# Setting Up Deals

As an Admin, setting up Deals correctly ensures your agents follow a structured workflow that matches your brokerage’s requirements. This includes statuses, contexts, checklists, and contacts.

**Best Practice Order:**

1. Build [**Checklists**](https://help.rechat.com/appendix/brokerage-set-up/transaction-management-deals/setting-up-deals/creating-checklists)
2. Define [**Contexts**](https://help.rechat.com/appendix/brokerage-set-up/transaction-management-deals/setting-up-deals/defining-contexts)
3. Configure [**Statuses**](https://help.rechat.com/appendix/brokerage-set-up/transaction-management-deals/setting-up-deals/configuring-statuses)

### Preparation Before Setup

Before configuring Rechat:

1. **Office Discovery**
   * Each office should provide its **Property Types / Checklist Types**.
   * Examples: Resale, Residential Lease, Commercial, New Home, Lot/Land.
2. **Gather Checklists**
   * For each property type, gather the actual **forms and documents required**.
   * Mark items as **Required vs. Optional**.
   * Sample Template: <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K0bL6uH7tQ-9sZA647U8r_nH4UgGHmL1FB_Rmoh-0ec/edit#gid=502606576>
3. **Unify Where Possible**
   * Offices within the same MLS/association may be able to share the same checklists.
   * The goal should be consistency across regions unless local rules prevent it.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Best Practice:** Start broad (unified checklists) and only customize locally when required.
{% endhint %}