How to Transfer Your Active Listings to Dreamhouse Realty When You're Making the Move
This article is specifically for REALTORS® who have made the decision to join Dreamhouse Realty and need to bring their active listings with them. If you currently have properties listed under another brokerage and you're transferring your licence to Dreamhouse Realty in Calgary or Edmonton, this guide walks you through exactly what to do — step by step, in the right order, and in compliance with Alberta's real estate regulations.
Moving brokerages is a significant professional decision, and handling your active listings correctly during the transition protects you, your sellers, and your reputation. Read this before you do anything else.
What You Need to Understand First
In Alberta, active listing agreements are legal contracts between the seller and your current brokerage — not between the seller and you personally. This is governed by the Real Estate Act of Alberta and enforced by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).
This means you cannot simply take your listings with you when you leave. The listings belong to the brokerage you're departing from. However, your sellers have the right to cancel their current listing agreement and re-list with you at Dreamhouse Realty — and most clients who trust you will be happy to do exactly that. The process just needs to be done properly.
Step-by-Step: Transferring Your Active Listings to Dreamhouse Realty
Step 1 — Contact Dreamhouse Realty Before You Give Notice
The very first call you make should be to your Dreamhouse Realty managing broker, Guriqbal Chahal, at 403-966-6072. Let him know you have active listings and want to coordinate the transition carefully. Getting guidance before you give notice to your current brokerage ensures you don't make a misstep in timing or paperwork. Dreamhouse Realty has helped many agents in Calgary and Edmonton through this process and will walk you through every detail.
Step 2 — Review Your Current Brokerage Agreement
Pull out your independent contractor agreement with your current brokerage and look for any notice period requirements, non-solicitation clauses, or departure terms. Most Alberta brokerages require written notice — commonly two weeks, though this varies. Do not resign verbally. Submit your notice in writing and keep a dated copy for your records.
Step 3 — Have an Honest Conversation with Each of Your Sellers
Contact each of your active listing clients directly. Be transparent: tell them you are moving to Dreamhouse Realty and explain their options clearly:
- Stay with your current brokerage and be assigned a new agent
- Cancel the current listing and re-list with you at Dreamhouse Realty
- Wait out the remainder of the listing term and re-list with you afterward
Never pressure your clients. The choice is entirely theirs. If they want to follow you, great — the steps below will make it happen. If they'd rather stay, handle that professionally and move on.
Step 4 — Cancel the Existing Listing Agreement
If a seller wants to move with you to Dreamhouse Realty, the current listing must be formally cancelled before you can re-list under Dreamhouse Realty's name. Both the seller and your current brokerage need to sign a Cancellation of Listing Agreement. Obtain a signed copy for your own records. Do not attempt to re-list anywhere until this cancellation is in hand.
Step 5 — Transfer Your RECA Licence to Dreamhouse Realty
Log in to your myRECA account and initiate a brokerage transfer. Guriqbal Chahal will approve the transfer on the Dreamhouse Realty side. This is a straightforward online process, but it must be completed and confirmed before you can trade real estate under the Dreamhouse Realty banner. Your licence must be active and in good standing with no outstanding compliance issues.
Important: You cannot advertise, show, negotiate, or sign any documents under the Dreamhouse Realty name until your RECA licence transfer is officially approved. Acting before this step is complete is a breach of RECA regulations and could put your licence at risk.
Step 6 — Sign New Listing Agreements Under Dreamhouse Realty
Once your RECA transfer is confirmed and the old listings are cancelled, you can now sign fresh listing agreements with your sellers under Dreamhouse Realty. Use Dreamhouse Realty's branded forms and ensure all documentation accurately reflects the new brokerage name, address, and contact details.
Step 7 — Re-Enter Your Listings on MLS®
Your new listings under Dreamhouse Realty will need to be entered fresh on the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) or the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE) MLS® system. A new MLS® number will be assigned to each property — let your sellers know so they're not surprised when the old listing disappears from REALTOR.ca and a new one appears. Dreamhouse Realty's admin team will assist you with the entry process.
Step 8 — Update All Marketing Materials
Replace all active signage, brochures, online ads, and digital listings with Dreamhouse Realty branding. RECA requires that all advertising clearly identify the brokerage — misbranded or outdated materials are a compliance issue. Dreamhouse Realty can assist with new signs and digital assets for Calgary and Edmonton properties.
Documents Checklist
Keep this list handy as you work through the transition:
- Written resignation letter to your current brokerage (a courtesy notice even if they do not require)
- Signed Cancellation of Listing Agreement (one per property)
- Seller's written confirmation to re-list with Dreamhouse Realty
- Completed RECA brokerage transfer via the myRECA portal
- New Independent Contractor Agreement with Dreamhouse Realty
- New Listing Agreements signed under Dreamhouse Realty
- Updated lockbox codes and property access arrangements
- New MLS® listing entries submitted to CREB® or RAE
Common Questions
Can I take my listings without seller permission?
No. Listings are contracts between the seller and your current brokerage. The seller must agree to cancel that agreement before you can re-list anywhere else. The good news is that most sellers who value your relationship will be happy to follow you.
What if my current brokerage refuses to cancel?
A brokerage cannot force a seller to stay in a listing against their clear written wishes. If the seller formally requests cancellation in writing and the brokerage refuses to cooperate, the matter can be escalated to RECA. Guriqbal Chahal at Dreamhouse Realty can advise you on how to handle this situation.
How long does the RECA licence transfer take?
Typically same day through myRECA. Plan your transition timeline so there's no gap in your ability to work.
Will the days-on-market count reset?
Yes. When a listing is cancelled and re-entered under a new brokerage, it gets a new MLS® number and the days-on-market counter resets. This can actually work in your favour for listings that have been sitting a while, but discuss it openly with your sellers so there are no surprises.
What about deals that are already conditionally sold?
Active purchase contracts that are mid-process at the time of your transfer are typically tied to the current brokerage and the seller's listing agreement. You'll need to coordinate with your current broker on how commission and paperwork are handled. Dreamhouse Realty can advise on co-brokerage arrangements and help ensure the deal closes cleanly.
A Word on Professionalism
How you leave your current brokerage says a great deal about you. Give proper written notice, be transparent with your sellers, cooperate fully on any outstanding transactions, and avoid speaking negatively about your previous brokerage. Calgary and Edmonton are relationship-driven real estate markets — the community is smaller than it looks, and your reputation travels.
Dreamhouse Realty is proud to welcome REALTORS® who make the move with integrity. We'll support you through every step of the process.
Ready to Make the Move? Contact Guriqbal Chahal at Dreamhouse Realty
If you're a REALTOR® thinking about joining Dreamhouse Realty — or you've already made the decision and have active listings to manage — reach out directly to:
Guriqbal Chahal
Real Estate Broker
Dreamhouse Realty
403-966-6072
Guriqbal will personally walk you through the transfer process, answer your questions about your specific listings, and make sure your move to Dreamhouse Realty is handled properly from day one. Don't navigate this alone — one call can save you a lot of time and stress.
This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. All agents in Alberta are regulated by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).