Building a Team at Dalton Wade

Building a Team at Dalton Wade

Step 1 – Create a Team Business Plan

Prepare a simple plan that covers:

  • Why you want to start a team.
  • Roles you plan to fill (buyers’ agents, showing agents, admin, ISA, etc.).
  • Lead generation and marketing strategies.
  • Financial plan: who pays for leads, admin support, and marketing.

Step 2 – Draft a Team Agreement

  • Compensation splits (team leader ↔ team member ↔ brokerage).
  • Expectations for leads and closings.
  • Expense responsibilities (ads, signs, assistants, CRM).
  • Onboarding/offboarding process for team members.
  • Brokerage’s oversight and compliance responsibilities.

Step 3 – Choose a Team Name & Branding

  • Must comply with state laws (including use of the terms “Team,” “Group,” or “Associates”).
  • Brokerage name must be equal or more prominent than the team name in all advertising and MLS marketing.

Step 4 – Set Up Systems & Tools

Before adding members, make sure you have:

  • CRM & lead routing plan:

You can call their sales team to find out more:  (877) 896-0778

  • An understand and plan for how Dotloop will work in your team set up:

o      Option 1: The whole team uses 1 account, and can log into one email to get the 2 factor codes. The codes have to go to a phone number so you would need to sign up for a program like Zoho (what we use) where you can set up texts to go to an email, and then give everyone access to that email. You will need to look into the cost of this program and any others like it, there are a few that offer this feature. 

 

o      Option 2: You can sign up for the teams feature in Dotloop. This gives you admin access to all your team's loops, just like a regular brokerage: https://www.dotloop.com/teams/

 

If this is something you'd like more info on, call the number below:

Sales team: (888) 368-5667, Option 3 when prompted

 

o      Option 3: Each of your agents can get signed up with their own DW Dotloop, and every time they have a transaction, they need to add you to their "team" within the loop details. Once they do that, you'll get an email inviting you to their transaction, and you'll have full access to the loop. The caveat here is that they have to add you first, you need to confirm via email, and it can't be undone.

  • Marketing templates (signs, social media, listing presentations).
  • Policies for accountability, lead follow-up, and team meetings.

Step 5 – Recruit & Onboard Team Members

  • Each agent must be licensed under the brokerage and maintain their own MLS login.
  • Admin staff must be properly classified (licensed vs. unlicensed).

Step 6 – MLS & Compliance Setup

  • All listings must be entered under the licensed agent of record and brokerage.
  • Team names may appear in MLS remarks/marketing fields (where allowed).
  • Production credit is tracked by individual MLS IDs, not the team.
  • Broker may grant admin access for team leaders to help manage listings.
  • Review your MLS rules carefully before applying, since requirements can vary by region. Some MLSs may also charge a fee or require broker approval to set up a team.

Step 7 – Launch Your Team

  • Announce internally within the brokerage.
  • Update social media, email signatures, and marketing with approved branding.
  • Introduce your team to past clients and your sphere.

Step 8 – Ongoing Management

  • Hold regular team meetings for accountability and training.
  • Review production and expenses monthly.

Reminder:

A team is not a separate brokerage. The broker remains responsible for all compliance, MLS activity, and advertising. Team success depends on leadership, systems, and clear communication.

    • Related Articles

    • Best Practices for Running a Successful Real Estate Team

      Leading a real estate team is about more than splitting commissions and sharing leads—it’s about building a strong, collaborative environment where both the Team Leader and Team Members can thrive. Successful teams run on structure, accountability, ...

    • Team Leader Responsibilities

      1. Recruitment & Onboarding Recruit qualified agents who align with your team’s values and goals. Help onboard new team members by introducing them to your systems, tools, and expectations. Ensure they understand Dalton Wade’s brokerage policies and ...

    • Commission Splits and Compensation for Teams

      When working in a team, it’s important for both the Team Leader and Team Members to understand how commissions and fees are handled. Team agreements may vary, but Dalton Wade has consistent brokerage policies that apply to all team transactions. How ...

    • Creating a Team at Dalton Wade

      Step 1 – Create a Team Business Plan Prepare a simple plan that covers: Why you want to start a team. Roles you plan to fill (buyers’ agents, showing agents, admin, ISA, etc.). Lead generation and marketing strategies. Financial plan: who pays for ...

    • Real Estate Team Name Requirements

      When forming a real estate team under Dalton Wade, you may choose your team name—however, it must comply with state-specific advertising rules. These regulations are designed to prevent consumer confusion and ensure that team names are not mistaken ...