Do I need a real estate license to be a referral agent?
Yes. The referral agent license is a type of New Jersey real estate license. To qualify, you complete the pre-licensing education for a salesperson or broker license and pass the state exam. You and your broker also sign certifications that you’ve reviewed the legal restrictions on referral agents.
How do I get a New Jersey real estate license?
The broad steps, as the process has worked for years:
- Meet the basic requirements. You must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Take the pre-licensing course. 75 hours of approved education at a school licensed by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
- Pass the state exam. You then have a limited window to apply for your license.
- Get sponsored by a broker. Every New Jersey license, including a referral license, is held by a broker.
Requirements change, so check the Commission’s current rules before you start.
Can I apply as a referral agent right after the exam?
Yes. The Commission’s FAQ says people who pass the exam can indicate on their exam pass notice and license application that they’re applying for a referral agent license, and complete the certifications with their broker on the same form.
I’m already licensed. How do I switch to referral agent?
Your broker makes the change through the state’s online licensing system. If you’re changing from salesperson or broker-salesperson, the Commission’s FAQ lists a $50 fee to change license type, plus $25 to transfer to a broker if your license is currently inactive.
At SJRN, you fill out a short join form and we handle the transfer with the state.
Can I be a referral agent and a salesperson at the same time?
No. New Jersey doesn’t let you hold a referral agent license and a salesperson, broker-salesperson or broker license at once. You also can’t be licensed with more than one broker at a time.
Can a referral agent show property?
No. The Commission’s restrictions list showings and open houses as prohibited brokerage activity for referral agents, along with negotiating, signing agreements and producing market analyses.
How do I build a referral business?
Stay the person people think of when real estate comes up. Past clients, neighbors, your church or gym, the parents on your kid’s team, professionals who see people at big life moments. Then make one phone call when someone mentions a move. We take it from there.
If you're already licensed, you're most of the way there.
SourceNJ Real Estate Commission, Restrictions upon brokerage activities of referral agents (PDF), and the Commission's own answers collected in our referral agent FAQ. Rules change. When in doubt, the Commission's word wins.
Keep your license active for $100 a year and keep 80% of every referral.