Understanding the Role of a Georgia License Holding Company in Real Estate

If you hold a real estate license in Georgia but aren't actively selling homes or managing clients, you may be wondering what your options are for keeping your license active without paying unnecessary fees. This is where the concept of a Georgia license holding company real estate comes into play — and it could be the perfect solution to stay connected to the industry while avoiding the overhead costs that come with traditional brokerage affiliations.

Let’s break down how license holding companies work, how they differ from standard brokerages, and why so many agents in Georgia — whether retired, relocating, or changing career paths — are turning to these companies to maintain their license and still earn income through referrals.

What Is a License Holding Company in Georgia Real Estate?

Technically, every active real estate brokerage in Georgia functions as a license holding company. That is, your real estate license must be “held” under a broker-in-charge to be considered active by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC).

However, there’s a major distinction between a traditional real estate company and one that exists solely to hold licenses without requiring sales production or membership in local Realtor® associations or MLS boards. These specialized brokerages are commonly referred to as real estate referral companies or license holding companies.

Different Types of Brokerages in Georgia

Georgia has a variety of real estate brokerages to choose from, and the type of company you select will directly impact your responsibilities, fees, and income opportunities.

1. Traditional Residential Brokerages

These are your standard full-service brokerages, often affiliated with a national franchise or local office. They typically require:

• MLS and Realtor® membership, which comes with annual dues

• Participation in company sales meetings or office events

• Adherence to company-wide sales quotas or expectations

Because these companies are members of a local Realtor® board, every agent within the firm must also be a member. If an agent opts out, the broker must cover that agent’s dues — which few brokers are willing to do.

2. Commercial and Business-Focused Brokerages

These brokerages focus on commercial real estate or the sale of businesses. They might not require MLS access depending on the nature of their transactions, but they still often have higher professional standards, networking expectations, and client-facing responsibilities.

3. Property Management Firms

Some real estate companies focus exclusively on managing rental properties, short-term housing, or vacation rentals. These typically still require licenses but may operate under different systems than sales-driven brokerages.

The Advantage of a Real Estate License Holding Company

If you’re not actively working with buyers or sellers, and you're looking for low-cost license maintenance, a Georgia license holding company for real estate offers major benefits.

These companies are often structured as referral-only brokerages, meaning:

• You don’t need to join a Realtor® association

• You don’t need to pay MLS fees

• You won’t be pressured to meet sales quotas

• You’re not required to attend training or meetings

• You can remain active and legally earn referral commissions

How Real Estate Referral Companies Work

Referral companies operate with a straightforward model. As an agent, your role is to connect clients — whether buyers or sellers — with a trusted, active real estate professional in their local market. Once the referral results in a closed deal, the referral agent (you) earns a portion of the commission.

Let’s say a friend in Atlanta wants to buy a home. You refer them to a top local agent through your license holding company. The deal closes at $500,000 with a 3% commission — that’s $15,000. A 30% referral fee would be $4,500, which your holding company receives. Your broker will then split that fee with you, often giving you up to 50–90% of that amount depending on the company structure.

This creates a steady, no-pressure income stream for agents who:

• Have stepped back from full-time real estate

• Work in another field but maintain their license

• Are stay-at-home parents

• Have moved out of state

• Are semi-retired or exploring other industries

Why Agents Choose Referral Brokerages in Georgia

There are many reasons a real estate agent might opt for a referral-only setup. Here are some of the most common:

• Cost Savings: Without Realtor® or MLS dues, your only cost may be a low annual administration fee (often under $500).

• Flexibility: You can live anywhere, work any job, and still earn income from your real estate connections.

• No Quotas or Pressure: You’re not expected to hit sales numbers, attend meetings, or work nights and weekends.

• Stay Active Legally: Instead of letting your license lapse or go inactive, you can keep it in good standing — no reinstatement or re-education required later.

• Passive Income Potential: Some agents make thousands annually just from a handful of high-quality referrals.

What Kind of Referral Fee Can You Expect?

Most referral fees range from 20% to 45% of the gross commission, depending on the agreement between the receiving agent and the referral brokerage.

Here’s a simple example:

• Home sale price: $500,000

• Buyer’s agent commission (3%): $15,000

• Referral fee (30%): $4,500

• Split with referral agent: 70% of $4,500 = $3,150 earned

Even just a few of these each year can add up — especially when you’re not actively working full time in real estate.

A Trusted Option Since 2010: Park Place Realty Network

If you’re looking for a reputable Georgia license holding company real estate agents trust, Park Place Realty Network is one of the top choices in the Southeast.

Since 2010, Park Place has helped thousands of agents maintain their license, earn commission through referrals, and save money in the process. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Top referral fee payouts — agents earn 22.5% of the total commission

• Free personalized webpage to promote your referral business view sample here

• Nationwide and international referrals accepted — residential, commercial, and business brokerage

• 40% off continuing education, post-licensing, and professional development courses through The CE Shop

• No Realtor® or MLS dues required

Whether you're just taking a break from full-time real estate or have shifted careers entirely, Park Place makes it easy to keep your license active and profitable.

Final Thoughts

A Georgia license holding company in real estate can be the perfect middle ground for agents who don’t want to be tied down by the demands and expenses of a traditional brokerage. Whether you’re in transition, retired, or working in another industry, referral brokerages like Park Place Realty Network let you stay in the game and earn income without the hustle of daily showings, contracts, and open houses.

If you want to keep your license active and make the most of your network, referral real estate is a smart and simple way to do it.

Ready to start earning through referrals? Visit www.ParkPlaceNetwork.com to learn more or reach out to our team at 407-878-0607. We’d love to help you take the next step in maintaining your license and earning passive income in real estate.