Key Points
- Your sponsor choice locks in your entire upline – choose wisely.
- The Join eXp application has no do-overs – list your sponsor carefully.
- License transfer usually takes 2 – 4 days after eXp approval.
- Great sponsors offer training, tech, and revenue share support.
- Co-sponsors can’t provide team value, only individual support.
- eXp onboarding spans 8 days, 1 – 5 hours of tasks per day.
- Smart Agent Alliance helps simplify onboarding with 1-on-1 guidance.
Getting your real estate license was the hard part… said no one ever who’s been through onboarding alone at 2 a.m. with six tabs open, a sad snack, and zero clue what an ICA is (learn more about the Independent Contractor Agreement at eXp).
If you’re joining eXp Realty and wondering what fresh hell you’re walking into – or better yet, how to actually get set up for success – breathe. It’s not that bad… unless you don’t pick the right sponsor. (FYI: most eXp sponsors don’t offer anything besides a prayer.)
The eXp onboarding process is built for agents who are ready to hit the ground running at a top-tier virtual real estate brokerage. But like most things in real estate, how you start matters.
Table of Contents
What to Expect with eXp Realty Onboarding
eXp onboarding is built like a factory line – but in a good way. Fast, clean, and surprisingly functional. It’s designed to help eXp agents get fully equipped with the tools, training, and support needed to start buying and selling homes fast (translation: get paid sooner).
But if you walk in blind without knowing how it works? You could be in for a world of confusion – and maybe even regret.
So let’s break it down. Here’s a recap of the 6 key eXp Realty onboarding steps we’ll cover in detail below:
- Pick a Sponsor
- Fill out the Join eXp Application
- Wait for Active Status
- Receive Sponsor Value
- Optional Co-Sponsor
- eXp’s Official 8 Day Onboarding Kicks Off
Step 1: Pick a Sponsor (Carefully. Seriously.)
If we sound like a broken record here, good. Because picking your eXp sponsor is the most important decision you’ll make outside of “should I become a real estate agent in the first place?”
Here’s why: most eXp Realty agents never realize how much sponsor support varies until it’s too late – and then they have agent sponsor regrets. Most eXp sponsors offer nothing. Others, like Smart Agent Alliance, offer an entire ecosystem of tools, mentorship, training, marketing help, and production support. We’re talking real support – not “give me a call if you need something.”
Pro tip: This sponsor choice includes the sponsor you name and their full upline of 6 more agents. So, don’t blow this. Choose a sponsor who’s part of a strong upline team. Lone-wolf agents can’t give you the kind of leverage that team sponsors with layers of support (like us) can. It’s the difference between plugging into a system… or being left Googling “how to get started as a real estate agent” at 1 a.m.
Quick heads-up on common confusion:
Your eXp sponsor is not the same as a production team leader or mentor. Some agents make this confusing on purpose (shocker), especially if they’ve built a fancy site around their local production team.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Sponsor teams – You must name them when you apply to eXp. They offer various levels of agent support (ranging from “literally nothing” to “why didn’t I join this sooner?”). They cost you $0.
- Production teams – You join them anytime after you’re an active eXp agent. They’re great for day-to-day transaction help – but they take 25%+ of your commission.
Step 2: Fill Out the Join eXp Application
Once you’ve picked your sponsor (hi, hopefully us), you’ll go to the Join eXp application. Here’s what happens next:
- First, if you have any trouble with your application, reach out to eXpert Care at 833-303-0610 or contact your sponsor.
- Access the official Join Us platform through eXp’s website.
- Fill it out completely. Double-check that your name matches your real estate license exactly.
- Name your sponsor (don’t skip this – if you leave it blank, you don’t get a do-over.)
- Set up direct deposit and upload your W-9
- Read and sign your Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA) – this defines your business relationship with eXp Realty. Not exactly beach reading, but it matters.
- Submit – your application is reviewed by eXp Onboarding (usually within 24 hours)
Step 3: Wait for Active Status
Once your app is approved by eXp Onboarding, it gets passed to your state broker, who pulls your license from your old brokerage or your state department of real estate if you’re brand new.
That process usually takes 48 – 72 hours, depending on your state.
In the meantime, don’t just refresh your inbox 37 times a day. Instead:
- Ask your sponsor for an eXp World pass – take a tour, click around
- Get your professional photos done – you’ll need them for your marketing
- Haven’t heard anything from eXp in 4 days? Call eXpert Care (833-303-0610) and ask to speak to onboarding.
Step 4: Receive Sponsor Value
Congrats – you’re now an active eXp Realty agent. This is where it gets real.
If you chose a sponsor who actually delivers (like Smart Agent Alliance), this is when the good stuff kicks in – and it’s all free:
- Private 1-on-1 onboarding call
- Production help with top courses and live tips
- Revenue share support for passive income
- Community, connection, motivation, inspiration
- Access to training, tools, and templates
But if your sponsor ghosted you… or you didn’t realize that naming a sponsor on your application locked in your access to a full upline team and not just one person, yeah – it stings.
The good news? You’re not completely out of luck. You still have one more card to play: the co-sponsor.
Step 5: Optional Co-Sponsor
You’ve got 5 days from the date you become active to name a co-sponsor if you’d like one.
This is a second layer of support – totally optional, but potentially helpful if you want to add a local connection or specific skillset to your corner. Think of it as filling in the gaps your primary sponsor team doesn’t meet.
Keep in mind: a co-sponsor can only offer individual support – not the full upline structure that comes with the primary sponsor you named on your eXp application. But if you choose wisely, the right co-sponsor can still bring meaningful value, mentorship, and strategic help to your business.
Need help finding one? Use the eXp directory to search by location and find someone whose vibe actually fits. Then call them. Ask what they’re willing to offer you – for free. Because handing over part of your revenue to someone who’s not lifting a finger? That’s how you build regret, not a career.
Step 6: eXp’s Onboarding Day 1 to Day 8 Tasks
Now that you’re officially in, it’s time to tackle the actual eXp onboarding process – the part where you stop asking “Where do I click?” and start saying, “Let’s close something.”
This is where the eXp Realty/Residential Quick Start Guide comes in. It’s a clear, step-by-step plan broken into eight manageable days of onboarding. Time commitment? Usually 1–5 hours per day. So, not a hostage situation – but still, put coffee on.
Here’s what you can expect from the onboarding process:
- A clearly structured task list that builds on itself
- eXpert Care concierge backup for things you just don’t get
- And if you picked the right sponsor (ahem, Smart Agent Alliance), we’ll provide tips for effectively onboarding too, privately 1-on-1.
Ok, here’s what the official eXp onboarding really involves – minus the fluff and plus the hacks that make it faster.
Day 1: Welcome, Setup, and Must-Do Tasks
On Day 1, you can expect to:
- Get to Know the Mentor Program (if applicable) – If you’re assigned one, you’ll circle back to this later. Pro tip: You can change your mentor if they’re not helpful.
- Attend the Live Agent Startup Session – This will walk you through much of Day 1, so reserve your session first and make that your Day 1.
- Join Your Local Realtor Association, State Association, and MLS – This isn’t optional. It’s the cost of being a “Realtor” and a local member with the ability to do an agent’s job.
- Attend Your State Broker Orientation – Meet your broker, learn the ropes.
You’ll also knock out some quick tech setup on Day 1. Start by finding your eXp email alias through OKTA – this acts as your “passport” to all things eXp. Then log in to Workplace and Workplace Chat (just poke around – you don’t need to master it today), as well as My eXp and Enterprise, two key platforms you’ll get familiar with over time. You’ll also want to opt in to kvCORE (now called BoldTrail) to trigger the creation of your agent website – just note it takes about 7–10 days to go live. And spend a few minutes learning about SkySlope, our transaction management platform, but save the training for when you have a transaction.
Day 2: Explore, Set Up Marketing Basics
On Day 2, it’s time to:
- Set Up Your Voicemail – Yes, people still leave voicemails.
- Tour eXp World – If you can squeeze in the 30-minute tour today, do it.
- Decide on Your Business Phone – Use your cell, Google Voice, or pay monthly for Twilio. (We use our cells.)
- Order Marketing Materials – The free starter kit is from BuildASign, but what’s included changes. If you want to use a custom design, no problem. Just get broker approval.
- Explore Exclusive eXp Canva Marketing Templates
- Set Up Your Email Alias & Signature – Only needed if you want to reply from your @exprealty.com email via Gmail or Yahoo.
Day 3: Skip and Chill
Day 3 is basically your breather day. eXp’s task list includes checking out the eXp Training Calendar and poking around eXp University – but honestly, if you’re with a strong training team like Smart Agent Alliance, you’ll probably get more value from our live coaching and production systems than sifting through generic modules. Translation: don’t waste hours here on Day 3.
This is also the day when new agents (fewer than 3 closed deals in the last 12 months) get introduced to the Mentor Program. If that’s you, block out a full hour to understand how it works and what to expect moving forward – it’s worth the time. But never forget – you can change your mentor if you don’t vibe with the assigned eXp Certified Mentor.
Day 4: Tools, Offices, and Extras
Here’s what you can expect for Day 4, you’ll visit:
- DISC Assessment via Success Coaching – 10 minutes of personality quiz fun. Optional.
- Clearwater Agent Healthcare – Only if you need it.
- Regus Office Access – Free shared office lounges if you want a professional space to work or meet clients.
- SISU – Analytics and tracking tool. Note it for later.
- eXp DialSafe – Only relevant if you’re cold calling.
Day 5: Optional Revenue Tools (and Warnings)
Ok, Day 5 includes a lot of information that new agents don’t need right away. So, skip most of this section unless you’re ready to explore:
- Zenlist – Off-market listings and an upgraded MLS-style interface.
- Revenos – eXp-provided leads (eXp Relocation, Affinity, Military, BundleSelect, REO, Institutional Investment Services) but you’ll pay 25%–55% when deals close. Get certified to access. Pro tip: Certify faster at eXpCON – 3 hours vs. 12.
- Express Offers – Great for new agents. Learn how to submit investor offers quickly.
- Making It Rain – made for you Facebook Ads, explore when ready.
Day 6: Skim & Save for Later
Day 6 is another light day – think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure, but without the pressure to actually choose anything yet. This is your chance to scroll through some of the optional tools and programs eXp offers. Just read the explanations, get a feel for what’s available, and file them away in your brain (or bookmarks) for when the time is right.
You’ll come across things like eXp Solutions, the paid Lofty CRM (for those who don’t vibe with BoldTrail), and extras like eXp Stock Programs, Success Lending, Flowcode, and even the Luxury Certification. It’s all good stuff – but none of it needs action today. Skim now, explore later.
Day 7: Website, Branding, and Social
Today’s all about polishing your online presence – but only if the timing makes sense. If your BoldTrail site (formerly kvCORE) is live, now’s the time to jump in and start customizing it. If not, no stress – just make a note to come back when it is.
You’ll also see a prompt to start promoting yourself on social media. If that’s already your thing, go for it. If not? Hold off and check out our free training instead – it’s designed for agents who don’t want to learn the hard way.
You’ll also get nudged to “expand your network” and “review eXp docs,” but honestly, those are just friendly suggestions. If you’re in the mood to connect, great. If not, save it for another day. There’s no prize for reading every document twice.
Day 8: Survey & Send-Off
You made it to the final day – nicely done. The only task on your plate is the NPS survey. It goes directly to eXp (not us), but yes, they really do care about your feedback. So be honest, but maybe don’t unload about your cousin’s expired license drama.
Once that’s done? You’re officially onboarded. Welcome to eXp Realty. Time to shift from setup mode to success mode – and don’t worry, we’ll be right here to help you make it count.
Ready to Make Your Onboarding Count?
The eXp onboarding process is fast, structured, and – if you know what to expect – not nearly as overwhelming as it looks from the outside. Whether you’re just figuring out how to get started as a real estate agent or you’re a seasoned pro switching to a virtual real estate brokerage, one thing holds true: your first few days set the tone for everything else.
From sponsor selection to tech setup to navigating the official onboarding process, it’s easy to miss crucial support if you don’t know what you’re doing – or who you’re working with. Don’t let a weak sponsor stall your momentum. This is your business, and you deserve better than ghosted emails and outdated checklists.
That’s Where We Come In.
When you choose Smart Agent Alliance as your sponsor, you get the combined firepower of Smart Agent Alliance and the Wolf Pack – two of the most value-packed, support-driven groups in all of eXp Realty. Together, we’ve got you covered on everything agents actually care about: community, production support, and passive income growth through revenue share.
Smart Agent Alliance: The Sponsor Team That Works for Your Revenue Share
Let’s be honest – most agents don’t join eXp thinking about revenue share. But ask a long-time eXp agent their #1 regret? Not building it sooner. At Smart Agent Alliance, we actually invest time and money into helping you grow passive income through the revenue share model. Here’s what you get:
- A branded agent attraction webpage to recruit passively
- High-converting email drip campaigns and webinars
- 1-on-1 calls to close interested agents for you
- Access to the #2 highest traffic agent site among all eXp sponsor teams
So yeah – it’s like free money, but with a system that actually works.
The Wolf Pack: Elite Training, Culture, and Collaboration
As part of the Wolf Pack, you also get:
- Two team-wide strategy calls per week, plus an exclusive women’s mastermind
- Mike Sherrard’s Social Agent Academy Pro (a $10,500 system sold at $997/year – yours for free)
- Courses on flipping, production, CRM mastery, and more
- Private access to team WhatsApp chats and Skool communities for fast answers and agent referrals
Even More with Smart Agent Alliance…
We also hook you up with:
- 8 customizable landing pages
- Done-for-you marketing templates
- Quick-start plans, personal onboarding, and an all-in-one agent portal
- Support that feels like someone actually cares – because we do
You could roll the dice with a random sponsor… or you could plug into a system that’s already working. Your onboarding is just the beginning – but the right sponsor makes it your launching pad.
To learn more about eXp Realty – the only publicly traded real estate brokerage that’s been profitable for the last five years and voted the #1 brokerage to work for – or to see how Smart Agent Alliance can help you scale faster, smarter, and with more freedom:
Your move, agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does eXp Realty onboarding work?
eXp Realty onboarding starts after you apply and name your sponsor. Once approved and your license is transferred, you’ll follow an 8-day Quick Start Guide that walks you through tools, training, and systems.
What do I need before onboarding with eXp?
Before onboarding, you need to pick a sponsor, complete the Join eXp application, and be ready to pay your $85 monthly and $64 first-month admin fee. New agents also must pay their Realtor association and MLS fees to those entities (not to eXp).
Can I change my sponsor after joining eXp Realty?
No. Once your application is submitted, you cannot change your sponsor (includes their upline value). However, you have 5 days after activation to name an optional individual co-sponsor (does not include their upline value.)
How long does it take to become active at eXp Realty?
After submitting your application, most agents are active within 1–4 days, depending on how quickly your state broker transfers your license.
What is the mentor program at eXp Realty?
Agents with fewer than 3 closed deals in the past 12 months are automatically assigned an eXp Certified Mentor. The split is 60/40 for your first 3 deals, then you go to the normal 80/20 split. You can switch mentors if the assigned one isn’t a fit.
