Real Estate Transaction Coordinator: Role, Training, Salary, and Services

A real estate transaction coordinator manages the paperwork, deadlines, and communication flow from contract acceptance to closing. They don’t sell real estate or represent clients in negotiation — that’s the agent’s role. What a real estate coordinator does is handle the 80+ administrative steps that happen between a signed purchase agreement and a recorded deed, so agents can focus on lead generation and client relationships instead of chasing contingency deadlines.

This guide covers what real estate transaction coordinator services include, how real estate transaction coordinator training works, what the real estate transaction coordinator salary range looks like, and whether becoming a real estate coordinator makes sense as a career path.

What a Real Estate Transaction Coordinator Does

The daily work of a real estate transaction coordinator includes: opening escrow, ordering title and coordinating with the title company, tracking all contingency deadlines (inspection, appraisal, loan approval), collecting and reviewing disclosures, scheduling inspections and appraisals, communicating status updates to agents and clients, and preparing final closing documents.

Real estate transaction coordinator services can be offered by a salaried employee of a brokerage or by an independent TC who contracts with multiple agents. Independent real estate coordinator businesses charge per transaction — typically $300–$600 per file — and manage 5–15 active files simultaneously.

The value a real estate transaction coordinator delivers is missed deadline prevention and risk reduction. A missed contingency deadline can void a contract, cost a client their earnest money, or expose the agent to liability. Transaction coordinators run checklists for every file and alert agents 3–5 days before each deadline.

Real Estate Transaction Coordinator Training and Salary

Real estate transaction coordinator training is available through the TC Academy, NAEA (National Association of Expert Advisors), and several state real estate associations. Most programs run 4–8 weeks and cover contract reading, contingency management, disclosure requirements by state, and software tools (Skyslope, Dotloop, Docusign Transaction Rooms).

Certification isn’t legally required in most states but signals competence to agents evaluating whether to hire or contract with a real estate coordinator. The Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) designation from the TC Academy is the most widely recognized credential in the field.

The real estate transaction coordinator salary ranges from $45,000–$75,000 per year for salaried positions at brokerages, depending on market and experience. Independent real estate coordinator businesses generate $60,000–$120,000+ annually for experienced TCs with a full client roster. The higher end is achievable in high-volume markets like California, Texas, and Florida where deal flow is consistent and transaction fees are higher.