Out-of-state realtor referrals
An out-of-state referral starts when your client moves to a market you don't serve. You find an agent there, agree on referral terms in writing between your two brokerages, and introduce the client. Then you stay in touch until closing. Ask your broker what your state requires for the agreement and the fee.
How do out-of-state referrals work?
Your client tells you they're moving, you find an agent in the new market, and your two brokerages sign a referral agreement before you introduce anyone. From then on, the receiving agent works with your client, and you stay in touch with both of them until the deal closes or falls through. Any referral fee is settled between the two brokerages on the terms they signed.
You talk to your client and the receiving agent, and your broker talks to theirs about the agreement. The referral terms glossary explains the words you'll see in that agreement, such as referral fee and receiving agent.
How do you do a real estate referral?
Do it in five steps, in this order. The one step you can't move is the signed agreement, because your client shouldn't meet the other agent before both brokers have signed it.
- Talk to your client about the move: where they're going, when, whether they're buying or selling, and what they're happy for you to share.
- Pick an agent in the new market and call them to ask whether they'll take the referral.
- Have both brokers sign the referral agreement.
- Send the agent the details, and then introduce your client to them by email.
- Record the referral, so you know when to check in and where the agreement is.
What do you send the receiving agent?
Send your client's first name, the move date, whether they're buying or selling, the area and the price range. Add their pre-approval status only if your client agreed to share it. The referral email template has wording you can copy for that email and for the introduction.
How do I select a trustworthy agent for a referral?
Start with agents you already know or have closed a deal with, then make sure the one you pick works your client's area and price range. Call before you send anything. How quickly they pick up or call you back is a fair preview of how they'll treat your client.
If you don't know anyone in that market, ask agents you trust for someone they've worked with themselves. Proferral won't find an agent for you, because it doesn't match agents with strangers, as the FAQ explains.
How do I check an agent's license in another state?
Look the agent up in the license search of that state's real estate regulator, or use the multi-state search run by ARELLO, the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials. ARELLO holds records from 43 participating jurisdictions, not every state, so if the agent doesn't come up there, check the state regulator directly.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm details with your broker or the state real estate commission.
Sources
Log the referral when you send it
Proferral tracks the referrals you send to and get from other agents, like a buyer moving to Denver, and shows each one on your client's page and in your history with that agent. It doesn't find the agent or handle the fee, which stay between you, the other agent and your brokerages. You can invite the receiving agent to Proferral if you want, and how it works shows the rest.
It's free, no credit card needed, and you're never charged unless you choose Pro.