Ver.03.27.25

simpliHŌM
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Welcome to simpliHŌM! We are committed to providing an uplifting, professional and respectful experience to our agents, Clients, and colleagues. These Policies and Procedures were created in consideration of this commitment and founded upon our company’s four Core Values. Questions regarding simpliHŌM’s policies and procedures may be directed to compliance@simpliHŌM.com.

simpliHŌM Core Values
1.People First, Always
2. Generosity and Humility are Priority
3. Convenience is the Future
4. REALationship is the Focus

Message from Sean Miku, our Founder & CEO:
I am SUPER excited you have partnered with our simpliHŌM Family! The mission and vision behind this company started with my real estate story, which you may have heard. I started my real estate career at a small local company in Murfreesboro, TN. I sold around 11 houses in my first 3-4 months before realizing the broker/owner and I weren't meant to work together. I moved my license to firm that paid nearly 100% commission because I thought I had the business figured out- LOL. After only making $7,000 over 6 months, I told my wife maybe I wasn't meant to be in real estate and didn't have what it took to be successful. I was defeated.As a last-ditch effort, I made a change and joined another company. I received mentorship from a top real estate coach (3rd party) who guided me to the fact that I was spending my time on all of the wrong things. I was too busy trying to be who I am today instead of being who I needed to be in the moment. I made corrections, and in the next 6 months, I made $150,000. As I continued to grow my business and started building my team, I began to see the challenges we all face and the sacrifices we must make to earn a significant income. In my final year with that company before launching HŌMGROUP (now simpliHŌM), I sold $13M in real estate and realized that these sacrifices don't make sense for people. I wasn't able to tuck my kids into bed at night, because I was too `busy on the phone with clients, finishing paperwork, coordinating my closings, etc. It was that moment of realization that built the foundation of our business today.

Our focus has become simple. Provide the opportunity and support platform for all Agents to be able to achieve the financial goals they desire without sacrificing the more important things in life. To simpliLIVE, to simpliDISCOVER, to spend time with FAMILY or whatever is most important to you in your life. We are focused on giving you your time back without taking all of your money in the process.Simplicity is the key to brilliance, and it is the key to our success. All of our tools, software, systems, processes, etc. are designed with simplicity in mind. We believe in transparent communication within our organization. 
if you have any issues or ideas on how to make us better, please let me know directly at sean@simpliHŌM.com.Looking forward to seeing your success,

Sean Miku

Agency

simpliHŌM provides real advocacy and representation services to Buyers, Sellers, Owners and tenants of real property. All Documents must comply with local and state laws and in accordance with NAR and related association guidelines. simpliHŌM does not endorse the practice of Dual Agency. When an Agent is involved in “both sides” of the transaction, the Agent should retain their agency status with the party for whom the Agent was already in an Agency agreement. The party introduced to the transaction subsequent to such an Agency agreement should be assisted as a customer (unrepresented). Alternatively, and upon the simpliHŌM Client’s written approval, the Agent may serve as a Facilitator (also known as “Transactional Broker” and similar labels) to both parties. Agents practicing as a Dual Agent shall be charged a Base Broker Fee for both the Buyer and Seller sides of the transaction.

Agent Availability

Agents shall make themselves available based on the times that work for them, as well as their clients to accomplish real estate matters in a timely and effective manner.

Agent Estate Planning - Policies and Procedures

1. Payment of Commissions in the Event of Agent's Passing
In the unfortunate event that an agent passes away prior to the culmination of a real estate transaction, all commissions earned at the time of passing will be processed and paid according to standard company procedures, with the following exceptions

A. Trust Disbursement Option
Agents who have an established Trust may elect to have their commission earnings paid directly into the Trust. To facilitate this, Agents must submit their Trust information in writing to the company, including the following information:


B. Beneficiary Designation for Revenue Share, Vested Stocks & Commissions
Agents may designate a beneficiary with simpliHOM by submitting a Beneficiary Designation Form, which will be securely kept on file, to be paid for the following


2.Handling of Funds when agent has not provided Trust or Beneficiary information
If an agent has not provided simpliHOM with Trust or Beneficiary information, their commissions will continue to be deposited into their bank account on file, just like any other transaction. This allows their family or estate representatives to access and manage the funds as needed.


3.Updating Estate Planning Information
Agents are encouraged to periodically review and update their estate planning details, including.

By implementing these procedures, simpliHOM ensures that agents’ earned commissions, revenue share, and vested assets are handled properly, providing financial security for their designated beneficiaries or estate

Antitrust

ALL associates (Realtor/Employee/Management) must never discuss commission policies of simpliHŌM with any (Realtor/Employee/Management) of any competing firm. Such actions might be interpreted as an attempt to fix pricing (collusion) or otherwise restrain competition or some similar violation of state and federal antitrust laws (Sherman AntiTrust Act).

Appointments

Any Agent appointments with Brokers/Staff should be scheduled to occur within office hours.

Base Broker Fee

simpliHŌM assesses a base fee for each residential purchase/sale transaction. The fee is calculated at .1% (1/10th of one percent) of the Sales Price for the transaction, but not less than $199 and not to exceed $399 (in the middle TN market) or not less than $299 and not to exceed $499 (all markets outside of middle TN). Monies collected for the Base Broker are not counted toward an agent’s cap. It is the intention of simpliHŌM that this fee is passed through the Agent and paid by the Client/Customer. The actual amount collected from the Client/Customer is at the Agent’s discretion

The fee is assessed for any Client or Customer who received any services from the simpliHŌM agent during the transaction, regardless of their formal Agency relationship. For example:

simpliHŌM, at its sole discretion, may provide scenarios/promotions when this fee is not assessed to a transaction.

Branding Guidelines

Broker (to include associates who are in a leadership position with simpliHŌM)

Change in Name, Address and Phone Numbers
All Employees and Agents are responsible for updating simpliHŌM with changes of their legal name, primary address, phone number, and any other personal information that affects 1099 and/or W2 status.

Commissions: Payment to Agents

1.  Commission will be paid to an Agent, by simpliHŌM, as quickly as possible after the following conditions have been satisfied:

2.  Payments shall be on a commission basis, as per the Agent’s compensation plan and/or Independent Contractor Agreement.

3. Commission payments shall be processed and paid to the Agent electronically. UPON THE FIRST TIME A COMMISSION PAYMENT IS DUE, the Agent will receive an invitation to create a profile with JD Morgan Chase, where there are multiple options for receiving payment. The Agent is not required to create a new bank account. This profile merely informs JD Morgan Chase on the Agent’s preferences to receive payment.

4.  An Agent’s compensation plan is a matter of confidentiality and shall not be discussed with other agents/firms, including those within, and outside of simpliHŌM.

5. Commission for residential lease transactions is paid at 85% of the gross commission earned. The Base Broker Fee is not assessed for residential lease transactions. Monies paid for residential lease transactions are not accrued toward the Agent’s annual cap/revenue sharing.

6.  Compensation for referral income (Client was sent to another agent/firm and Agent is receiving a percentage of the Closed transaction) is paid as per the Agent’s compensation plan stated in their ICA, subject to the Agent’s annual cap. The Base Broker fee is not assessed. Amounts collected by simpliHŌM for referral income shall be counted toward the Agent’s annual cap.

7.  Compensation for any commercial transaction (lease or sale) is paid at 90% of the gross compensation received by simpliHŌM. The Base Broker fee is not assessed. Amounts collected by simpliHŌM for commercial transactions shall not accrue toward the Agent’s annual cap amount.

8. Transactions of $2,000,000 & Greater (simpliPRENEUR Plan):

When an Agent who is on the simpliPRENEUR Plan achieves a Closing with a Sales Price of $2,000,000 or greater, simpliHŌM shall collect any balance remaining toward the Agent’s annual cap, regardless of the percentage of GCI the amount reflects.

9. Transactions of $2,000,000 & Greater (simpliSHARE Plan):

When an Agent who is on the simpliSHARE Plan achieves a Closing with a Sales Price of $2,000,000 or greater, simpliHŌM shall collect any balance remaining toward the Agent’s annual cap, up to a maximum withholding of 20% of GCI.

10. Client “Swapping”:

Any simpliHOM Agent that is discovered to have redirected a Client or transaction to any other simpliHOM agent, for the purpose of avoiding payment of a commission split, shall be responsible for the amount due simpliHOM earned from the transaction, plus a $2,500 flat fee. Amounts assessed in shall not accrue toward any Agent’s annual cap. Any unpaid balance may be subject to collection attempts and/or negative reports to Agent’s credit bureau.

Compensation due to simpliHŌM from a completed transactions

Compliance

1. Client/Transaction Information -

Agents are required to maintain comprehensive records of activities, communication, files and forms for every transaction for a minimum of four (4) years after the transaction’s Closing Date. simpliHŌM requires certain contract documents and/or communications that pertain to a transaction be uploaded to a storage/review system of their choosing (such as DotLoop, etc.) with int wo (2) business days after obtaining any party’s signature. simpliHŌM reserves the right to withhold commission disbursement until all requested documents have been reviewed and approved for disbursement. To be best protected from events such as a legal matter or formal violation, simpliHŌM strongly recommends that Agents keep a log of all appointments, telephone conversations, emails and all other communication related to their real estate practice for a minimum of four years. The Company provides Agents with systems and resources to accommodate such information (DotLoop Lofty CRM, Zoho email account, etc.)

2.  Licensing & Insurance –

simpliHŌM Agents are wholly responsible for completing the continuing education and/or other courses required to maintain an Active real estate license for each state in which they perform duties requiring said licensure. Agent is required to provide simpliHŌM their license number and license expiration for each such state. Where required, Agent must provide a copy of their license for simpliHŌM’s file. Agent shall provide the Company with updated information when said license(s) are
renewed. Agents shall not perform real estate activities requiring licensure during any period when the Agent’s license is Expired, Suspended, or any other status other than Active. simpliHŌM may be restricted from paying earned commissions to an Agent with a license status that is not active, dependent upon correlated state statutes.

Where required by state statute, Agents are wholly responsible for securing a compliant policy of Errors & Omissions insurance, a copy of which must be timely submitted to simpliHŌM’s Compliance department. Agent shall ensure their policy remains in effect at all times. In the event an Agent is required by state statute to hold an individual Errors & Omissions policy, but fails to do so, simpliHŌM shall have the right to insure the Agent under the Company’s policy and charge Agent’s payment method on file a commensurate amount and a reasonable surcharge.

Conduct: Professionalism in the Office

Agents/Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, to include, but not limited to, cooperation in dress code, actions, and speech

Confidentiality

Confidential Information shall include all information that the Client directs to be kept confidential and that, if disclosed, would have an adverse effect on the Client’s position. simpliHŌM agents are expected to adhere to the standards set by the NAR Code of Ethics.

Discrimination & Fair Housing

NAR along with simpliHŌM opposes discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. This is embodied in NAR’s Code of Ethics and Standards. NAR also authorizes sanctions in response to a finding that a member has violated any federal, state or local fair housing law.

Disputes: Between simpliHŌM & Another Firm

Education

1.  simpliHŌM strives to provide a robust assortment of training and education to propel an Agent’s business forward. simpliHŌM feels strongly about the following statements: 

2.  Agents are solely responsible for meeting all Continuing Education requirements necessary to keep their license active with their state. If the Agent’s license becomes inactive or expired, they may not perform acts which require licensure. simpliHŌM may be restricted from paying earned commissions to an Agent with a license status that is not active.

3. simpliHŌM shall strive to provide ways for which Agents may attain required continuing education credits at discounted rates. Such opportunities will be made available in the HOMhq dashboard and/or the ICA.

Email

Escrow / Earnest Money Checks
simpliHŌM does not hold Earnest Money under any circumstances.

Forms

In all real estate transactions, simpliHŌM only authorizes Agents to use the forms that are specific to the state and local real estate commission, local association, and MLS of which they are a member. It is recognized that there will be certain situations when this may not be possible, such as when a builder insists on their own contract and with company-created forms.

Hours of Operation: Offices


HOMhq (http://homhq.com)

HŌMhq.com is the perfect hub for everything an Agent needs to conduct business. Among the many resources, HOMhq provides the “Lil’ HOMie” support chat. Agents are encouraged to direct all requests for assistance which are technical in nature, relating to a simpliHŌM feature, benefit or resource and inquiries related to the Agent’s account with the Company to the Lil HOMie support chat. Questions regarding a transaction, contract, or a situation involving a Client should be directed to the Agent’s mentor, team leader or the office Broker.

Independent Contractor

Independent Lead Distribution

simpliHŌM, at its sole direction, may participate in lead generation efforts. This may be market or niche specific, or comprehensive across our entire network. When such an effort is implemented, agents who correlate to the campaign will be presented with the option to participate. Leads shall be distributed on a round-robin basis to participating agents. Company generated leads may include additional referral fees, details of which will be disclosed to the agent prior to issuance.

Legal Assistance

Situations may occur which require formal legal counsel. simpliHŌM may procure formal representation on, an Agent’s behalf, to pursue financial restitution. In the event the Company successfully secures financial recovery from such pursuit, the recovered amount will be shared equally with the Company and the Agent.

Listing/Buyer Agency Minimum Commission Rate

simpliHŌM supports the entrepreneurial spirit of its Agents. Therefore, there is no requirement for aparticular rate of compensation that must be charged to the Client. However, if the rate collectedfrom the client is below 2.0%, the Company share (split) shall be based upon greater of the Agent’sCompensation Plan / ICA, or a Gross Commission Income (GCI) of $2,500. See example below:

Example1:
Transaction Closing Price =                      $100,000
Compensation collected = 1%                  $    1,000
           Retained by simpliHŌM                     ($ 275) – 15% of $2,500

Example2:
Transaction Closing Price =                     $100,000
Compensation collected = 2%                 $  2,000
           Retained by simpliHŌM                    ($ 300) – 15% of Compensation collected

* Note: not applicable if Agent has reached their annual cap.
** Note: simpliHŌM shall not deduct an amount greater than 15% of the gross compensation received when a rate of at least 2.0% is collected at Closing.

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and REALTOR Association

Office: Equipment, Services, Supplies, Mail

simpliHŌM provides many valuable resources to support its Agents and they are encouraged to utilize these benefits. simpliHŌM is constantly seeking to identify the best assortment of resources which will add value to the overall Agent experience. As such, services are subject to change at simpliHŌM’s discretion. Some services are included as part of the Agent’s selected plan, while others shall be optional and require additional fees. Available services will typically be included within the HOMhq dashboard and/or in the Company’s physical business centers.

Orientation: Welcome to simpliHŌM

simpliHŌM provides agents comprehensive training for its systems and resources made available to Agents. It is strongly encouraged that Agents take advantage of these training resources PRIOR to entering their first transaction with the Company. Having a familiarity with these tools may avoid the Client experiencing delays or similar inefficiencies during a very time-sensitive point in the contract process.


simpliHOM Mentor Program - Newly Licensed Agent

Everyone must start somewhere. At simpliHŌM, we aim to be the only real estate brokerage you will ever need. To help ensure a newly licensed Agent’s success, simpliHŌM provides a comprehensive Mentor program. The program is available to agents who have closed fewer than 5 transactions in the last twelve months. Licensees who have not completed a transaction within the last 12 months may be required to enroll in the Mentor program at Managing Broker’s discretion. DETAILS OF THE MENTOR PROGRAM HERE

Personal Transactions

simpliHŌM agents receive a Company benefit, valued at up to more than $5,000 to the Agent, whichallows for one personal transaction per year, with the following conditions.

Property Management: Rentals

Property management services for Clients is not currently allowed at simpliHŌM.

Reimbursement of Approved Expenses

Agents are responsible for all of their own business expenses. However, there may be specific situations where the Company has agreed to reimburse the Agent for a particular project, membership or other expenses. Any request for reimbursement must relate to an expense which has been previously approved in writing by simpliHŌM management. Requests for reimbursement of approved expenses must be received by the accounting department no later than 30 calendar days after the expense was incurred. Any approved expense not filed for reimbursement within 30 days after the expense was incurred shall not be eligible for reimbursement.

Revenue Sharing (simpliSHARE)

simpliHŌM offers a compensation plan which incorporates potential financial benefits for the recruitment and/or mentorship of other industry professionals. Agents are encouraged to review the terms and conditions related specifically to the simpliHŌM compensation plans, as they shall apply to the company Policies & Procedures as a whole. Below is a chart explaining the revenue sharing payout structure


Qualified Agents shall be allowed to change to the simpliSHARE Plan at their convenience. Agents who have changed to the simpliSHARE Plan must remain on the Plan for a minimum of one year. Other terms apply and are stated in the ICA for each Plan.

simpliSHARE Plan benefits are available to agents who remain affiliated with simpliHOM. All revenue sharing benefits are terminated upon an Agents departure from the company.

Referrals

All referral payments must have supporting referral agreements included in the file along with a W-9. Referrals should be submitted on the HOMHQ “Submit My Deal” Button.

Ex: Agent accepts a Referral Agreement for 25% from an agent at a different firm. Gross commission earned on the Closing of the referral = $10,000. Agent is on the simpliSHARE plan.

When two or more independent agents decide to work together on a transaction, they must provide a written agreement that details the compensation allocation and submit it to the Broker for approval. Commissions owed to simpliHŌM will be paid to each Agent as per their ICA. simpliHŌM will collect a single Base Broker Fee for each side where the Agents provided formal real estate services (Representative, Facilitator, etc.) during the transaction

Ex: simpliHŌM “Agent X” and simpliHŌM “Agent Y” agree to work a deal together, splittingthe commission equally. Gross commission earned on the Closing of the transaction =$10,000. “Agent X” and “Agent Y” are on the simpliSHARE plan.

Sales Meetings/Virtual Conference Calls/Google Meet

In today’s climate and fast paced changes in technology, virtual meetings/virtual conference calls are becoming more prevalent. While nothing can replace person to person communication, simpliHŌM embraces the use of virtual meeting platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, Facetime, etc. as a way of communicating with its Brokers, Agents, Staff, Vendors, and Clients for their convenience and safety as needed.

Selling/Buying: Forms and Files

Sexual Harassment, Hate Speech and Hurtful Public Commentary

Signs & Lockboxes

Smoking

All simpliHŌM offices are smoke-free environments for the health and safety of all Agents, staff, and clients. Please refer to local and state laws regarding smoking on public premises.

Safety Practices

At simpliHŌM, the safety of our Agents and staff is a top priority. Please take the time to invest in real estate safety courses to familiarize yourself with the best practices for open houses, first-time meetings, late-night showings, etc. Make it a practice to create an office or team safe word. Always ensure that another Agent, your broker, or even a family member, is aware of your meetings/showings timeline. Our brokers and office staff are always available to assist. If you are uneasy about a situation and need assistance, contact your Broker or, In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

IRS / Income Taxes

A 1099 will be mailed to you, within the specified federal time frame, for income earned in the previous year. Please review it and let Accounting know about any discrepancies as soon as you receive it.

Teams Guidelines


simpliHŌM Team Overview

Telemarketing

Termination

Should the Agent leave the Company, agent shall be required to bring their monthly account to a zero balance. In the event Agent does not or cannot do so, recovery of the balance will be initially attempted through a Promissory Note Agreement between the Agent and the Company. Should the Agent fail to agree to a Promissory Note Agreement within seven (7) business days after leaving the Company, the Company will turn over the outstanding balance to a Collection Agency to pursue the debt to the fullest extent of the law, including but not limited to judgements/garnishments/etc.

Thank You Cards & Emails

Items such as Thank-You cards, emails, and flyers fall under simpliHOM’s social branding guidelines and also must follow your state and local association rules for advertising, branding and marketing. Custom social branding, simpliHŌM logos usage criteria, customizable flyers, SWAG, social media banners, and many more item that are designed to help Agents stand out in their in their markets, are accessible at http://HOMhq.com.

Time Off

When you have listings and/or open escrows and you are out of town, or otherwise unable to provide services to our Clients, you must notify the office admin and inform them as to who will be covering your business. You may not leave your business unattended.

If you do not have active contracts, but do have active buyers, make sure you coordinate with another Agent in the office to show your clients property. An active Buyer may make such a request at any time and they must receive proper service in such an event.

Training

We are in a business of constant movement, with ever-changing laws and guidelines from local, state, federal and associations. simpliHŌM prides itself on providing innovations with respect to training dialogues, techniques, and strategies. Further, we seek out and convey industry updates, trends and related market statistics which may be relevant to an Agent’s tasks.

Information for any of these things can be found on http://HOMhq.com. simpliHŌM strongly advises Agents to participate in our company’s online forums and groups to stay apprised of industry matters.

Ver.03.27.25