Key takeaways
- Agent-to-agent referrals happen when one agent sends a client to another agent, usually in a different market, for a share of the commission.
- REALTOR® Magazine reports agent-to-agent referrals convert at a higher rate than any online lead, according to a ReferralExchange/CRS survey.
- To receive more, target the markets your city’s movers come from, stay in touch and update referring agents often.
- To send referrals, vet the receiving agent and put the fee in writing before the introduction.
Agent-to-agent referrals are clients passed from one licensed agent to another — usually because the client is moving to a market the first agent doesn’t serve — in exchange for a referral fee at closing. For new agents, they are one of the best ways to get high-intent clients, and sending them out builds goodwill that comes back.
How agent-to-agent referrals work
- An agent meets a client buying or selling outside their area.
- They find a trusted agent in that market and agree on a referral fee, typically about 25%.
- Both brokers sign a referral agreement.
- The receiving agent works with the client through closing.
- The receiving brokerage pays the referring brokerage after closing.
Why agent referrals are valuable
REALTOR® Magazine reports that agent-to-agent referrals convert at a higher rate than any online lead source, based on a ReferralExchange and CRS survey, and that some agents earn $20,000–$50,000 a year from outbound referrals. One agent profiled received 69 referrals from out-of-town agents, closed 13 and earned $86,000 in commissions.
How to get more agent-to-agent referrals as a new agent
1. Find out where your buyers come from
Look at which cities and states people move from into your market, and focus on agents there.
2. Network on purpose
Join online agent groups, attend conferences and use your brokerage’s national network. Follow up after every introduction.
3. Make it easy to refer you
Have a one-page profile with your areas, specialties, languages and response time.
4. Join a real estate referral network
A real estate referral network puts you in front of clients in your chosen zip codes without needing personal relationships with hundreds of agents.
5. Communicate like a pro
Update referring agents at first contact, after showings, at contract and at closing. Agents send more business to agents who keep them informed.
How to send a referral the right way
- Vet the agent: check reviews, production, specialties and response time.
- Get permission: ask the client before sharing their details.
- Put it in writing: sign the agreement before the introduction.
- Make a warm intro: a three-way text or email with context about the client’s needs.
- Stay involved: check in with the client and the agent until closing.
Agent referral etiquette
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Respond to referred clients within minutes | Let a referral sit overnight |
| Thank referring agents, even if the deal doesn’t close | Go silent after the first call |
| Return the favor when you can | Renegotiate the fee after the work starts |
| Pay promptly, broker to broker | Pay or accept fees directly between agents |
Use a real estate CRM to tag each referring agent so you remember who sent business and can return the favor. For wording, see our real estate referral scripts.
For the full process from first handoff to fee payment, follow our step-by-step realtor referral workflow.
PropReferrals
Receive referrals in your market
PropReferrals connects agents with verified buyers and sellers by zip code or city.
Frequently asked questions
What is an agent-to-agent referral?
A client passed from one licensed agent to another, usually in a different market, for a referral fee paid at closing.
How much is an agent-to-agent referral fee?
Usually about 25% of the receiving agent’s commission, with most between 20% and 35%.
Do agent referrals convert better than online leads?
REALTOR® Magazine reports they convert at a higher rate than any online lead, based on a ReferralExchange/CRS survey.
How can a new agent get referrals from other agents?
Target the markets your buyers come from, network consistently, join a referral network and keep referring agents updated.
Sources: NAR 2026 Member Profile (2025 data); Inman, “New agents say how they’re surviving” (May 2026); REALTOR® Magazine, “How to get more referrals from agents.” General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Agent to agent referrals: key takeaways
Agent to agent referrals work best when you choose partners carefully, share a clear client brief and agree the fee in writing. To stay compliant, check your state’s referral fee rules and review the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics.