Introduction to the Role
A Transaction Coordinator (TC) is a vital support professional in real-estate, guiding deals from the signed contract all the way to closing. By managing paperwork, deadlines, and stakeholder communication, TCs make sure nothing slips through the cracks. With demand for coordination services on the rise, mastering this role can be both rewarding and profitable.
What Is Transaction Coordination?
A transaction coordinator is the air-traffic controller of a real-estate deal. You chase signatures, schedule inspections, and guard every deadline so the agent can keep prospecting. Miss a single addendum and commissions—or the entire deal—can vanish.
Why demand is rising: Agents increasingly outsource the admin “heavy lifting,” creating steady work (and strong pay) for organized, tech-savvy pros.
Core Responsibilities
| Area | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|
| Paperwork owner | Review contracts, disclosures, loan docs; ensure versions match ongoing negotiations. |
| Timeline keeper | Monitor inspection, appraisal, funding, and closing dates. |
| Communication hub | Serve as central point for buyers, sellers, title, lenders, HOAs, and more. |
No real-estate license is required, but razor-sharp organization, accuracy, and concierge-level communication are essential.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bullet-proof organization
- Hawk-eye attention to detail
- Calm, clear communication style
- Working knowledge of RESPA, Fair Housing, and state forms
- Comfort with e-sign tools and calendar automations
Pro tip: A real-estate license or Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) badge adds instant credibility—but glowing testimonials matter even more.
Why Top Agents Hire TCs
Agents live for sales; you eliminate the documentation drag so they can stay in their genius zone. Understanding compliance keeps everyone safe from costly penalties.
How TCs & Agents Work Together
- Kick-off – Agent wins a listing and loops you in on day one.
- Checklist – Build the timeline (or let an AI platform do it).
- Stakeholder sync – Intro email, portal invites, clear next steps.
- Weekly pulse – Surface blockers before they explode.
- Close & archive – Final audit, commission disbursement, secure storage.
Agree on SOPs, use one source of truth (DocJacket, Dotloop), and set response-time SLAs to keep trust high.
Career Path & Income
| Stage | Typical U.S. Income | Next Move |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant TC | $35-45 k salary or $300 / file | Master 10 files / month |
| Independent TC | $55-75 k or $400-500 / file | Niche: luxury, REO, new-build |
| Senior / Lead TC | $80-100 k + overrides | Manage a TC team |
| TC Business Owner | $150-300 k + | 1 000 + files / yr shop |
Upskill levers: licensing, specialization, tech mastery.
Setting up a TC business means forming an entity, choosing software, and marketing your services.
Marketing & Growth Tips
- Land one high-volume broker for baseline revenue.
- Build a referral kit after every closing.
- Share before/after case studies on LinkedIn & Facebook.
- Offer a free closing checklist download to capture leads.
- Publish niche SEO posts (e.g., “How to Pass a Florida Compliance Audit.”)
- Maintain a polished website showcasing training and certifications.
Must-Have Tools
| Need | Go-to Stack |
|---|---|
| Transaction hub | DocJacket (AI checklists) or Dotloop / SkySlope |
| E-signatures | DocuSign, HelloSign |
| Calendar sync | Two-way Google Calendar with your hub |
| Updates | Client portal, Slack, SMS automations |
| Storage | Google Drive, Dropbox, DocJacket vault |
Rule: If you repeat a task three times per deal, automate it.
Licensed vs. Unlicensed Work
| Task | Unlicensed | License Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule inspections | ✅ | – |
| Collect signatures | ✅ | – |
| Draft or negotiate terms | – | ✅ |
| Give price or legal advice | – | ✅ |
Starting unlicensed lets you learn safely while pursuing certification.
First-10-Deals Roadmap
- Shadow a seasoned TC through two full transactions.
- Document SOPs—naming conventions, email templates, timelines.
- Pick one TM platform and complete its certification.
- Offer first file free to three local agents.
- Raise rates after you’ve managed 10 concurrent deals flawlessly.
Keep Sharpening Your Edge
- Certs: NAR RENE, CTC
- Communities: “Transaction Coordinators for Real Estate” (Facebook)
- Reading: The Checklist Manifesto — Atul Gawande
- Learning: DocJacket Academy, prop-tech podcasts
- Stay Updated: Track new forms, laws, and tech to keep your knowledge current.
Final Word
Faster, cleaner closings are the future. TCs who pair airtight processes with smart automation will own that future. Grab a best-in-class platform, tighten your checklist, and become the friction-killer every top agent needs.
