Frequently Asked Questions
At Alliance Bay Realty, we understand that choosing the right real estate brokerage is a major decision—whether you’re a new agent exploring your options or an experienced professional looking for more flexibility and support. To make this process easier, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about our real estate office.
Our goal is to provide clear, transparent, and helpful information to assist you in making an informed choice. These FAQs cover key topics such as commission structure, training opportunities, licensing requirements, support systems, and more.
We believe in empowering real estate professionals with knowledge. If you have additional questions after reviewing this section, our team is always here to provide personalized assistance. Your success is our priority.
Company Structure & Reputation
Alliance Bay Realty offers a compelling opportunity for real estate professionals seeking a high-commission, low-overhead brokerage model. Here’s why joining Alliance Bay Realty could be advantageous:
✅ 100% Commission Agents keep their full commission, paying only a low transaction fee and E&O insurance per deal. 📘 Full Training & Support 🚫 No Hidden Fees. No desk, franchise, sign-up fees, or sales quotas—maximizing your earnings.📍Wide MLS Access Membership in multiple counties across California. 💰 Residual Income. Earn $100 per closed transaction from agents you refer—ongoing and unlimited.⚡ Easy Onboarding Quick 10-minute sign-up via DRE’s eLicensing system using DRE #01522539.
Alliance Bay Funding Inc. Alliance Bay Realty has been serving real estate and mortgage professionals for over 18 years.
We currently have 850+ licensed professionals and growing, across both real estate and mortgage divisions.
We currently have over 100+ loan officers.
We are an independently owned and operated California-based brokerage.
Our agents serve all of California, with strong representation in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and beyond.
At this time, we are primarily licensed in California.
Our California DRE License Number is 01522539. You can verify our standing at the California DRE website.
Our NMLS number is [Insert NMLS #]. You can review our licensing and compliance standing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Alliance Bay Realty is known as one of the most respected 100% commission brokerages in California, trusted by hundreds of agents for our transparency, support, and agent-first approach.
Yes. We have numerous 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook from satisfied agents and clients.
Yes, Alliance Bay Realty agents are fully authorized to conduct lease transactions.
Yes, agents affiliated with Alliance Bay Realty are allowed to represent and sell business opportunities.
Yes, our agents are permitted to conduct commercial transactions in addition to residential deals.
Commission & Compensation
We offer a true 100% commission model. Agents keep all of their commission and only pay a low transaction fee per deal.
Alliance Bay Realty – Alliance Bay Funding Inc. charges a flat fee of $695 or 10% of the commission (whichever is less), plus a $149 Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance fee per closed transaction for both real estate and mortgage services.
No caps. You keep 100% of your commission with no earnings limit.
Yes. As an independent agent, you have the flexibility to set and negotiate your own commission rates with clients. Real estate commissions are always negotiable, and you are free to charge what you believe is fair for your services.
E&O is charged per transaction, keeping your overhead predictable.
Our standard real estate commission plans include a risk management fee of $149 per closed transaction (per side). This fee covers the cost of Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, broker file reviews, legal consultations, claims, judgments, settlements, and other risk management services. Our base policy provides liability coverage up to $1,000,000.
While we do not offer profit-sharing, we provide residual recruiting income.
Yes. You earn $100 per closed transaction from each agent you refer who joins Alliance Bay Realty—unlimited and ongoing.
Because our agents already keep 100% commission, there is no need for tiered splits—your earnings are always maximized.
No production minimums or caps are required. We support agents at all experience and volume levels.
Fees & Deductions
No monthly fees. No desk, franchise, or hidden platform charges.
No, there are no onboarding or setup fees to join Alliance Bay Realty. We’ve eliminated unnecessary costs to make it easy for agents to get started.
No. we do not charge for office space.
Yes. Agents are responsible for the cost of their own marketing materials, including signs, lockboxes, and business cards. You are free to use any vendor of your choice, or we can recommend preferred vendors for your convenience.
MLS dues and REALTOR® association fees are separate and paid directly to the association of your choice. Alliance Bay Realty does not collect or manage those fees.
No. There are no penalties or binding contracts
Training & Support
Yes. We provide ongoing training tailored to experienced agents, including business planning, marketing strategies, negotiation tactics, and scaling your real estate business.
We offer weekly training sessions focused on foundational real estate skills, including contracts, compliance, transaction management, lead generation, and best practices. In addition to weekly trainings,
Alliance Bay Realty also provides (Start Me Up Scholarship Program) Agent Course Bundle from CAR.org – ONLINE ANYTIME for FREE new agents. Alliance Bay Realty also provides the Start Me Up Scholarship Program — an Agent Course Bundle from CAR.org — available online anytime, free for new agents.
Quick Overview:
Get ready to succeed in real estate! This 20+ hour online mentoring training is jammed packed with the knowledge you need to begin and establish yourself as a profitable real estate agent.
These are self-guided online courses from CAR.org that you take at your pace. The courses are available 24/7.
- New Agent online Mentoring (5 hours)
- Your Guide to the California RPA & Related Forms (4 hours)
- All About Disclosures (3 hours)
- Realtor Code of Ethics – Spotlight on Articles 1, 2&3 (2.5 hours)
- Beneath the Surface: Understanding the Anatomy of a Home (6 hours)
To be eligible for the above Alliance Bay Realty-paid training, new agents must be active members of CAR.org.
Link: https://store.car.org/collections/online-bundles/products/start-me-up-agent-package-online-anytime
Our training is person, virtually and on-demand to accommodate agents across California.
At Alliance Bay Realty, our experienced real estate brokers are committed to supporting every aspect of your business. Your success is our priority, and we believe clear communication is essential. Whether you have questions or need guidance, you can reach us by phone, text, email or online chat—we’re here to help you thrive in your real estate career.
Yes. One-on-one mentorship is available for agents who need additional support. Our broker or broker associates can guide them through transactions and business growth.
Yes. Our in-house broker support and compliance teams are available for file review, structuring, and audits.
We do not offer CE directly, but we partner with approved CE providers and offer exclusive discounts.
Yes, Alliance Bay Realty offers transaction coordinator (TC) services through third-party providers, though their use is not mandatory. Fees vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. Typically, the cost is $350 for single-side representation and $550 for dual transactions, depending on the TC you choose.
Broker Support & Management
Yes, our broker and support team are available to answer questions in real time during business hours, after hours and during weekend. We prioritize quick communication through phone, email, and internal chat platforms to ensure you get timely support when you need it most.
We strive to respond to all agent inquiries and emergencies as quickly as possible—typically within minutes during business hours. For urgent matters, our agents have direct access to broker and management contacts.
Yes, we offer access to professional transaction coordinators (TCs) through third-party partnerships. Their services are optional, and fees vary based on the transaction’s complexity. Many of our agents choose to work with them to ensure smooth and compliant closings.
Absolutely. We provide dedicated compliance review services to help ensure that all your transaction files meet state and DRE requirements. Our compliance team is available to answer questions and guide you through documentation standards.
Your contracts and disclosures are reviewed by our broker or designated compliance team members. We have procedures in place to check for completeness, accuracy, and compliance before documents are finalized or submitted.
Yes. Our broker and senior management team are here to support you with difficult clients or complex legal matters. We also offer access to legal resources through CAR.org.
MLS & Association Access
You are not required to join a specific MLS or association; however, in order to access the MLS and practice as a REALTOR®, you must be a member of a local REALTOR® association, which also includes membership in the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). We recommend joining a board that serves your local market.
Yes, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of joining a local REALTOR® association and gaining MLS access. This includes providing you with the necessary forms, contact information, and instructions to ensure a smooth setup.
Yes, based on your location, we can recommend the most active and supportive REALTOR® associations in your region. Choosing a local board offers convenient access to in-person training, networking events, and regional MLS coverage.
Yes, as a licensed California real estate agent, you can conduct transactions throughout the entire state of California. Many of our agents successfully work across multiple counties, and we support you in expanding your reach.
If you need access to residential transaction forms and lockboxes, then joining a local real estate board is required.
Yes, if you need access to residential transaction forms and lockboxes, you must join a local real estate board—which also requires membership in both the California Association of Realtors (CAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Yes, if you want to access property listings or list properties on the MLS, your local MLS will require you to become a member.
Yes. Alliance Bay Realty offers an exclusive Real Estate License Referral Program that allows agents to keep their license active without joining CAR, NAR, or a local board—while still earning referral fees on closed transactions. You can join anytime.
Growth & Advancement
Yes, Alliance Bay Realty fully supports team growth. You are welcome to build and manage your own team under our brokerage, and we provide tools, resources, and systems to help you scale successfully.
Yes, we offer opportunities for experienced agents to take on leadership roles, including mentoring new agents, leading training sessions, or serving as associate brokers. We encourage career growth and recognize those who contribute to the success of the company.
Yes, with broker approval, qualified agents or team leaders may open branch or satellite offices. We’ll work with you to ensure the location complies with DRE regulations and aligns with our brand standards.
Yes, we provide branding assistance to help your team stand out while remaining compliant with DRE advertising guidelines. This includes support with logo integration, marketing materials, and online presence.
We offer referral and recruiting incentives, and are open to discussing custom structures—including profit-sharing opportunities—for top-performing team leaders or partners. Let’s connect to explore what works best for your business goals.
Onboarding Process
Getting started is simple. Once you express interest, we’ll send you an onboarding package that includes the Independent Contractor Agreement, Office Policies, and W-9 form. Once those are completed, change employer on DRE website and we will certify you.
The onboarding process typically takes less than 1 hour. Most agents are fully set up and ready to go the same day they submit their documents.
You’ll need to complete the following:
- Independent Contractor Agreement
- Office Policy Manual acknowledgment
- W-9 form
- DRE license transfer (we assist with this)
Yes. Once your license is officially affiliated with Alliance Bay Realty in the DRE system and all paperwork is submitted, you can begin working on transactions immediately.
Absolutely. Our onboarding support team is available to help with any questions or issues that arise. You’ll have direct contact with a staff member or broker to guide you through every step.