What Does a Transaction Coordinator Do?
A Transaction Coordinator (TC) manages the administrative side of a real-estate deal from contract to closing—handling paperwork, deadlines, and communication among buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and title companies.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare / review documents
- Track deadlines & contingencies
- Coordinate communication among all parties
- Liaise with escrow and title companies
- Manage the entire closing workflow
Do You Need a License or Certification?
- Most states: No formal license is required for purely administrative TC work.
- California: A Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) designation through the California Association of REALTORS® is strongly encouraged and widely recognized.
- Everywhere: Formal training or certification boosts credibility, efficiency, and employability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Certification
1 ▸ Understand the TC Role
- Watch free webinars & YouTube tutorials
- Shadow experienced TCs or agents
- Sample free courses (e.g., VPM Academy)
2 ▸ Check State Requirements
- Confirm rules with your state’s real-estate commission
- Note any licensing or mandatory certifications (e.g., CTC in CA)
3 ▸ Select a Training Program
| Program | Provider | Format | Cost | Typical Duration | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTC Certification | C.A.R. | Online | $349 – $698 | 10–15 hrs | California-specific; widely recognized |
| Transaction Coordinator Essentials | OnlineEd | Online | $249 | ~8 hrs | National fundamentals |
| Transaction Coordinator Academy | Michelle Spalding | Online | $150 – $249 | ~6 hrs | General training; good for freelancers |
| Real-Estate TC Training | VPM Academy | Online | Free | ~4 hrs | Introductory overview |
4 ▸ Complete Training & Certification
- Work through all modules
- Use provided checklists & templates
- Pass any final exams to earn your certificate
5 ▸ Develop Essential Skills & Tools
- Organization & attention to detail
- Time-management & multitasking
- Clear, proactive communication
- Mastery of software (Dotloop, SkySlope, DocuSign, etc.)
6 ▸ Optional Extra Credentials
- Real-estate license (expands duties)
- Notary Public or Loan-Signing Agent
7 ▸ Gain Real-World Experience
- Join an established TC firm
- Assist veteran TCs or agents
- Start small; gradually take on full files
8 ▸ Launch Your TC Career
A. Employment Path
- Search Indeed, LinkedIn, brokerage job boards
- Network at local REALTOR® events
- Highlight certifications and tech skills on your résumé
B. Freelance Path
- Set up your business (LLC, EIN, E&O insurance)
- Define services, pricing, and policies
- Create a simple website / LinkedIn profile
- Market to busy agents and small brokerages
Tips for Choosing a Certification Program
- Align training with your career goals (state-specific vs. nationwide)
- Compare depth, support, and alumni reviews
- Balance budget against long-term value
- Prefer programs offering community or ongoing mentorship
Landing Your First TC Job or Clients
- Showcase your certification on all marketing materials
- Network in Facebook groups, local REALTOR® meetings, and via cold outreach
- Deliver outstanding service to earn referrals
- Keep learning—new forms, software updates, and state laws change constantly
Conclusion
A thriving TC career blends formal education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Choose the right training, develop rock-solid systems, and cultivate relationships—then watch your reputation (and income) grow.
Recommended Resources
- C.A.R. Certified Transaction Coordinator — https://www.car.org/education/designations/certified-transaction-coordinator
- Transaction Coordinator Academy — https://www.transactioncoordinatoracademy.com
- Free TC Fundamentals (Udemy) — https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-become-a-transaction-coordinator/
Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to a successful Transaction Coordinator career!
