I get this one a lot. My answer? It depends on how you use it.
A lot of onboarding portals are just glorified file cabinets—PDFs, links, and a bunch of “read this later” content that no one actually reads. That’s not onboarding. That’s homework.
But when done right, a portal can be a powerful onboarding hub. Think: guided checklists, short videos, interactive modules, and progress tracking. It should feel like a journey, not a scavenger hunt.
If you’re going to build one, make it dynamic. Include welcome videos, milestone celebrations, and even a live chat or support feature. And don’t forget to brand it—it should feel like an extension of your brokerage, not a third-party tool.














