Can I keep working while I switch brokerages?

No. Once your termination takes effect you must stop all trading right away, including signs, ads and social media posts, until your licence is reinstated with the new brokerage. Plan the dates so the gap is as short as possible.

How much does it cost to change brokerages in Nova Scotia?

NSREC charges no fee for the Notice of Termination. Reinstating at the new brokerage is $200 plus HST if you do it within 30 days of terminating, or $385 plus HST after that.

Do my listings come with me?

Not automatically. Under common law the listing belongs to the brokerage, not to you, so your current brokerage doesn't have to release it. Most brokers will work something out if you ask, and I always would. Talk to your broker before you give notice.

Do I have to tell my current broker first?

Either you or your broker can submit the Notice of Termination, but it's professional, and usually smoother, to tell your broker in person before it's filed.

Switching Brokerages in Nova Scotia: The Step-by-Step Checklist

Changing brokerages is a normal part of a real estate career. It goes smoothly when you plan it and messily when you don’t. Here is the checklist I’d walk you through, in order, using the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission’s own process.

Before you give notice

Do these quietly, before you tell anyone.

Read your agreement with your current brokerage. Look for notice periods, fees owed on your way out, and anything about clients, leads or files.
Know what you owe. Desk fees, technology fees, unpaid invoices. Settle them or have a plan.
List your pending deals. Note each closing date and how the commission will be paid.
List your active listings and buyer clients. Decide how each one will be looked after. More on this below.
Check your continuing education. NSREC requires any missed CPE to be done before you can reinstate.
Confirm your E&O insurance is active. It has to be in place to reinstate.
Choose your new brokerage first. Use these 10 questions to ask a brokerage before you sign, and get the offer in writing.

How do I switch brokerages in Nova Scotia? The NSREC steps

Terminate your licence at your current brokerage with a Notice of Termination. You can email the form to the Commission’s licensing officer with your final day of trading, or terminate through the NSREC Licensee Portal, which takes effect immediately. Either you or your broker can start it, and there’s no fee.
Stop trading the moment termination takes effect. That includes your signs, ads and social media posts.
Your new broker signs a Reinstatement of Licence form, which goes to NSREC.
Pay the reinstatement fee: $200 plus HST within 30 days of terminating, or $385 plus HST after 30 days. After 90 days you also need a new criminal record check, and after two years you have to take the licensing course again.
If the new brokerage uses a different agency model, complete the matching agency course through the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® within six weeks of reinstating.

The full details are on NSREC’s page, How to Terminate, Reinstate, Change Brokerages or Change Classes.

How do I avoid a gap where I can’t work?

Line up the dates. Have the Reinstatement of Licence form filled in and signed by your new broker before your termination date, so it can go in right away. A short gap protects your clients, and reinstating within 30 days keeps the fee at $200.

What happens to my listings and clients?

Don’t assume they move with you. Under common law, a listing belongs to the brokerage, not to the individual agent. That means your current brokerage doesn’t have to release your listings when you leave.

In practice, most brokers will work something out with a departing agent, especially when the seller wants to stay with you. I always would. Ask early, ask in person, and put what you agree in writing.

Whatever is decided, your clients should never feel the change. Someone has to be clearly responsible for every listing and every deal that’s in progress.

After the move

Update your marketing: business cards, email signature, website, social media profiles and any online directory listings.
Order new signs and arrange for old ones to be collected.
Tell the people you know where you are now, in line with whatever you agreed about past clients.
Set up your systems at the new brokerage before your first new deal: forms, file review, and how compliance and FINTRAC records are handled.
Book your first 30 days. A move is a great reason to reconnect with your centre of influence. The 90-day plan works as a reset for experienced agents too.

Want to talk it through confidentially?

If you’re weighing a move, I’m happy to talk it over, whether or not you end up at Century 21 Optimum Realty. Nothing is shared with your current brokerage.

Common questions

Can I keep working while I switch brokerages?: No. Once your termination takes effect you must stop all trading right away, including signs, ads and social media posts, until your licence is reinstated with the new brokerage. Plan the dates so the gap is as short as possible.
How much does it cost to change brokerages in Nova Scotia?: NSREC charges no fee for the Notice of Termination. Reinstating at the new brokerage is $200 plus HST if you do it within 30 days of terminating, or $385 plus HST after that.
Do my listings come with me?: Not automatically. Under common law the listing belongs to the brokerage, not to you, so your current brokerage doesn't have to release it. Most brokers will work something out if you ask, and I always would. Talk to your broker before you give notice.
Do I have to tell my current broker first?: Either you or your broker can submit the Notice of Termination, but it's professional, and usually smoother, to tell your broker in person before it's filed.