Referring a Client: Referral Fees & How to Get Paid
Updated: Sep 26
Quick answer: When you refer a client to an agent at another company (in state or out of state) and receive a referral fee, Kale keeps $400 or 10% of the referral fee, whichever is less. The rest is paid to you by direct deposit.
This is for client referrals only. Referring an agent to join Kale is a separate program (see the Broker Referral Program link at the bottom).
When a Kale Broker refers a client or transaction to another broker, the referring broker is eligible to receive a referral fee once the deal closes. This policy outlines how that referral fee is handled and what portion is due to the brokerage.
How It Works
When you refer a deal to another broker — whether on the buy side or listing side — you can request a percentage of the commission earned by that broker once the transaction closes. A common example is a 20% referral fee.
Brokerage Fee
Kale Realty charges a $400 brokerage fee on referral commissions.However, if 10% of the referral fee is less than $400, the brokerage fee will simply be that lower 10% amount.
In other words:
If 10% of your referral commission is greater than $400, the brokerage fee will be $400.
If 10% of your referral commission is less than $400, the brokerage fee will be that 10% amount.
Examples
Example 1:You refer a deal and receive a $3,500 referral commission when it closes.
10% of $3,500 = $350
Since $350 is less than $400, the brokerage fee = $350
Your net amount: $3,150
Example 2:You refer a deal and receive a $5,000 referral commission when it closes.
10% of $5,000 = $500
Since $500 is greater than $400, the brokerage fee = $400
Your net amount: $4,600
Key Takeaways
All referral commissions are subject to a brokerage fee.
The fee will be $400 unless 10% of the referral amount is less than that, in which case 10% applies.
The referral fee is due to the referring broker after the closing and upon receipt of funds from the other broker.
How to Make Sure You Get Paid
Please share the Kale Realty referral contract with the other agent. You can find this document in dotloop -> Templates -> Kale Realty Documents -> Kale Realty Referral Contract. Both agents will complete their respective fields. You should also make sure both managing brokers sign, too. Once the document has been completed, submit for review in dotloop, and our team will review.
After the transaction closes and the firm you referred to sends us the referral commission, we will reach out to let you know it’s been received. You will be paid via direct deposit.
Download here:
Client Moving Out of the Area? We'll Find Them a Great Agent
Help Your Clients, Grow Your Brand, and Get Paid
Did you know that as a Kale Realty agent, you have access to a nationwide network of trusted real estate professionals? Whether your clients are moving across Illinois or across the country, we can connect them with an experienced, reliable agent—and you get paid just for making the introduction!
Here's How It Works:
You identify the opportunity – A client or someone in your sphere of influence (SOI) mentions they’re moving out of the area.
You reach out to us – Send a quick email to risa@kalerealty.com with the details.
We handle the rest – We'll match them with a top-performing agent in the destination city or town.
You collect a referral fee – Once the deal closes, you get paid—without lifting a finger beyond the intro!
Why This Matters:
You stay valuable to your SOI and past clients—even when they move away.
You expand your reach and build relationships with agents across the country.
You earn referral income with very little time or effort.
💡 Pro Tip: Always remind your clients and contacts that you can help them find a great agent anywhere. Most people don’t realize they can lean on you for those connections—and they’ll appreciate your full-service approach.
Have a referral opportunity or want to learn more?
Email risa@kalerealty.com and let’s make the connection!
Looking to refer another agent to join Kale? That's a different program. See the Kale Broker Referral Program.
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