TC businessHow to start a transaction coordinator business
To start a transaction coordination business, confirm what your state allows an unlicensed TC to do, set up the business (an LLC, a federal tax ID, a business bank account and errors and omissions insurance), define your services and per-file prices, sign a written agreement with each agent, and run every file on the same checklist and deadline system so you can grow without missing dates.
Steps to start
1. Check demand and your state's rules
Talk to local agents about how they handle files today. Ask your state's real estate commission and the brokers you will work with what an unlicensed TC may do.
2. Choose a name
Check that the business name is free in your state's business registry and as a website address before you print anything.
3. Set up the business
Most TCs form an LLC, get a federal tax ID (EIN), open a business bank account and buy errors and omissions insurance.
4. Define services and prices
Contract-to-close, listing coordination, compliance review; a flat fee per closed file, a cancellation fee, and rush or bilingual add-ons.
5. Put every engagement in writing
An agreement with each agent: services, fees, cancellation, how and when you are paid, who talks to the clients.
6. Build your system
One checklist per side, email templates, a deadline calendar built from each contract, and an invoice sent at closing.
7. Find your first agents
Agents you know, local brokerages, agent groups and referrals; many TCs price the first file lower to earn trust.
8. Grow carefully
Track files per month, time per file and on-time deadlines; hire or automate before quality drops.
What you need on day one
- A written agreement template and an invoice template.
- A checklist for buyer-side and listing-side files.
- Email templates for each milestone – in Spanish too if you serve Spanish-speaking clients.
- Software that builds the deadlines from the contract and reminds you before each date.
- A secure way to request and store documents.
A niche that sets you apart
Agents who serve Spanish-speaking buyers and sellers need clear updates in Spanish – most TCs cannot send them. A bilingual TC service, priced as an add-on or included, is a reason for those agents to choose you.
Questions about starting a TC business
Do I need a license to start a TC business?
It depends on the state and the tasks. Check your state's real estate commission and your brokers' policies; negotiating or advising clients requires a license.
Should a TC business be an LLC?
Many TCs choose an LLC; ask an accountant or attorney in your state what fits your situation.
How much should I charge as a new TC?
Typical per-file fees are $300–$700, most often $400–$500 (Paperless Pipeline, June 2026); set yours from your scope and market.
How do I get my first clients as a TC?
Start with agents you know, local brokerages and agent groups; reliable, on-time files bring referrals.
What software do TCs use?
Transaction coordination software that builds deadlines, keeps checklists and updates clients – see our buyer's guide.
Free tools for your TC business
Run your TC business on ClosingCode: every deadline from the contract, reminders, client updates in English or Spanish – one plan, free to start.
Start free trialSteps based on common practice and Paperless Pipeline, "How to start a real estate transaction coordinator business" (June 2026).
General information, not legal, tax or business advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage.