Questions agents ask before joining
Who is a referral-only real estate program designed for?
It is often a good fit for eligible licensed agents who are retiring, changing careers, taking a professional pause or choosing not to personally handle buyer and seller transactions.
Can an inactive California real estate licensee earn referral fees?
Not while lacking the license status or responsible-broker affiliation required for licensed referral activity. An inactive or expired licensee can inquire about future participation but must resolve eligibility before making licensed referrals.
Can a referral-only agent show homes or write offers?
No. NEXA associates are limited to approved referrals. Active agents handle representation, property showings, contracts, negotiation and transaction work.
Do NEXA associates need MLS access?
Referral-only work does not rely on MLS participation. However, existing MLS agreements and any REALTOR® association dues obligations must be addressed under their own terms and applicable LFRO rules.
What is an LFRO?
LFRO means Limited Function Referral Office. It is a REALTOR® dues-rule exception for qualifying referral-only operations, not a separate California DRE real estate license category.
Are REALTOR® and MLS dues automatically waived?
No. Any waiver or exclusion depends on eligibility, association requirements, required certification and administrative processing.
How much is NEXA’s annual affiliation fee?
The current NEXA public website lists a $99 annual affiliation fee, separate from any completed-referral brokerage fee.
How much does NEXA charge when a referral closes?
The public fee schedule lists $615 for a standard completed referral; referrals yielding $2,000 or less in gross referral compensation use a 10% charge, and amounts above $10,000 have an additional 0.70% charge on the excess.
Are referral commission percentages guaranteed?
No. Broker-to-broker referral terms are negotiated and documented in writing. There is no guaranteed closing, referral fee or income.
Can I return to active real estate sales later?
A licensee can explore a return to full-service practice after making the necessary broker, license, MLS and association arrangements and ending any incompatible LFRO classification.
What happens when I request information?
Submitting an inquiry lets NEXA review your question and licensing circumstances. It does not itself transfer your license, create an affiliation or authorize referrals.
Still have a question?
Contact the NEXA team for the current program documents, licensing questions and steps to explore affiliation. You can also read the LFRO explainer or program fees.