Realty Connect 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.
Our process is simple. Just submit your referrals to Realty Connect and we’ll connect your clients with up to 3 agents 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.
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.
If you do not actively sell real estate but want to maintain an active license, we are perfect for you.
Absolutely. Newly licensed agents are welcomed.
Absolutely! Although we handpick network members 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 (click here) 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 completely 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, Realty Connect will legally lose ALL ability to collect any 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.
Realty Connect is a licensed brokerage in VA, MD, DC, GA, NC & FL (TX, CA & CO coming soon). However, our network covers every zip code in all 50 states. We have over 25,000 “top 5% rated” agents in our network and can match your referral anywhere in the U.S.
No. Agents who join Realty Connect are not REALTOR® members and do not have access to the MLS.
Yes. Agents who join are required to keep their license active which includes taking the required CE education for renewal.
Our cost to you is a $100 yearly membership fee which covers holding your license for a 12-consecutive month period.
There is also a one-time license transfer fee that is paid directly to the state. Once you’re a Realty Connect agent, you will earn 100% of your referral fee – $295 transaction fee for referrals placed in our network. That’s it! No other fees!
Just email us to let us know and simply file a new transfer application signed by your new broker.
YES! You would refer yourself just as you would any other buyer or seller.
Yes, both services are provided by our marketing partner, JCI Media. You can find more details through the agent resources page.
Yes, you must be a fully licensed agent in good standing (current with C.E. requirements) to join Realty Connect 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 salesperson licensed (or associate broker) 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 licensed.
No, a referral agent cannot simultaneously hold an additional license as any type of salesperson, associate broker, employing broker or broker-of-record.
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 in your state.
No. Realty Connect 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 Realty Connect AFFILIATION AGREEMENT and would result in immediate license termination, forfeit of any/all 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 another firm. You can cancel your membership or transfer to another broker at any time.
Send us an email and tell us about your experience. You can also post about us on Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media channels. We depend on (and welcome) your feedback!
Yes. Our support team can answer any questions or walk you through the entire process – from opening your account to tracking your client/referral’s progress.
Yes, Realty connect is a licensed broker in the state of VA, MD, DC, GA, NC & FL (TX, CA & CO coming soon). However, we have the ability to match clients and top agents in EVERY zip code in all 50 states.
Every real estate agent that we select for your clients is of the highest caliber, and we pride ourselves on finding the right fit. If we need to refine matches, we will. Simply give us a call or send us an email and we will work with you until you and your clients are completely satisfied.
Our service is completely free to your client.
We do all the work for you. Just submit your request, and we’ll send your clients up to 3 top agents within one business day once we’ve contacted them to verify interest. We have researched and qualified every REALTOR® in our network. Referral agreements are already in place, and these agents are committed to providing the best possible experience for you and your clients.
Yes. Submit any referrals you wish – hot or cold. We’ll contact each one to determine interest level and viability. If your referral is ready for an agent, we’ll take it from there.
- Friends, family & people you know
- Past clients
- Your own transactions
- Co-workers
- Social media contacts
- Chance encounters
- Professional contacts
- Service provider contacts
- Raw leads (internet advertising)
- Corporate relocation
- Organizations, associations, groups
We have researched and qualified all of our agents based on their location, property focus, and annual results. Agents must be invited into our network, based on stringent requirements, and they cannot pay to join. Referral agreements are already in place, and our agents are familiar with the entire referral process. Most agents in our network are full-time (40+ hours/week) with an average of 10+ years of experience & 100+ transactions. These are pros who know how to take a referral and close it! They’re trained to act quickly to ensure the best possible experience for you and your clients.
