1. Introduction and Core Philosophy
Welcome to Cain & Company Real Estate LLC.. This guide establishes the operational framework for your integration into our firm, ensuring that your transition is executed with the professional precision that defines our brand. Our organizational foundation is built upon three core pillars : Integrity, Discretion, and Excellence.
We prioritize transparent and ethical practices in all real estate endeavors, maintain rigorous fiduciary standards regarding client confidentiality, and provide an infrastructure designed for audit-proof compliance. This document outlines the two-track administrative path for license activation and entity sponsorship, effective January 1, 2026.
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2. Track 1: Standard Individual License Transfer
For agents joining as individual practitioners, our onboarding process is designed to eliminate administrative friction, allowing you to focus on production from day one.
- Application: Utilize the invitation link provided by your sponsor to access the onboarding portal. Complete the data fields regarding your license, contact information, and prior brokerage affiliation.
- Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA): Review your ICA within the agent portal platform. Use the “Next” button to navigate through required fields. The system utilizes integrated digital signature features; no external scanning is required.
- Application Fee: Upon ICA execution, a secure Stripe window will facilitate the enrollment fee payment. This transaction alerts the Cain & Company compliance team to initiate your file review.
- TREC License Transfer: You must initiate the broker-of-record change via the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Detailed instructions are located in the “Texas-specific Electronic Transfer Guide” accessible within the agent portal.
- Board/MLS Notification: Affiliation updates must be submitted to your local board (e.g., HAR, MetroTex, ABOR, or SABOR). Cain & Company provides the necessary broker signatures within one business day to ensure uninterrupted MLS access.
- Immediate Funding: Once active, agents benefit from the Commission Disbursement Authorization (CDA) process, allowing for immediate funding and payment at the closing table.
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3. Track 2: LLC Entity Setup and Sponsorship
The LLC Broker Enterprise Partner track is specifically engineered for high-producers and team leaders seeking to establish an independent brand identity while leveraging our professional infrastructure.
LLC Startup and Compliance Fee Schedule
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Fee Component
|
Amount
|
Frequency
|
|---|---|---|
|
LLC Startup & Compliance Setup
|
$997
|
One-time fee
|
|
Standard Enrollment & Audit Fee
|
$499
|
Initial setup
|
|
LLC Enterprise Retainer
|
Starting at $499
|
Monthly
|
|
Risk Management & E&O Fee
|
$295 Per Surcharge Schedule
|
Per Transaction
|
Strategic Benefits for Enterprise Partners
- Brand Autonomy: Operate under your own corporate identity and brand while maintaining a legal umbrella under a Designated Broker.
- Expansion & Recruitment: The enterprise plan includes sponsorship for up to five agent licenses, facilitating immediate team growth across major Texas hubs including Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
- 100% Commission Retention: Retain the full revenue generated by your entity and define your own internal split structures for your team.
- HUD-Approved Status: Access our Active NAID #, allowing your entity to submit HUD offers for investor clients immediately.
- Audit-Proof Operations: Benefit from annual entity and compliance audit support to ensure your business meets all regulatory standards.
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4. Technology Stack and Compliance Workflow
Cain & Company provides a data-driven tech stack designed to maximize ROI and streamline transaction management.
- Lofty (formerly Chime): Agents receive access to this premier CRM and marketing platform at a discounted subscription rate. Features include IDX websites, AI-powered lead routing, and automated nurture sequences.
- Zillow Showcase: A transformative marketing solution that allows our agents to stand out. Showcase listings sell for 2% more (averaging $7k) and win 30% more listings than non-showcase counterparts.
- SkyTour: An exclusive feature that utilizes drone visuals to create an interactive 360-degree aerial experience, driving 75% more views, saves, and shares on Zillow.
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5. Fee Policy and Financial Compliance
Effective Date: January 1, 2026 Cain & Company maintains a strict “No-Waiver” fee policy to account for the professional liability and brokerage oversight provided for every file.
- Standard Residential Transactions: Properties under 4 units start at a $299 closing fee.
- Luxury & High-Value Assets: Transactions with a sales price exceeding $1,000,000 or any commercial assets are subject to Risk-Adjusted Pricing. Consult the Risk Management Surcharge Schedule or the Compliance Office for a custom quote.
- Mandatory Fee Application: The full Broker Transaction Fee is due regardless of:
- Agent-Owned Transactions: Personal home purchases or sales.
- Commission Concessions: Any rebates or discounts provided to clients.
- Flat-Fee Agreements: Transactions with non-standard or reduced gross commissions.
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6. Onboarding Checklist for Day One
Complete the following milestones to ensure full operational activation:
- [ ] ICA signed and submitted via Transaction Desk
- [ ] Application and Audit fees processed via Stripe
- [ ] TREC license transfer initiated (Referencing the Texas Electronic Transfer Guide)
- [ ] Government-issued ID uploaded to the portal
- [ ] E&O Insurance Certificate downloaded from agent portal
- [ ] Board/MLS affiliation updated (HAR, MetroTex, etc.)
- [ ] HUD NAID # secured for bidding (LLC Track only, if applicable)
- [ ] Tech stack access confirmed (Lofty)
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7. Support and Contact Information
For technical or administrative assistance during your transition, please utilize the following channels:
- Platform Support: Transaction Desk
- Compliance & Enterprise Setup: For high-level compliance inquiries, LLC formation, or statewide market access questions, contact Kris Cain directly.
Contact Details:
- Phone: 8100-685-7708
- Email: Homes@TexasBrokerSponsor.com
- Main Office: Houston, TX (Serving Houston, Austin Beaumont and major Texas markets)
