What is a referral-only brokerage?
A referral-only real estate brokerage affiliates licensed real estate professionals whose authorized role is to make referrals to active, appropriately licensed agents. The referral associate does not act as the buyer’s or seller’s representative, prepare offers, show homes or manage an escrow while working in the referral-only role.
NEXA Realty Referral Network provides this option to eligible California real estate licensees who are ready for a different pace. NEXA is operated by HomeBased Enterprises, Inc., CalDRE #01316623.
Who is this arrangement for?
Agents preparing to retire or semi-retire who still hear from past clients and their sphere of influence.
Licensees changing careers, taking a break or no longer wanting to take listings and work with buyers directly.
Lower-producing agents who want to reduce the ongoing demands associated with a conventional active sales practice.
Agents whose licenses are currently inactive or expired may inquire about a future transition, but must restore any required licensing and affiliation status before performing licensed referrals.
What a NEXA referral associate does—and does not do
A referral associate identifies a prospective client, follows the brokerage’s procedures and makes a broker-approved introduction. The receiving active agent handles advice, showings, offers, negotiations, disclosures and the real estate transaction.
Referral-only associates do not take listings, represent buyers or sellers, arrange leases or manage property as part of the referral-only program. They also do not need MLS access to perform referral-only activities.
Brokerage referral compensation is governed by a written agreement and must be handled through the appropriate licensed brokers; it is never an automatic or guaranteed payment.
Membership and cost considerations
NEXA’s published affiliation fee is $99 annually. Its standard fee for completed referrals is $615, with separate rules for smaller and larger referral amounts. See the current published program-fee explanation and the signed agreement for complete terms.
No one should assume an automatic exemption from REALTOR® or MLS dues. Eligibility depends on applicable association/MLS rules, proper LFRO status and processing. Verify any membership changes before dropping services or coverage.
How to take the next step
Review the referral process, check that your California license can be appropriately affiliated with the broker, and ask NEXA about eligibility and written program terms.
When you are ready, request information from NEXA. An inquiry alone does not change your license affiliation or commit you to join.