We're excited to have you join our team of driven, successful professionals committed to excellence in real estate. As part of our brokerage, you'll have access to top-tier tools, including BoldTrail for CRM, seamless back-office support through Brokermint, and personal access to our broker and full-time administrative team. We also offer exclusive group coaching through Tom Ferry, providing you with the training and strategies to take your business to the next level. Our goal is to provide you with the resources, guidance, and stability you need to build a rewarding and prosperous career. We’re thrilled to support you on this journey—let’s make great things happen together!

This webpage is designed to provide you with all of the information you may need during your onboarding process. Should you have any immediate questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the team.

Best regards,

First things first

We will send several documents to your primary work email.
You will need to read, complete or sign the following:

• Company Handbook

• W-9

• Independent Contractor Agreement

• Information Sheet

In the meantime, we will...

Send your invitation to the brokerage through Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)

You need to accept this invitation through the TREC website.

Send your transfer form to Collin County Area REALTORS® (CCAR)

You will receive an email from CCAR stating that the request for the transfer has been made. There is a fee associated with this transfer that you will be responsible for paying (usually not more than $15).

Add you to the Errors & Omissions (E&O) policy

In the event of a lawsuit due to an error or omission in a contract, our E&O policy will activate to help cover costs.

Create your Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) form

TREC requires that licensed agents supply individuals with an IABS form at the first substantiative conversation about real estate business. We recommend that you attach this form to your emails and keep copies on your person any time you suspect you will be engaging in real estate activities. You can download your IABS form from the BackOffice.

Setup your company email address

Agents are free to use their choice of email provider, however we do offer emails hosted under the domain yourfirstname@russellhouses.com. If you would like one of our offered emails, please let us know and we will get you credentialed.

Build your personal website

All agents who use the CRM at Russell Realty receive a complimentary website through the BoldTrail toolkit. You will have full access to the design tools of your website, however we are more than happy to assist you. An example of an agent website can be seen here. You will need to make quick changes to this for it to look correct. Also, you will be asked to complete an IDX approval e-signature document to ensure that the MLS will allow the IDX feed to connect to your subdomain. This is usually yourfirstname.russellhouses.com

Add you to BackOffice / Brokermint

This is our transaction and commission software that all of our agents are required to use. We suggest that you complete the training courses available here. Look for an invitation to BackOffice in your email.

Add you to BoldTrail

BoldTrail is our powerful CRM and marketing toolkit. We highly suggest you learn this program and its many features. Training is available here. Look for an invitation to BoldTrail in your email. 

Assist with designing your signage, business cards, e-signature

We have preferred vendors for our printing and signage needs. Please contact us and we will be more than happy to help you design and print your signs, business cards, and other products necessary for you to succeed. We use Moo.com to print but you can choose your own printer or design as long as it meets TREC ad requirements. Printing is at the agent's cost.

Order you a complimentary Russell Realty t-shirt

We ask agents to wear our Russell Realty brand attire proudly at all of our events. Send Kelli Nelson, kelli@russellhouses.com, your size and we will get it ordered!

Invite you to our company calendar

Don't miss out on important events! Be sure to have alerts enabled and our calendar accessible on your work devices. We post all our events to our calendar. It is also available on the homepage of this website. 

Here is the subscription link to the calendar: Calendar

Provide you with keys to the office

We provide agents with a brick-and-mortar office location in downtown McKinney with a full-time administrator. Our office address is 201 W. Virginia St Suite 100, McKinney, Texas 75069. There are two parking garages available as well as street-side parking.

Help you connect to the office Wifi and printer

Please contact us to set up a time to connect to our systems. Our administrative team will be happy to connect your laptop, computer, or mobile devices. Please be aware that printing is available for short run printing only, ask us about our print service providers for long run projects.

Assist you with importing your database into the BoldTrail CRM

Your database is the most important part of determining your business success. We offer assistance with establishing your database and are more than happy to help you get started. We also have access to BoldTrail's professional help desk which is monitored full-time.

Add you to any applicable lead rotation in BoldTrail

If applicable to you, we will supply leads as they come in using a round-robin system. Please note that leads are only available once training is complete and are shared among the agents that are eligible and have accepted them. 

Announce your new brokerage with a social media announcement

Tell your sphere about your new brokerage and get the word out. We are excited to have you as part of the team!

Help you get established and settled in at Russell Realty

We are here to help you throughout this process. Please reach out to us if you have any needs!

What you need to do next...

1. Complete the required BoldTrail Pro Training here

2. Complete the required BackOffice / Brokermint training here

   • Set up payment information in Brokermint so we can deposit your commissions after your closings

   • Our office will create CDAs and receive all commissions directly, which will be deposited electronically to your account (we'll pay the fee)

   • Guides for Transaction Management in Brokermint BackOffice 

   • BrokerMint E-Signing Training 

3. Login to BrokerBay showing service and change your active brokerage

4. Setup your email and change signatures

5. Setup your mobile phone with the BoldTrail smart number and your signature

6. Share the social media announcement about your joining Russell Realty

7. Order signs

8. Order business cards

9. Prepare buyer and seller packets (be ready!)

10. Register for an account on SellerShield.com and connect it to the Russell Realty brokerage.

Design your agent profile

Help us showcase your expertise and personality!

Professional Background

• How many years have you been in real estate?

• Do you hold any certifications/designations (e.g., Certified Home Marketing Specialist, Luxury Home Certification, etc.)?

• Do you specialize in any particular areas (e.g., luxury homes, first-time buyers, relocation, commercial, etc.)?

• What geographic areas do you primarily serve?

• What is your approach or philosophy when working with clients?

Career Journey

• What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?

• Can you share a highlight or proudest moment in your real estate career?

• Have you received any notable awards or recognitions?

Personal Background

• Where were you born and raised?

• What brought you to North Texas (if not a native)?

• Do you have any previous careers or professional experiences that contribute to your expertise in real estate?

Fun & Personal Touch

• What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of real estate?

• Do you have any pets?

• What’s one fun fact about you that clients might not know?

• Do you have a favorite quote or motto that guides your work?

Client Engagement & Approach

• What do you believe sets you apart from other agents?

• How do you ensure a great experience for your clients?

• Do you have any success stories or memorable client experiences to share?

Final Details

• Do you have a professional headshot?