How to Hang Your North Carolina Real Estate License the Right Way

In North Carolina, if you’re a licensed real estate agent and want to “hang” your license, you’re essentially looking to activate it under a Broker-in-Charge (BIC). While the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) does allow brokers to keep an active license without affiliating with a BIC, you cannot advertise, market, or represent yourself as being in the business unless you are under a BIC’s supervision. This makes it nearly impossible to generate any real estate business without affiliating your license.

Whether you're newly licensed or returning after a break, understanding your options for placing your license is essential. This blog will help you determine what type of real estate company to affiliate with based on your career goals—and help you save time and money while staying compliant.

The Basics of Activating a North Carolina Real Estate License

After passing your North Carolina real estate exam and receiving your license, your next step is to decide how to “hang” your license, meaning who to affiliate with. You must choose a BIC-approved firm that will supervise your activities and keep you in good standing with the state. This is required if you plan to actively advertise or work with clients.

It’s also important to note that while you may technically hold an “active” license without a BIC, you cannot perform any real estate activity that involves public interaction or compensation unless you're supervised by a BIC.

Your Options for Where to Hang Your License in North Carolina

North Carolina offers several different real estate career paths. Here’s a breakdown of your options when deciding where to place your license:

Residential Real Estate Firms

This is the most common path. When you join a traditional residential brokerage, you’ll typically be required to become a member of your local Realtor® association and Multiple Listing Service (MLS). These organizations provide valuable tools, market data, forms, lockbox access, and networking opportunities—but they also come with annual fees.

If you're planning to actively work with buyers and sellers and want access to the MLS, this is likely your best option. However, keep in mind that in addition to brokerage splits, you'll be paying annual association fees that can add up.

Commercial Real Estate Brokerages

If you’re more interested in working with office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, or leasing commercial space, then a commercial firm may be a better fit. These brokerages often have different fee structures and don't always require MLS or Realtor® association membership, especially if the firm has internal databases and systems in place.

You may need additional training or mentorship to be successful in commercial real estate, but it can be highly rewarding and less emotionally driven than residential sales.

Business Brokerage Firms

As a business broker, your focus would be on helping people buy or sell existing businesses. This includes everything from restaurants and salons to franchise units and e-commerce companies. Some North Carolina business brokerages may also be licensed real estate firms and allow licensees to assist with deals involving real estate and leases.

This is a niche field, but it can be a good fit for agents who have a background in finance or business ownership.

Real Estate Referral Companies

If you're not currently planning to sell or lease property, a referral company might be the best option. This is a smart choice for those who:

• Have moved out of state

• Are semi-retired or working in another profession

• Want to avoid MLS and Realtor® fees

• Want to keep their license active without directly working with clients

In a referral company, you do not work directly with buyers or sellers. Instead, you refer leads to full-time agents in your network (or the company’s network) and earn a referral commission when a transaction closes. You remain licensed and compliant without having to pay costly dues or deal with day-to-day client needs.

How to Hang Your North Carolina Real Estate License with a Referral Company Like Park Place

If the referral route sounds like the right fit for your situation, consider working with a well-established company like ParkPlaceNetwork.com. At Park Place Realty Network, North Carolina agents can activate their license without any Realtor® or MLS fees.

Here’s what Park Place offers:

• International & nationwide referrals – You can refer buyers and sellers across all 50 states and abroad.

• High referral splits – Park Place pays top dollar for your referrals.

• Residential & commercial referrals – Send leads in any market type.

• Free personal referral webpage – Use it to promote your services without needing to build your own site. View a sample here.

• 40% off continuing education and post-license courses – Save on your required education through The CE Shop.

This is a great way to keep your license earning without having to work full-time in the business.

Don’t Let Your North Carolina License Go to Waste

You worked hard to get your North Carolina real estate license—don’t let it sit idle or go inactive. Whether you’re in a transitional phase of your career, recently moved, or simply want to avoid expensive Realtor® dues, you still have options.

Choosing to hang your license under a referral-based company like Park Place lets you:

• Avoid unnecessary fees

• Stay compliant with the NCREC

• Earn money through referrals

• Keep your foot in the door of the industry

This approach is perfect for agents who want flexibility without walking away from real estate entirely.

Final Thoughts

There are many paths you can take as a licensed North Carolina real estate agent. Whether you decide to jump into residential or commercial sales, work with business owners, or simply collect referral commissions, the key is placing your license where it makes sense for your goals.

If you're not actively selling, don’t just let your license sit unused. A referral company provides an easy, low-cost way to remain licensed and earn income when opportunities arise. Visit ParkPlaceNetwork.com to learn more about how to activate your license and start referring today.