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Program Overview: Real Estate Referrals

Zero upfront costs with tiered commission rates for residential and commercial real estate leads through selective partnership program

Brandon Austin avatar
Written by Brandon Austin
Updated this week

Program Overview: Real Estate Referrals

Quick Answer

The Real Estate Referral Program is a selective commission-based lead generation system. Unlike pay-per-lead referrals, agents receive pre-qualified buyer and seller leads (residential and commercial) at no upfront cost, paying a tiered referral fee (30%/25%/20%) only after successful transaction closing. This invitation-only program operates through e-signature agreements and automated notifications as a separate system from the standard dashboard. Real estate agents can participate in both the commission program and standard paid referrals.

Overview

The Real Estate Referral Program connects licensed real estate agents nationwide with pre-qualified clients through Heritage Web's 300+ publication network. As a relationship-driven managed service built on trust and proven results, the program aligns agent and platform incentives through a post-closing commission model. Referrals are made through a licensed real estate referral agent, eliminating upfront costs while delivering considerably higher conversion rates than industry average.

Key Program Features

Three Ways Real Estate Agents Generate Leads

Method

Cost Structure

Access

Best For

Commission Program

25-35% at closing

Invitation only, managed service

High-volume agents seeking zero upfront costs

Standard Paid Referrals

$29-$395 per lead

Self-service dashboard

Agents wanting exclusive leads immediately

Direct Contact

Free

Through your listings

Building organic client relationships

Real estate agents with approved listings can use all three methods simultaneously.

Lead Quality & Sources

The program leverages Heritage Web's extensive network:

  • 300+ Publications: Community-focused sites building trust

  • ~50 Agent Publications: Dedicated real estate professional sites

  • Manual Review: Each lead vetted within 24 hours

  • Third-Party Verification: Contact information validated

  • High Intent: Pre-qualified buyers and sellers only

  • Performance: Considerably higher conversion than industry average

Commission Program Details

Financial Structure

  • Upfront Cost: $0 - No payment for leads

  • Referral Fee Structure:

    • First successful referral: 30%

    • Second to fifth referrals: 25%

    • All future referrals: 20%

  • Payment Timing: At closing table only

  • Risk Level: Zero financial risk for unsuccessful leads

  • Geographic Coverage: Nationwide through licensed referral agent

  • Property Types: Residential and commercial real estate

Managed Service Model

The commission program operates separately from the dashboard:

  • E-Signature Process: Digital referral agreements via e-signature tools

  • Automated Notifications: SMS and email with client contact information

  • Document Delivery: Signed agreements sent automatically

  • Personal Coordination: Heritage Web team manages each referral

  • Relationship Focus: Fewer partners, stronger relationships

Lead Categories

Buyer Leads

  • First-time home buyers

  • Move-up buyers

  • Investment property seekers

  • Luxury home buyers

  • Relocation clients

  • International buyers

  • Commercial property buyers

Seller Leads

  • Traditional home sales

  • FSBO conversions

  • Estate sales

  • Investment liquidation

  • Distressed properties

  • Luxury listings

  • Commercial property sales

Important Notes

  • Selective Enrollment: Commission program requires invitation or application approval

  • Trust-Based Growth: Complete one successful referral before regular lead flow begins

  • Multiple Revenue Streams: Agents can use commission program, paid dashboard leads, and receive free direct contacts

  • Dashboard Access: Real estate agents get the standard Leads Dashboard for paid referrals

  • Performance Commitment: 2-hour response time expected for commission leads

  • Nationwide Coverage: Commission referrals available throughout the United States

How It Works

Application Process

  1. Request invitation or receive invitation from Heritage Web

  2. Submit application with license and experience information (or be contacted when a lead matches your area)

  3. Review and sign custom referral agreement via e-signature

  4. Complete one commission-based referral successfully (trial at 30% commission)

  5. One-on-one interview with program manager after first closing

  6. Receive full orientation on lead delivery process

  7. Begin receiving regular matched leads (25% for referrals 2-5, then 20%)

This trial approach ensures mutual trust and understanding before establishing a long-term partnership.

Lead Delivery Flow

  1. Client submits real estate inquiry on Heritage Web publication

  2. Manual review and verification within 24 hours

  3. Heritage Web prepares digital referral agreement

  4. Agent receives notification to review opportunity

  5. Agent signs agreement via e-signature tool

  6. Upon signature, automated system sends:

    • Client contact information via SMS and email

    • Copy of signed referral agreement

  7. Agent contacts client and provides services

  8. Referral fee paid at successful closing

FAQs

Q: How do I join the Real Estate Referral Program? A: Contact Heritage Web to request information and express interest. The program is selective and requires an application process, interview, and approval.

Q: What's the typical referral fee percentage? A: The commission structure rewards loyalty: 30% for your first successful closing, 25% for closings 2-5, and 20% for all subsequent closings. This applies to both residential and commercial transactions.

Q: Can I participate in both the commission program and standard paid referrals? A: Yes! With an approved listing, you can receive commission-based leads, purchase leads through the dashboard ($29-$395), and get free leads from direct client contact through your listings.

Q: Is the commission program limited to certain states? A: No. The program operates nationwide through a licensed referral agent who can refer to agents throughout the United States.

Q: Why is there a trial period with one referral first? A: This builds mutual trust and demonstrates commitment. After successfully closing your first commission referral, you'll have a full interview and begin receiving regular leads. The program focuses on fewer, stronger partnerships.

Q: How quickly do I need to respond to leads? A: Contact leads within 2 hours for best results. The program includes a response time commitment as part of performance expectations.

Next Steps

  • Contact Heritage Web to express interest in the program

  • Prepare your real estate license and experience information

  • Define your service areas and property type expertise

  • Ensure you can commit to 2-hour response times

  • Set up systems to track leads and commissions manually

  • Prepare for the one-on-one interview process

Related Articles

  • Applying for the Real Estate Referral Program

  • Best Practices for Real Estate Lead Conversion

  • Understanding Commission-Based Referrals

  • Real Estate Lead Response Protocol

  • Managing Referral Agreements with PandaDoc

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