How RefBid Works
The Realtor-Exclusive Agent-to-Agent Referral Marketplace
RefBid connects referring agents who have referral leads with qualified receiving agents who bid for the right to work those clients — all within a transparent, professional marketplace.
What Is RefBid?
RefBid is a members-only platform for licensed real estate agents. It works in two directions — and both sides of every deal have real stakes in the outcome:
Referring Agent
You have a client who needs an agent in another market
- Post a referral listing — free to publish
- Verified agents bid a referral fee based on their merit
- You pick the best fit and earn a fee at close
Bidding Agent
You want to win new clients via referrals
- Browse open listings in markets where you're licensed
- Bid your referral % — always free to place a bid
- Win the award, sign the agreement, and get to work
Posting a Referral
You have a client who needs an agent outside your market area.
- 1
Create Your Account
Register as a licensed agent — RefBid verifies your license and requires a Stripe Identity government ID check before your account is approved.
- 2
Post a Referral Listing
Describe the client's needs, set your minimum bid, and publish. There's no charge to post.
- 3
Agents Compete
Verified agents in your target market submit blind bids. When the first qualifying bid arrives, a one-time $45 fee is charged to your account.
- 4
Award the Best Bid
Review profiles and bids, select your winner, and both parties sign the referral agreement electronically before contact info is exchanged.
- 5
Get Paid at Close
The receiving agent pays your agreed referral fee out of their commission at closing.
Winning a Referral
You want to win new clients via referrals from agents who trust your market expertise.
- 1
Create Your Account & Build a Strong Profile
Register, complete your profile with license details, experience, and specialties — a complete profile wins more bids. Stripe Identity verification is required before your account is approved.
- 2
Browse Open Listings
Filter by lead type, property type, and price range to find referrals that match your expertise.
- 3
Place Your Bid — Always Free
Enter the referral fee percentage you're willing to pay at close. Bidding is always free, no matter how many listings you bid on.
- 4
Claim Now (Optional)
Some listings offer a Claim Now option — pay a fixed $430 to instantly secure the lead without waiting to be selected. Regular bidding is always free and available instead.
- 5
Accept the Award
If selected, a one-time $185 fee unlocks a direct connection with the referring agent and generates the signed referral agreement. Nothing is charged until you actively choose to accept.
- 6
Close & Pay the Referral Fee
Work the client, close the deal, and pay the agreed referral fee to the referring agent at closing.
Fees at a Glance
| Item | Who Pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Account registration | New member | Free |
| Posting a listing | Listing agent | $0 to post |
| Placing a bid | Bidding agent | Always free |
| First qualifying bid received | Listing agent | $45 (once) |
| Accepting a referral award | Winning bidder | $185 |
| Claim Now (optional) | Bidding agent only if chosen | $430 |
| Platform cut at close | N/A | $0 |
| Lease / Rental listings | All parties | Completely FREE |
The Referral Agreement
When a bid is awarded, RefBid generates a formal referral agreement between both agents — signed electronically before any contact information is exchanged.
Both parties must confirm they've read the agreement before signing.
Contact information is hidden until both signatures are on file.
The agreement covers agent details, referral fee, property description, and closing deadline.
RefBid stores the signed agreement for your reference.
Invite a Colleague
Share your personal 6-digit referral code with any licensed agent. Find it in your profile under "Invite a Colleague."
Share your code
Your invitee enters it when they register — or you can pre-register them from your profile.
They confirm on first login
They'll be asked "Did [your name] refer you?" and confirm with a click.
Grow your network
More verified agents in your market means more bids on your listings and more referral opportunities for you.
RefBid
The realtor-exclusive referral marketplace · refbid.com
This document is for informational purposes only. All fees and features are subject to change. See Terms of Service for full details.