Should you put your North Carolina real estate license under a real estate referral company?

If you currently hold a North Carolina real estate license and are actively working to buy and sell property in the state, then joining a referral company may not be the right choice for you. In that case, your best option is to join your local Board of Realtors, gain access to the MLS, and work full-time with a brokerage in your market. That route allows you to practice as a full-service Realtor and directly represent buyers and sellers in transactions.

But not every licensed agent in North Carolina is looking to pursue a full-time real estate career. Many agents are busy with other jobs, enjoying retirement, or simply do not want to pay the recurring costs of Board and MLS dues. For those agents, placing a license under a North Carolina real estate referral company can be an excellent solution.

What is a North Carolina real estate referral company?

A real estate referral company is a brokerage designed specifically for licensed agents who are not actively selling real estate but still want to keep their license in Active status. Instead of working directly with buyers and sellers, referral agents connect their prospects with full-time Realtors who manage the transaction from start to finish.

Here’s how it works:

• You refer a client, prospect, or lead to an active Realtor.

• That Realtor closes the transaction.

• The Realtor’s brokerage pays your referral company a referral fee, which is typically 25-40% of the gross commission.

• Your referral company then pays you your share of that fee, based on the split agreed upon with your brokerage.

This setup allows you to earn income from your license without the time, cost, and responsibility of working as a full-service agent.

Why would you choose a referral company in North Carolina?

For many licensees, the main advantage of a referral company is flexibility. By moving your license into referral status, you keep it active with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) without the added expenses of local Realtor association dues, MLS fees, or lockbox charges. Those costs can add up to thousands of dollars each year—expenses that don’t make sense if you are not actively selling.

Other common reasons include:

• Retirement – Many seasoned Realtors retire from selling but still want to benefit from their network by sending referrals.

• Career changes – Some agents transition to another industry but don’t want to give up their real estate license completely.

• Family obligations – Raising children, caring for relatives, or pursuing personal goals may not leave room for a full-time real estate schedule.

• Supplemental income – Even if you’re busy elsewhere, you can still earn passive income from your past clients and contacts by sending referrals.

No matter your reason, a referral company gives you the freedom to maintain your license and earn income without the ongoing pressure of sales quotas or the burden of full-time real estate work. Instead of putting your license inactive, this might possibly be your best option.

How much can you earn from referrals?

The income potential from referrals can vary, but the process is straightforward. Most referral companies receive a 25% referral fee from the gross commission. That means if your referred client buys a $400,000 home with a 3% buyer-side commission ($12,000), the referral fee would be $3,000. Depending on your referral company’s payout split, you would then receive a portion of that fee.

Some referral companies, like Park Place Realty Network, offer higher-than-average splits to their agents. For example, Park Place pays its agents 90% based on a 25% referral fee collected. That means in the example above, you would receive $2,700 for connecting your client with a full-time Realtor—without doing the legwork of showing properties, writing contracts, or managing the closing process.

Expanded opportunities with referrals

One of the biggest advantages of working with a North Carolina Real Estate Referral company is that you are not limited to transactions within the state. You can send referrals anywhere in the United States—or even internationally with Park Place—and still receive a referral fee when the transaction closes.

This means:

• A friend moving from Charlotte to Atlanta? You can refer them to a Georgia Realtor.

• A family member relocating from Raleigh to New York? You can connect them with a licensed New York broker.

• A business contact investing in property abroad? Many referral companies have global networks to support international referrals.

This ability to earn commissions across markets makes referral companies especially appealing for agents with far-reaching networks.

Recent trends in referral companies

Over the past decade, referral companies have grown in popularity as more licensees look for flexible ways to maintain their credentials without the costs of full-time practice. Many brokerages now specialize exclusively in referrals, offering simple onboarding, clear commission splits, and established agent networks across the country.

With technology making it easier than ever to connect clients with Realtors anywhere, referral companies provide a modern solution for today’s part-time or inactive agents.

Why Park Place Realty Network stands out

If you’re considering a referral company in North Carolina, Park Place Realty Network is one of the top options. Since 2010, Park Place has helped thousands of agents nationwide earn referral income. Their model is straightforward:

• 22.5% of the total commission as a referral fee goes directly to you.

• You can refer residential, commercial, or business brokerage clients.

• You can live anywhere in the world and still keep your North Carolina license active with them.

• They offer 40% off of all your Continuing education and Professional Development courses with The CE Shop.

• Special opportunities exist to earn more on new construction referrals, which often pay higher fees.

By handling all the administrative details and connecting you with top-performing Realtors, Park Place makes it easy for you to focus on what matters: staying connected with your network and sending referrals.

Final thoughts

Deciding whether to place your license with a referral company depends on your goals. If you are actively selling real estate and want to grow your career, staying with a traditional brokerage is likely the right choice. But if you are not working full-time, don’t want to pay costly dues, or simply want a simpler way to earn from your license, then joining a North Carolina Real Estate Referral company could be the perfect fit.

By aligning yourself with a reputable company like Park Place Realty Network, you can maintain your license in Active status, eliminate unnecessary costs, and still earn income from your connections—whether they buy around the corner or across the globe.

Author bio: John McMann is a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of industry experience, specializing in market insights, property trends, and investment strategies. His articles provide expert guidance for both new and experienced real estate professionals.