Frequently Asked Questions
What is Agent Referral Network?
Agent Referral Network is a “referral only” real estate brokerage created to provide non-practicing agents a place to hang their license with a system in place to protect all the hard work and investment they have made in the real estate industry. Our agents maintain the ability to generate income through referrals. It is suitable for licensees who do not want to actively work in real estate but want to keep their license active and generate income.
What is a referral agent?
A Referral Agent is a licensed real estate agent whose services are limited to referring clients for the purposes of commencing a real estate transaction. They do not actively solicit or engage in the sale of property.
Can I also keep my license with another broker?
No, a referral agent cannot simultaneously hold an additional license as any type of salesperson, associate broker, employing broker or broker-of-record.
Can I list homes and/or represent buyers?
No. Agent Referral Network Agents may ONLY refer their leads and earn referral commission fees. Listing homes and/or representing buyers is NOT permitted. To do so would be a violation of our INDEPENDANT CONTRACTORS AGREEMENT and would result in immediate license termination, forfeit of any/all pending referral commissions, and appropriate legal action. If you ever want to become an active agent, no problem! Simply let us know and we’ll help you transfer your license to our full-service brokerage SEEK Real Estate.
I just passed the real estate exam. Can I join?
Absolutely. Newly licensed agents are welcomed.
Do I need to be licensed?
Yes, you must be a fully licensed agent in good standing (current with C.E. requirements) to join Agent Referral Network and/or receive a referral fee. It is unlawful for any broker to employ or compensate, directly or indirectly, any person for performing licensed activity unless that person is a licensed salesperson (or broker associate) to the principal broker. A salesperson may not accept compensation for licensed activity nor pay compensation for licensed activity except through the broker under whom he/she is at the time affilated with.
Do I have to join my local MLS or Realtor Association?
No. Agents who join Agent Referral Network are not REALTOR® members and do not have access to the MLS.
Do I have to continue to take CE education?
Yes. Agents who join are required to keep their license active which includes taking the required CE education for renewal.
What if I decide to sell real estate?
Just let us know. We can make your license active with our full-service brokerage SEEK Real Estate or if you have already selected another brokerage, they can transfer your license.
Are there any other costs?
There are NO other costs.
What if my license is expired or inactive?
If you fail to renew your license on-time (prior to your license expiration date), you may renew your license during the late renewal period immediately following your license expiration date. However, you cannot perform activities requiring a real estate license or receive a commission until your license has been renewed. To determine what is needed to renew or activate your license, contact the real estate commission.
Is Agent Referral Network a licensed real estate brokcerage?
Yes, Agent Referral Network is a licensed brokerage in Florida. However, we have the ability to match clients and top agents in EVERY zip code in ALL 50 states.
How much will my client have to pay?
Our service is completely free to your client.
How does this process work?
Our process is simple. Just submit your referrals to Agent Referral Netwok and we’ll connect your clients with a local expert from our network of top-performing agents nationwide, based on the client’s unique needs and the skills & strengths of the agent. We manage the entire process and pay you a 25%-75% referral commission when the deal closes.
What part of the referral process do you manage?
We do all the work for you. Just submit your request, and we’ll send your clients to a top local agent within one business day once we’ve contacted them to verify their real estate needs and contact information. Our network agents are committed to providing the best possible experience for your clients.
Can I pick my own agent or broker?
Absolutely! Although we have a nationwide network of agents and monitor their performance to maintain quality, many agents ask, “Can I choose the agents my referrals go to?” The answer is yes and the benefit to this is that you can negotiate any referral fee percentage that is agreeable between you and the agent you’re referring this business to. However, if you select your own agent, be aware we have not vetted these agents and are unable to verify the high-quality standards we have for our network agents. Also, our ability to manage, track, service, and account for your referral as well as the collection of the referral fee requires extra time and effort from our service team since they are not in our network. For that reason, if you select your own out-of-network agent, YOU will be responsible for securing an executed referral agreement that will need to be signed by agents and principal brokers of both firms. Any verbal agreement not in writing and signed by the 2 principal brokers of BOTH firms is unenforceable. Also, please note you will need to have an executed referral agreement in place for EACH client and EVERY transaction you refer AND you need to provide us a copy of that referral agreement signed by that agent’s broker. Otherwise, Agent Referral Network will have no legal basis to collect the referral fee on your behalf. If you choose your own agent, please specify in your referral agreement whether your referral is Buying Only, Selling Only or Buying and Selling. Since we are relying on you for these details, we’re unable to assume any liability if you do not complete the referral agreement as instructed above or if important details are missing that would affect our ability to collect a referral fee on your behalf.
Can I get a referral on the sale/purchase of my own home?
YES! You would refer yourself just as you would any other buyer or seller.
How does the commission split work?
When referring a buyer, seller, tenant or landlord through our network team, we charge the Broker receiving the referral 30% of the commission earned. From that we pay out 25% to you and retain 5%. If you place the referral on your own, we retain 20% of the referral fee collected from the receiving Broker.
When you sell New Construction, you must follow the requirements set forth by the developer. For example, many developers require you to attend the 1st visit to register the Buyer and our Brokerage name. Once a fee is received from a developer, we pay you 75% and retain 25%. (Always check and document the compensation being offered, some developers do not offer compensation.) When needed for a New Construction Buyer who is outside your market area we recommend referring to a local broker simply for the purpose of registering with the developer. We recommend offering a receiving Broker 10% for this simple process.
Can I submit "cold referrals" or "internet leads"?
No. Our network is not designed for cold referral/internet lead submissions. Reason being, 99.99% of cold referral/internet leads don’t convert. Our network is ONLY for friends, family & people you know. If you don’t know if your referral is a cold referral/internet lead, here’s a simple test: Ask yourself, when we call this person to verify their information, and we mention your name, will they know who you are? If not, this is a cold referral/internet lead. Placing cold referral/internet leads into our system is a violation of our INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AGREEMENT and would result in immediate license termination and forfeit of any/all pending referral commissions.
What type of clients/referrals can I submit?
Friends
Family
Neighbors
Coworkers
Past Clients
Your own transactions
Personal Contacts
Professional Contacts
If I still have questions, can I talk to a real person?
Absolutely. Feel free to call us anytime 844-965-2100