here - Business Launch

    Launch your own real estate brand

    Operate under your brand with Merge's brokerage supervision. Required brokerage disclosures apply.

    Business Launch Plans

    Two plans for leaders launching their own real estate brand. Choose predictable flat pricing or start lean with performance-based pricing.

    Start Lean

    Business Launch Performance

    $1,500/month
    + 3% GCI override per closing

    Lower fixed cost while you grow. Best for businesses generating under $400K annual GCI.

    • 10 agents included
    • $100/month per additional agent
    • 3% GCI override per closing
    • Your own front-facing business name (DBA/FBN)
    • Full brokerage compliance under Merge's license
    • E&O insurance coverage
    • Custom-branded technology platform
    • Custom agent onboarding portal
    • Transaction management tools and back-office support; TC paid separately
    • Marketing tools

    No long-term lock-in. Cancel anytime.

    Predictable Overhead

    Business Launch Flat

    $2,500/month
    $0 brokerage fee per closing - unlimited transactions

    Review the plan and applicable charges for your business. Best for businesses generating $400K+ annual GCI.

    Breakeven: at $400K annual GCI both plans cost the same. Above $400K, Flat saves you money.

    At $600K GCI, Performance costs $36,000/yr vs Flat at $30,000 - you save $6,000 with Flat.

    • 10 agents included
    • $100/month per additional agent
    • $0 brokerage fee per closing - unlimited transactions
    • Your own front-facing business name (DBA/FBN)
    • Full brokerage compliance under Merge's license
    • E&O insurance coverage
    • Custom-branded technology platform
    • Custom agent onboarding portal
    • Transaction management tools and back-office support; TC paid separately
    • Marketing tools

    No long-term lock-in. Cancel anytime.

    Costs beyond your plan

    Every transaction must use a professional transaction coordinator (TC). Choose your own TC and pay them directly, or use Merge's preferred TC at $495 per file. TC costs are separate from brokerage fees on both plans.

    On sales over $4M, an additional 5% applies only to the commission earned on the portion above $4M.

    Agents pay their own association, board, and MLS dues. Additional-agent fees and plan-specific charges apply as listed above. The new-licensee surcharge does not apply to Team or Business Launch plans.

    A $0 brokerage fee per closing does not mean a transaction has no separate costs.

    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.

    Review the luxury supplement details

    Which plan saves your business more?

    Annual cost comparison by business GCI volume. Breakeven at $400K GCI.

    Annual GCIPerformance ($1,500 + 3%)Flat ($2,500/mo)
    $100K$21,000$30,000
    $200K$24,000$30,000
    $300K$27,000$30,000
    $400K$30,000$30,000
    $600K$36,000$30,000
    $1M$48,000$30,000

    Bold = lower base annual brokerage cost. Performance = $18,000/yr + 3% of GCI. Flat = $30,000/yr, unlimited closings. Both include 10 agents; additional agents cost $100/month each. TC costs, dues, and applicable charges are separate.

    Your Launch Process

    A guided sequence from the first conversation to operating under your business name. Timing depends on the required filings and setup.

    01

    Discovery & Planning

    Discuss your business model, team, and setup needs with our broker.

    Planning
    02

    DBA Registration & Setup

    Complete the required DBA registration and brokerage setup with Merge.

    Registration
    03

    Technology & Branding Setup

    Set up your branded platform, transaction management, and agent onboarding tools. Logo design and marketing materials are optional.

    Setup
    04

    Launch & Support

    Begin operating under your business name, with ongoing brokerage supervision, transaction support, and operational guidance.

    Ongoing

    Brokerage Tools and Support

    Broker supervision, transaction tools, and setup guidance. Confirm the scope and cost of optional branding services with Merge.

    Regulatory Compliance

    • DRE License Management
    • E&O Insurance Coverage
    • Audit & Reporting
    • Legal Documentation

    Technology Platform

    • Custom-Branded Portal
    • Transaction Management
    • Agent CRM
    • Financial Reporting

    Business Support

    • Marketing Materials
    • Logo & Branding Design (Optional)
    • Business Cards & Signs (Optional)
    • Website Design (Optional)
    • Ongoing Consultation

    Your brand. Merge’s brokerage license.

    Build your business under your own name, with clear responsibilities and brokerage support.

    You lead your business

    • Your business name, branding, and marketing direction
    • Client relationships and day-to-day business development
    • Recruiting and leading your team

    Merge provides the brokerage framework

    • Broker-of-record supervision
    • Transaction review and compliance guidance
    • Agent onboarding systems and transaction technology

    Your brand operates under Merge Brokerage’s California license. This is not a separately licensed brokerage. Required brokerage disclosures still apply.

    Tell us about the business you want to build. We’ll discuss the structure, costs, and setup.

    Growing Fast Across California

    Agents working across California, from the Bay Area to San Diego.

    Active Markets

    Growing Markets

    Active Markets
    Growth Opportunities

    Launch in Any Market

    Launch your own business brand under Merge. Whether you're in one of our active regions or ready to pioneer a new market, there's a place for you at Merge.

    California
    Statewide service
    15
    Target Markets

    Current Markets

    North BaySan FranciscoEast BaySacramentoSouth BayLake TahoeLos AngelesOrange CountyInland EmpireSan DiegoSanta BarbaraCentral Valley

    Expanding To

    Ventura CountyTemeculaPalm Springs

    No exclusive territories – grow your business anywhere in California

    Ready to Launch Your Real Estate Business?

    Have questions about your business name, team, or setup? Speak with our broker about the next steps.

    Prefer to choose a time now?