How to Become a Referral Agent
Requirements
To become a referral agent, meet the state requirements to receive a real estate license & join a brokerage that permits referral agents. As of this publication, two states have a special class of real estate license for referral agents: New Jersey and Indiana.
In general, states require you to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, complete coursework and pass an examination for a real estate license. Most states now also permit some form of online classroom learning as part of your required education hours.
For instance, in New Jersey, you may take the 75 hours of pre-licensure course online in a remote live classroom setting. Once you pass the licensing exam, you will need to find a sponsoring broker.
When you are under the supervision of a broker, you can begin marketing your services. Since activities of a referral agent are restricted, it is even more important to remember to follow the state rules and the guidelines of your real estate company.
Marketing youR Referral Services
A referral agent is a specialist, limited to referring members of the public to full service real estate agents. A sort of one-person human resources department for buyers and sellers of homes. The goal of marketing is to generate referral leads. These leads can come from various sources:
Friends & Family
Joining local groups
Getting involved in your community
Social media
PPC advertising
Direct mail
Once you gather information about the needs of your lead, the next step is introducing them to a well qualified real estate agent.
It is important to grow your industry network to ensure you find the best fit for your referral lead. A real estate agent you know and trust is extremely valuable when you are growing your business as a referral agent.