Who is the TC role best for?

Detail-oriented people who enjoy checklists, deadlines, and communication—aspiring TCs, burned-out agents seeking stability, administrative professionals, and virtual assistants looking for a niche.

How much do Transaction Coordinators make?

Entry-level TCs often earn $30k–$40k per year, experienced in-house TCs $50k–$70k, and independent TCs typically charge $300–$500 per file. At 15–20 closings per month, some independents reach $75k–$100k+ annually.

Do TCs get paid if a deal falls through?

Usually no; payment comes at closing. Some TCs include a cancellation fee in their service agreement based on work completed. Always outline policies in writing.

Do I need a real estate license to be a TC?

Requirements vary by state and by brokerage. Many TCs operate unlicensed, but some states or brokerages prefer or require licensing. Check your state rules and brokerage policies.

Is the TC role remote-friendly?

Yes. Most tasks are handled digitally (e-signatures, file management, email/phone), so many TCs work fully remote during standard weekday hours.

What tools do TCs use?

Popular tools include Dotloop, Skyslope, and TransactionDesk for document management; DocuSign or HelloSign for e-signatures; and Open To Close, ListedKit, or DocJacket for workflows.

How do I decide if the TC role is right for me?

Use the self-assessment quiz in this article. For a detailed look at daily responsibilities, read the companion post 'What Does a Transaction Coordinator Actually Do?' and explore @CeciliaVPeralta on YouTube.

Is the Transaction Coordinator (TC) Role Right for You?

Q: What does a Transaction Coordinator do?

A Transaction Coordinator (TC) manages the contract-to-close process: tracking deadlines, organizing documents, coordinating with lenders, title, and agents, and keeping the file compliant so the deal closes on time.

Are you a burned-out real estate agent craving a change of pace? An organized administrative professional or virtual assistant looking for a profitable niche? Or perhaps you’re an aspiring real estate Transaction Coordinator (TC) eager to find out if this career is your calling? If so, you’re in the right place.

As a licensed real estate agent who transitioned to transaction coordination (and never looked back), I’m here to give you an insider’s perspective. My name is Cecilia V. Peralta – Real Estate Agent, TC business owner, TC coach and course creator– and I’ve helped many people launch successful TC careers.

This guide will walk you through:

A quick overview of the TC role
The skills and traits you’ll need to thrive
The pros and cons of the job
Typical income and flexibility
Career progression opportunities
Red flags that might mean this isn’t the best fit
A self-assessment quiz to help you decide

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to answer the question “Is the Transaction Coordinator (TC) role right for you?” — and you’ll have a clear path to your next step.

Heads up: This post may include affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. You can check out the full disclosure for more details.

What Does a Transaction Coordinator Do? (Quick Overview)

At its core, a Transaction Coordinator is the detail-obsessed pro who keeps a real estate deal moving from contract to close. We’re the ones tracking every deadline, chasing down signatures, and making sure every form is complete and compliant — so agents can stay focused on clients and closings.

If you want the full, step-by-step breakdown of a TC’s daily tasks, I’ve already covered that in detail in my post What Does a Transaction Coordinator Actually Do?. In this article, I’ll keep it short and focus on what really matters for you — whether those responsibilities sound like your happy place or your worst nightmare.

In a nutshell, TCs:

Keep transactions on schedule (lots of calendars, reminders, and follow-ups)
Communicate with agents, clients, lenders, and title companies to keep everyone in the loop
Check and double-check documents to prevent delays or compliance issues

If reading that list makes you think, “Yes! That’s totally me”, you might already be a great fit. If it makes you break out in hives… we’ll get to that in the “red flags” section.

Key Skills and Traits of a Successful Transaction Coordinator

Being a TC is about more than just liking checklists — though that helps. The right skills and personality traits will make the work easier, more enjoyable, and more profitable.

Organization Wizardry – If your friends already call you “the planner” or “the one who remembers everything,” you’re halfway there.
Attention to Detail – Missing a signature or deadline isn’t just an oops — it can jeopardize a closing.
Strong Communication – You’ll be emailing, calling, and texting all day. Clarity and professionalism are key.
Time Management & Multitasking – You’ll juggle multiple transactions with overlapping deadlines.
Tech Comfort – Modern TC work relies on e-signature tools, transaction management platforms, and shared drives.
Calm Under Pressure – Real estate can get chaotic. The TC is the calm in the storm.
Service Mindset – You’re supporting agents and clients, so empathy and a can-do attitude matter.

If you’re nodding along to most of those, you might be in your natural zone as a TC.

Pros and Cons of Being a Transaction Coordinator

Like any career, this one has its perks and its pitfalls.

The Perks of a TC Career

Predictable Income – You’re not chasing commissions.
Work-Life Balance – Most work happens during weekday business hours.
Remote Work Potential – Many TCs work entirely from home.
High Demand – Good TCs are sought after in nearly every market.
Focused Expertise – You specialize in what you do best — transaction management.

The Challenges to Consider

Lower Income Ceiling vs. Agents – You may not match a top producer’s earnings unless you build a business.
Repetition – The workflow is consistent and task-oriented.
Multiple Bosses – Independent TCs serve several agents at once, each with their own preferences.
High Responsibility – Missing a deadline can have serious consequences.

If the perks outweigh the challenges for you, that’s a green light to explore further.

Typical Income and Flexibility of the TC Role

Income varies depending on whether you’re an employee or independent:

Entry-Level TC – $30k–$40k/year
Experienced Employee TC – $50k–$70k/year
Independent TC – $300–$500 per file; 15–20 closings a month can reach $75k–$100k+

Flexibility is one of the role’s biggest selling points:

Work from anywhere with a laptop and Wi-Fi
Set your own workload if independent
No regular nights or weekends

Career Progression Opportunities for Transaction Coordinators

A TC career isn’t a dead end — it can grow in many directions:

Lead TC or Department Manager in a large brokerage
Specialization in listing coordination, compliance, or a property niche
Your Own TC Business with subcontractors and unlimited scaling potential
Trainer or Coach for new coordinators
Transition to Related Roles like escrow officer, compliance manager, or real estate agent

Red Flags: When the TC Role Might Not Be Right for You

This might not be your career match if:

You dislike paperwork or repetitive tasks
Organization isn’t your strong suit
You prefer in-person sales and client-facing roles
You have low stress tolerance for deadlines
You resist learning new technology
You expect instant high earnings without a ramp-up period

Quiz: Is the Transaction Coordinator (TC) Role Right for You?

Answer yes or no:

I love details and catching errors.
I thrive on checklists and organization systems.
I’m comfortable communicating with all personality types.
Deadlines motivate me.
I’d choose stability over unlimited but unpredictable income.
Remote work sounds appealing.
I enjoy supporting others.
I stay calm when juggling multiple priorities.
I’m open to learning new tools.
I’m interested in real estate without being an agent.

8–10 yes answers = strong fit.
5–7 yes = possible fit with some skill-building.
Below 5 = consider other roles.

Next Steps if You Think the TC Role is Right for You

If you’re leaning toward “yes,” here’s where to go from here:

Watch my YouTube Channel @CeciliaVPeralta for free TC tips and behind-the-scenes tutorials.
Join My Free Webinar — 3 Principles to launch your TC Biz without endless research. We’ll cover setup, finding clients, and avoiding beginner mistakes.
Explore My TC Launch Course — the step-by-step program to go from zero to confident, client-ready TC.

Final Thoughts

Only you can answer “Is the TC role right for you?” — but now you have the facts to make that call. If the skills and lifestyle appeal to you, it’s a career that can deliver flexibility, steady income, and the satisfaction of knowing you keep deals together.

If you’re ready to explore further, start by checking out What Does a Transaction Coordinator Actually Do? for the detailed day-to-day, and then jump into my free webinar. Your future as a TC might be closer than you think.