Key Takeaway: The eXp Referral Division allows licensed real estate agents to earn referral income without handling transactions, paying MLS fees, or maintaining full-service agent expenses. It offers a low-cost, tech-driven option for agents stepping back from active production.
TL;DR About eXp Referral Division at eXp Realty
Referral-only division for licensed agents
No MLS or REALTOR® association fees
$50 monthly fee with reduced overhead
Earn referral income without handling transactions
Automated tracking and payment system
Operates inside the broader eXp Realty divisions ecosystem
Not every real estate career follows a straight line. Some agents step back from production, some transition toward retirement, and others want to stay licensed without the operational grind. The eXp Referral Division was built specifically for those situations. This article explains how the eXp Referral Division fits into the broader eXp Realty divisions ecosystem available to eXp agents. Here’s your handy dandy index:
Table of Contents
What’s a Real Estate Referral?
A real estate referral is when an agent connects a potential home buyer or seller with another agent to take over the transaction. The referring agent then negotiates a commission with the agent they referred the client to, and once the deal closes, they get paid.
Easy, right? If you want more information about growing your business as a referral agent, check out our article about eXp’s easy referral form.
eXp Unique Referral Advantage
eXp Realty provides a centralized referral platform that allows licensed agents to send and track referrals across states and countries through a standardized system. Whether you’re working within the U.S. or internationally, eXp’s platform makes it incredibly easy to send referral business across all 50 states and in 27 countries, thanks to eXp’s global reach and international real estate network.
While eXp agents are free to send referrals to non-eXp agents, the chances are high that you’ll find the perfect match within eXp’s 89,000+ agents. With eXp’s online agent directory, locating top talent is a breeze.
What really sets eXp apart is its seamless, tech-powered agent referral tool. The company has built an exclusive online portal designed to make providing and managing referrals super easy. Let’s break it down:
Log in to eXp’s Referral website and start a new referral.
Enter your client’s info.
Search eXp Agent Directory, reach out to an agent to see if they’re a fit for your client, and negotiate your referral commission.
Complete your referral commission agreement, auto-fill the selected agent, and hit submit.
Easy peasy. Once you submit the referral, eXp takes it from there. They handle gathering signatures from you, the other agent, and both brokers, and they track the deal until it closes, ensuring you get paid. Note – if you’re providing a buyer referral, you’ll want to upload your referral contract to skyslope to ensure a smooth payment process.
The platform keeps things smooth and hassle-free while sending you updates at every key step so you’re never left in the dark. With this fast and efficient system, managing referrals has never been easier, and you always stay in control.
eXp Referral Division Saves Agents Money
The eXp Referral Division is structured to reduce expenses associated with active transaction work by removing MLS participation and REALTOR® association requirements.
How? By making referral-only agents part of eXp Commercial. This setup means referral agents don’t need to pay hefty MLS or Realtor association fees—those can add up fast! It’s a massive cost-saver for agents who just want to pass clients along to other agents and not get involved in the actual deal.
On top of that, eXp has sweetened the deal with a reduced monthly fee for referral-only agents, cutting costs by more than 40%! So not only do you avoid MLS and association fees, but you’re also getting an even lower monthly expense than what’s shown in our full breakdown of eXp Realty fees.
Ideal Candidates for Referral Division
The eXp Referral Division is perfect for agents who want to keep their active real estate license without the grind of day-to-day activities. Instead of juggling listings, open houses, or closing complicated deals, you can focus on generating referral leads.
Refer potential clients to other agents, sit back, and earn a fee or percentage of the commission when the deal closes—easy as that! Let’s explore which agents will benefit most from this division:
Agents Seeking a More Balanced Schedule
For agents looking to stay involved in real estate without the pressures of full-time selling, the eXp Referral Division is a game-changer.
Whether you’re juggling family commitments, exploring other career paths, or simply not ready for the demands of active real estate, this division offers a fantastic middle ground. You can still make money without sacrificing your lifestyle or time.
Part-Time Real Estate Professionals
This setup provides the kind of flexibility that traditional real estate roles often lack, allowing you to stay in the game without the full-time commitment. Not every agent wants—or needs—to be in real estate full-time.
If you find yourself doing fewer deals and questioning whether it’s worth paying for an active license, the referral division could be the answer. By eliminating fees like Realtor association dues, SUPRA fees, and others, this option saves you money while letting you stay in the industry.
You get to keep your license and earn commissions by handing off leads to active agents—making real estate work for you, on your terms.
Retiring Agents
For agents nearing retirement or those stepping back from an active role, the referral division offers the perfect solution. You can still leverage your years of experience by referring clients to other agents.
This lets you remain connected to the real estate world and generate income, all without the stress of full-time work. It’s a smooth transition into retirement while maintaining your professional network and expertise.
eXp Referral Divisions Fees
Let’s talk numbers! The eXp Referral Division keeps things straightforward and affordable. For just $50 a month, you gain access to eXp World, Workplace, and all the tools you’ll need, including Skyslope, My eXp, eXp University, and a global network of professionals. It’s a small price for staying connected and generating referral income. Here’s the details:
eXp Realty Referral Divisions Splits
Now, let’s break down the splits. When you refer a client to an eXp agent, you keep 75% of the referral fee, and eXp takes 25%. If you refer a client to a non-eXp agent, you pocket 70% while eXp gets 30%.
So, whether you’re keeping it in the eXp family or referring outside, the division has you covered with a fair, predictable split.
Moving From Realty To Referral
Ready to make the shift? Your first step is to contact your state broker team—they’ll guide you through the process and help you with timing. You’ll sign a new Independent Contractor Agreement, but don’t worry, you’ll keep the same sponsor, so no need to start over from scratch!
Before you switch from Realty to the Referral Division, here’s what to expect: You’ll lose access to Realtor forms and MLS services, but you’ll get a shiny new email address (yourname@expreferral.com) and updated marketing materials reflecting your status with eXp Referral, brokered by eXp Commercial.
One small caveat: referral agents won’t have access to Regus office spaces anymore. So, while you’ll be saving big on expenses, make sure you’re ready for the trade-offs! You can find more specifics here.
What Agents Also Ask About eXp Referral Division
Who is the Referral Division best suited for?
The eXp Referral Division is best suited for licensed real estate agents who want to earn referral income without actively managing listings, transactions, or daily client operations. It often appeals to retired agents, part-time agents, or agents transitioning out of active production while maintaining industry involvement.
How does this compare to keeping an active real estate license?
Maintaining an active license typically requires MLS access, association dues, continuing education, and transaction management. The Referral Division removes the need for MLS participation and active transaction work while allowing agents to remain licensed and legally earn referral income through closed transactions.
Is income from the eXp Referral Division considered passive?
Referral income is best described as semi-passive. Agents must still maintain relationships and generate referrals, but they are not responsible for contract negotiation, transaction management, or client servicing. Income depends on referral activity rather than day-to-day operational involvement.
Why This Matters Before You Join eXp Realty
Programs like the eXp Referral Division are designed to allow agents to earn referral income without active production, but they do not operate in isolation or replace the broader eXp Realty experience.
At eXp Realty, all agents receive the same core brokerage platform, including compliance, compensation, and access to company divisions. What differs is the sponsor ecosystem an agent aligns with.
Agents who join eXp Realty and name a Smart Agent Alliance (SAA) aligned agent as sponsor gain access to organized sponsor infrastructure designed to preserve long-term optionality. This access includes done-for-you systems made available without cost or obligation.
Smart Agent Alliance is directly aligned with the Wolf Pack, one of eXp Realty’s most established sponsor organizations. Through this alignment, agents gain access to Wolf Pack training resources that are otherwise available for purchase, along with participation in the Wolf Pack community, without additional fees.
Does the Referral Division require MLS membership?
No. Agents in the eXp Referral Division do not participate in MLS systems or REALTOR® associations. Because referral agents do not list properties or represent clients in transactions, MLS access and association membership are not required to remain active in the division.
Can referral agents represent buyers or sellers?
No. Agents in the Referral Division may not represent buyers or sellers in transactions. Their role is limited to referring clients to active agents. All licensed transactional activities, including negotiations and contract execution, are handled by the receiving agent who closes the transaction.
Is revenue share still available in the eXp Referral Division?
Yes. Agents in the Referral Division may continue to earn and build revenue share through agent attraction. Revenue share remains separate from referral income and does not require active transaction participation, allowing referral agents to maintain long-term income streams within eXp Realty.
Does the eXp Referral Division operate in all states?
Yes. The eXp Referral Division operates nationwide through eXp’s multi-state and commercial licensing structure. This allows referral agents to send clients across state lines while remaining compliant, as long as referrals are handled through properly licensed receiving agents.
Can agents hold a referral license in a secondary state?
Yes. Agents may hold referral licenses in additional states where permitted. eXp broker teams assist with secondary state licensing and compliance for Referral Division agents, helping ensure referrals are handled legally while expanding an agent’s ability to generate referral income across markets.
California lawyer turned Realtor and eXp Certified Mentor, Karrie is Co-Founder of Smart Agent Alliance and a six-figure producer in her first year at eXp Realty, all without door knocking or cold calling. More About Karrie →
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