A referral-only role has a different scope
An E.A.R.N. participant introduces a prospective buyer or seller to an appropriate active real estate professional. The active agent handles representation and the transaction. This can suit someone stepping back, working another career, taking a professional pause, or concentrating on relationships.
Under the posted program, E.A.R.N. participants do not take listings, show homes, prepare offers, negotiate, manage escrow, or provide active sales representation. Referral-only affiliation is not a way to continue a full sales practice while avoiding its requirements.
Confirm your license and affiliation first
The program requires a valid California real estate license, broker approval, the applicable Broker/Associate Referral Agreement, and transfer of the license to the brokerage through the DRE. The broker reviews eligibility and the correct steps before affiliation.
Not actively practicing is different from having an expired license or an unresolved restriction. Do not assume a license issue is cured by choosing a referral program. Discuss your actual license status with the broker before making compensated referrals.
How an E.A.R.N. referral works
- Complete affiliation: confirm eligibility, documents, and license affiliation.
- Identify the opportunity: introduce someone who needs real estate representation to an appropriate active agent.
- Document the terms: establish the referral arrangement and compensation through the participating brokerages in writing.
- Let the active agent handle the transaction: remain within the referral-only role.
- Receive earned compensation through the brokerage: payment depends on a qualifying closing and the written agreement.
The program describes referrals that may generate 25%, 35%, or more of the receiving side’s gross commission, depending on the written agreement. No percentage or income is guaranteed.
The posted E.A.R.N. costs
Annual affiliation is $99, due when joining and renewed on the hire anniversary. It is nonrefundable. The regular completed-referral transaction fee is $615 and includes the posted compliance and insurance components.
If gross referral compensation is $2,000 or less, the transaction fee is 10% of that gross amount. Above $10,000, add 0.70% of the portion above $10,000. These calculations use the referral commission received by the brokerage—not the property sale price and not the receiving agent’s entire commission.
For a $3,000 gross referral, the $615 transaction fee leaves $2,385 before the annual affiliation fee and other expenses.
MLS and REALTOR® dues are treated differently
The E.A.R.N. program does not require MLS membership or REALTOR® association dues. That is a feature of the referral-only role. HomeBased Realty® active sales agents have separate MLS and association membership requirements.
If you later want to return to active representation, discuss broker approval, licensing status, memberships, insurance, training, and current onboarding requirements. A future change is not automatic.
Check your own referral scenario
Open the calculator and choose E.A.R.N. Enter the gross referral compensation for one completed referral. The tool applies the program’s own $99 affiliation instead of adding the active-agent affiliation fee.
Read the full E.A.R.N. program page and request program information to review the current documents and eligibility.
Common questions
Can I show homes or write offers as an E.A.R.N. participant?
No. The posted E.A.R.N. program is referrals only. Active sales representation and transaction work are handled by an appropriately affiliated active agent.
Is the $99 fee the same as the active-agent affiliation fee?
No. E.A.R.N. has its own $99 annual affiliation. Active-agent sales programs post a separate $399 paid-in-full affiliation or $468 under the other posted payment options.
Do I need a valid California license?
Yes. E.A.R.N. requires a valid California real estate license, broker approval, the appropriate affiliation documents, and a DRE affiliation process. Do not assume an expired or restricted license qualifies.