Frequently Asked Questions
What are Referral Center’s hours of operation?
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9AM to 5PM (Eastern Time). To place a referral, please do so through our website at www.referralcenter.net. For the most efficient response, please contact us via email at info@referralcenter.net.
Why should I choose your referral company?
Referral Center has been serving real estate professionals since 1987. Over the years, we have placed more than 47,900 referral leads and have generated over $2 billion in closed referral transactions.
Our experience, nationwide network, and referral-focused business model make us a trusted choice for real estate licensees who want to maintain an active license while earning referral income.
Are there monthly fees?
No. Referral Center does not charge monthly fees.
There is a $125 non-refundable annual membership fee to serve as your broker and hold the license.
Is there a minimum production requirement?
No. All Referral Center agents are independent contractors, and there are no production quotas or minimum referral requirements.
Your earning potential is directly related to the number and quality of referrals you submit.
Can I leave the program at any time?
Yes. Simply notify our office by email at info@referralcenter.net, and we will process your release request.
For agents licensed in Indiana or Pennsylvania, license transfers and releases are completed directly by the licensee through the state’s online licensing system.
Please note that Referral Center does not provide full or partial refunds of the annual membership fee.
Do you operate nationwide?
Referral Center currently holds licenses in six states:
- Indiana
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
Although our brokerage licenses are held in these states, we can place referrals anywhere nationwide. You are not limited to submitting referrals within the states where we are licensed.
What makes your referral program different?
Referral Center is designed specifically for real estate licensees who want to keep their license current without actively listing properties or representing buyers and sellers. Our agents work on a referral basis only.
If your goal is to actively practice real estate sales, our program may not be the best fit. However, if you want to maintain a current license and earn commission income through referrals, Referral Center may be an ideal solution.
There are many membership benefits of Referral Center, including the following:
- Earn Commissions – Earn commissions by referring friends, family, colleagues, and contacts who need real estate services anywhere in the United States.
- FREE Year with a Closing – If you submit a referral that closes during your membership year, we will waive your annual membership fee for the next year.
- Current License – Your real estate license remains current, and we serve as your broker.
- Nationwide Referral Coverage – You can earn commissions from anyone needing real estate services anywhere nationwide.
- 60 / 40 Referral Fee Split – You receive 60% of the total referral fee received by Referral Center
- Extensive Referral Placement Resources – If you do not have a preferred brokerage or agent for your referral, Referral Center can help. We maintain an extensive network of qualified brokerages and agents throughout the United States and can identify an appropriate partner to assist your client.
What is my earning potential?
Your earning potential is unlimited. Your role is to gather basic information and register your customer with Referral Center. Once we receive the referral, we place the lead with a full-service real estate company. When the transaction closes, Referral Center receives a referral fee, and you earn your share of that fee.
What can I expect to earn on a referral?
Referral Center receives a 30% referral fee from the participating brokerage. That referral fee is then split 60/40, with YOU receiving 60% and Referral Center retaining 40%.
What is an example of a referral fee breakdown?
Example:
$300,000 Sale Price
3% commission on the side referred = $9,000
30% Referral Fee = $2,700
Your 60% Share = $1,620
When should I expect my referral check after closing?
After a transaction closes, the brokerage will typically send the referral fee to Referral Center within 10 to 15 days. Once we receive the payment and all required documentation, we will process your payment, usually within 2 to 3 business days. You will receive an email notification on the day your check is mailed.
How do I generate more real estate referrals?
Please CLICK HERE to access our QuickStart Guide, which includes referral strategies, marketing ideas, and sample scripts to help you generate more business.
How does the referral process work?
Before any agent or brokerage contacts your customer, you must register the referral with Referral Center. Once you have gathered the customer’s basic information, submit the referral through our online form (CLICK HERE).
Our referral registrations remain active for up to 24 months, so your customer does not need to be ready to buy or sell immediately.
Why do I need to register my referral with Referral Center before an agent contacts the customer?
There are several important reasons:
- Brokers are generally willing to pay a referral fee for customers with whom they are not already working
- Registering the referral before any contact ensures the broker understands that the referral is subject to our standard 30% referral fee
- Our agents cannot negotiate fees on behalf of Referral Center
- Many states require advanced disclosure of referral arrangements
As part of our Referral Disclosure Policy, we send a disclosure email to your customer and copy you for your records.
What qualifies as a referral?
Most of our leads are buyers or sellers of residential property, but commercial property may also qualify as a referral. Vacant land, undeveloped lots, rentals and time-share units do not qualify as referrals.
How do I submit a referral?
All referrals must be submitted through our online form: CLICK HERE
Can I negotiate the referral fee with an agent?
NO. Our agents are contractually prohibited from negotiating fees on behalf of Referral Center. To protect your referral and ensure eligibility for referral compensation, all referrals must be registered with Referral Center before any communication occurs between the customer and an agent.
Can I choose which brokerage or agent receives my referral?
Yes. One of the benefits of membership with Referral Center is the ability to select the brokerage company or agent who will receive your referral.
What if I don’t know an agent to refer my customer to?
We can help! Referral Center maintains an extensive network of qualified brokerages and agents across the country. If you do not have a preferred agent, we can identify an appropriate brokerage from our network and coordinate contact with your customers.
What information do I need before making a referral?
The more information you can provide, the better. At a minimum, please include:
- Customer’s Name (correct spelling is important)
- Customer’s Address
- Customer’s Phone Number
- Customer’s Email
- Type of referral: buyer, seller or both
- Agent or Broker preference & contact information
- Permission for an agent to contact the customer
- Any other details that may be helpful
Additional information about buyer referrals, such as desired location, price range, property type, and timeline, can help the broker better understand the customer’s needs and build rapport from the first conversation.
What happens after I submit a referral?
Referral Center will register your customer with the selected brokerage. Once the brokerage accepts the referral, you will receive an email confirmation.
We provide ongoing referral tracking and status updates throughout the transaction process, from referral placement through closing. We request updates from participating brokers every 30 days and share any progress reports with you by email.
Can I refer clients outside my state?
Yes. Referral Center can assist with referrals anywhere in the United States through our nationwide network of brokerages and agents.
What is a referral agent?
A referral agent is a licensed real estate professional who, for a variety of reasons, is not actively working full-time in the real estate industry.
The primary responsibility of a referral agent is to refer prospective buyers and sellers to Referral Center through our website. CLICK HERE to submit a referral.
Referral Center places each lead with a full-service real estate brokerage that has the experience, resources, and commitment to serve the client professionally and promptly.
Referral agents do not list properties, represent buyers or sellers in transactions, or hold themselves out to the public as actively practicing real estate agents.
What activities am I allowed to perform as a referral agent?
Referral agents may:
- Market themselves as referral agents
- Network with friends, family, and business contacts
- Identify prospective buyers and sellers
- Submit referrals to Referral Center
Referral agents may not:
- List or sell real estate
- Show properties
- Represent buyers or sellers in a transaction
- Negotiate contracts or transaction terms
- Participate in any real estate activity requiring active licensee representation
Can I move out of the State I am licensed in and keep my license with Referral Center?
Yes. You may move out of state and continue to keep your license with Referral Center.
We place referrals nationwide, so even if you no longer reside in the state where you are licensed, you can continue to earn referral fees by referring buyers and sellers through Referral Center.
Can I negotiate contracts as a referral agent?
NO. Our agents are contractually prohibited from negotiating fees on behalf of Referral Center. To protect your referral and ensure eligibility for referral compensation, all referrals must be registered with Referral Center before any communication occurs between the customer and an agent.
How do I maintain my license while in referral status?
You are responsible for renewing your real estate license according to your state’s renewal requirements and deadlines.
Do I still need continuing education?
Indiana – no CE required in referral status
Michigan – yes, you will need to complete the State required CE
New Jersey – no CE required in referral status
New York – yes, you will need to complete the State required CE
Ohio – yes, you will need to complete the State required CE
Pennsylvania – yes, you will need to complete the State required CE
Who should I refer?
A “lead” or “referral” is simply a prospective buyer or seller whom you refer through our system. While there are many sources of potential referrals, some of the most common include:
- Past customers and clients if you were previously active in the real estate industry
- Your own real estate transactions; whenever you are involved in a transaction where a commission is paid, remember to refer yourself
- Relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances of yours and of your family
- Business associates and professional contacts
- Members of organizations and community groups, including churches, social clubs, school functions, bowling leagues, sports groups, children’s activities, and other local organizations
How do I stay top of mind with my sphere of influence?
You may use promotional materials or social media to stay connected with your sphere of influence. However, all marketing materials must be approved by Referral Center before use.
As your broker, Referral Center must review and approve all printed and electronic promotional materials to ensure compliance with licensing laws, company policies, and professional standards.
Can I place myself as a referral?
Yes. As an agent with Referral Center, you may buy or sell property as a “For Sale By Owner” transaction (subject to your state’s real estate licensing laws) or submit yourself as a referral.
If you are buying or selling property anywhere in the United States, you may be eligible to receive a portion of the commission after the transaction closes by submitting your own referral through Referral Center.
Why should I stay in referral status?
Staying in referral status allows you to keep your real estate license current and continue benefiting from the relationships you’ve built throughout your career. Instead of letting your license go unused, you can earn income by referring clients to active agents whenever opportunities arise. It’s a simple way to stay connected to the industry without the demands, expenses, and responsibilities of actively selling real estate.
What are the benefits of being a referral agent?
As a referral agent, you can continue earning commissions without managing transactions, showing homes, negotiating contracts, or handling day-to-day client demands. You maintain a professional connection to the real estate industry while enjoying greater flexibility and fewer obligations. It’s an ideal solution for agents who want income opportunities without the workload of active sales.
Is referral status better than going inactive?
For many agents, yes. Going inactive generally means you cannot legally earn referral commissions from future real estate opportunities. Referral status allows you to retain the ability to receive compensation for client referrals while avoiding many of the costs and responsibilities associated with active production. If you have a network of friends, family, past clients, or business contacts, referral status helps you continue benefiting from those relationships.
Can retired agents earn referral income?
Absolutely. Many retired agents choose referral status because it allows them to stay licensed and receive referral commissions when they connect buyers or sellers with trusted real estate professionals. You can enjoy retirement while still turning your industry knowledge, contacts, and reputation into additional income opportunities.
Can I work another job and still earn referral commissions?
Yes. Referral status is a great fit for agents who have transitioned into another career. Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, consulting, or pursuing other business interests, you can still earn referral commissions by introducing prospective clients to active real estate agents. You don’t need to be actively selling real estate to benefit from the relationships you’ve already established.
What are the advantages of a referral-only license?
A referral-only license offers flexibility, simplicity, and income potential. Many referral agents enjoy:
- No pressure to generate active listings or sales
- No transaction management responsibilities
- More time for family, travel, retirement, or another career
- The ability to earn referral commissions from your network
- Continued connection to the real estate industry
- Reduced business expenses compared to active selling
It’s an excellent option for agents who want real estate income without actively practicing real estate.
How does referral status provide passive income opportunities?
Referral status allows you to monetize the relationships you’ve built over time. When someone in your network needs a real estate professional, you simply connect them with a qualified agent. If the transaction closes, you may earn a referral commission according to your referral agreement. While it isn’t guaranteed income, it creates opportunities to earn from introductions and relationships you’ve already cultivated, making it one of the most flexible ways to generate ongoing real estate-related income.
Your network still has value. Referral status lets you continue benefiting from it without the demands of active sales.
What is a real estate referral agent?
A real estate referral agent is a licensed real estate professional who earns income by connecting buyers, sellers, or investors with an active real estate agent. Instead of managing transactions, showings, contracts, and negotiations, referral agents simply make the introduction and receive a referral fee when the transaction closes.
With Referral Center, you can keep your license current and continue benefiting from your network without the demands of day-to-day real estate sales.
How much does it cost for Referral Center to hold my license in referral status?
Referral Center offers a simple, low-cost way to maintain your license in referral status. Compared to the expenses associated with actively selling real estate, such as board dues, MLS fees, marketing costs, insurance, and transaction expenses, referral status can significantly reduce your overhead while preserving your ability to earn income from referrals.
Referral Center charges a $125 annual (non-refundable) fee to serve as your broker. Your only other cost is the license fee assessed by your state, such as transfer fees, license renewals, and any state-mandated education requirements. As a benefit, if you have a referral that closes, not only do you receive a referral commission, but we also WAIVE your annual membership fee for the next year.
Can I make money as a referral agent?
Absolutely. Many real estate professionals earn referral income by leveraging relationships they’ve built over the years. Friends, family members, former clients, social media contacts, and business associates frequently need real estate services.
When you refer someone to a qualified agent through Referral Center and the transaction closes, you receive a portion of the commission as a referral fee. It’s an excellent way to generate income without working full-time in real estate.
Is being a referral agent worth it?
For many licensees, the answer is yes. Referral status is especially valuable for:
- Retired or semi-retired agents
- Agents pursuing another career
- New parents or caregivers
- Individuals relocating to another area
- Agents taking a break from active sales
- Professionals who simply want flexibility
You keep the ability to earn from your network while avoiding the time commitment and expenses of actively listing and selling homes.
How do real estate referral fees work?
When you connect a client with an active real estate agent through Referral Center, a referral agreement is established between the brokerages. If the client completes a transaction, the receiving brokerage pays the agreed-upon referral fee at closing.
Referral fees are typically based on 30% of the commission earned by the receiving agent. Referral Center then pays 60% of the referral fee to you and retains 40%.
What does a referral-only real estate license mean?
A referral-only license allows you to remain affiliated with a licensed brokerage and legally earn referral fees, but you do not actively represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions.
In other words, you can:
- Refer clients
- Earn referral income
- Maintain a current license
But you cannot:
- List properties
- Show homes
- Negotiate contracts
- Directly represent clients in transactions
It’s a simple, low-maintenance way to stay connected to the industry.
Can I keep my real estate license current without selling homes?
Yes. That’s exactly what referral status is designed for.
By transferring your license to Referral Center, you can maintain your current license, preserve your professional credentials, stay connected to the real estate industry, and continue earning referral income without actively selling real estate.
For many agents, it’s the perfect solution when life, career changes, or personal priorities make active sales less practical.
What states do you hold licenses in?
We hold licenses in Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
What if I want to actively list and sell?
Then our referral-only program would not be the right fit for you. We hold real estate licenses for agents who are no longer actively listing and selling.
How do I put my real estate license into referral status?
Moving your license into referral status is simple. By transferring your license to Referral Center, you can remain licensed and in good standing while stepping away from day-to-day real estate sales. We guide you through the transfer process and handle the brokerage relationship so you can continue earning referral income without the responsibilities of active sales.
Can I place my real estate license with a referral company?
Yes. Many licensed real estate professionals choose to affiliate with a referral brokerage when they are retiring, changing careers, taking a break from sales, or simply no longer want the expenses and obligations of active production. Referral Center allows you to keep your license and stay connected to the industry while earning commissions from qualified referrals.
What happens when I move my license to a referral broker?
When you move your license to Referral Center, you stop actively listing properties, representing buyers, or conducting real estate transactions. Instead, you can refer clients to experienced agents and earn a referral fee when those transactions close. You’ll enjoy fewer expenses, reduced administrative responsibilities, and the ability to maintain your real estate license without running an active real estate business.
Do I need to join a REALTOR® association as a referral agent?
No. Agents in referral status with Referral Center are not eligible to participate in a REALTOR® association or subscribe to MLS services because they are not actively listing, selling, or representing clients in real estate transactions. This can significantly reduce annual dues and membership expenses while allowing you to keep your real estate license active and earn referral income from your network. Referral Center provides a simple way to remain licensed without the costs and obligations associated with active real estate practice.
Can I keep my license if I’m no longer selling real estate?
Absolutely. If you’re no longer interested in actively selling real estate, placing your license with Referral Center lets you keep your license active while creating opportunities to earn income from referrals. It’s an ideal solution for retired agents, former top producers, industry professionals, and anyone who wants to stay licensed without the demands of active sales.
270 E Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 841-8100 / toll free (877) 841-8100
info@referralcenter.net / www.referralcenter.net