Referral Network

Northern Illinois Real Estate Information Network (NIREIN)

What is NIREIN?

Northern Illinois Real Estate Information Network (NIREIN) is an Illinois real estate referral and holding company whose purpose is to hold real estate licenses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® meant as a service to our member brokers who do not have access to a holding company of their own.

Who should join NIREIN?

  • Agents interested in alternative career options, but don't want to give up the benefits of your real estate license.
  • New licensees not quite ready to affiliate with one particular broker.
  • Brokers looking to earn a dividend on your investment in real estate agents.
  • Licensees who want to change their status from full to part-time.
  • Licensees who are considering retirement?
  • Licensees who need more flexibility in their real estate career.

Can I still sell real estate?

While in the holding company licensees are no longer able to practice real estate, but instead work on a referral basis only. Placing an agent’s license in NIREIN takes their license out of active REALTOR® practice.

Can I make money from referrals?

Absolutely, a referral, or "lead", consists of detailed information about a prospective buyer or seller of real estate. The process begins when you complete a Referral Processing Form that is then forwarded to NIREIN. NIREIN refers the buyer or seller to a conventional real estate company, where it will earn a referral fee if the referral buys or sells property through the company to which they were referred by NIREIN.

What is the referral process?

  • The referral is given to the NIREIN Broker.
  • The licensee can designate who they want the referral to go to or the NIREIN broker will find an agent to represent the customer.
  • The NIREIN Broker will negotiate a referral fee with the agent and once accepted, the referral information is given to that agent.
  • Once the transaction has closed, the negotiated referral fee will be split between the agent being sponsored by NIREIN and NIREIN. Please refer to our Independent Contractor Agreement for the commission split.

Can I work for my current broker while I have my license on hold with NIREIN?

The License Act does not allow for a licensed agent to work for more than one broker at the same time. Therefore, you will only be able to work under your current broker or have your license with NIREIN.

Do I still have to pay C.A.R. membership Dues?

While in the holding company licensees no longer have to pay national, state or local C.A.R. dues.

Will I still have access to the MLS/MRED service?

No. Once your license is placed in the holding company you are no longer a member of C.A.R., are no longer a REALTOR® and no longer have the benefits of REALTOR® membership such as using the REALTOR® logo or having access to MLS/MRED services.

If my license is in a holding company, do I still need to take CE courses?

Yes. Although you are unable to actively practice real estate while in a holding company, you still need to maintain an active license to refer transactions and receive compensation for them.

What is the process if I am in the holding company and then want to transfer my license to another broker?

The process is the same as with any broker. Upon request, your license will be signed off and given back to you. It will be mailed to you or may opt to pick it up at our 200 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 400 location.

How do I join NIREIN

  1. Complete our Application. Download the NIREIN Application Package Here
  2. Submit a check payable to NIREIN for the appropriate fee shown below:
      October – December 2009: $ 125.00
      January – March 2010: $ 93.75
      April – June 2010: $ 62.50
      July – September 2010: $ 31.25
  3. Submit a check payable to IDFPR for the appropriate fee shown below. However, before you write the check confirm the amount you owe with the licensing agency at 217.782.3414. If currently being sponsored and in good standing, the cost should be $25 to transfer your license. If you have not yet been sponsored, the cost will be $125.
  4. Have your current broker sign off on your license. Should a signed off license not be available provide us with a written explanation as to why not.

Application packages that do not include all four (4) of the above items will be returned to the sender. Once your completed application is received you will be contacted by a NIREIN within 48-72 hours

Questions? Please contact our membership department at 312-803-4900 or by clicking here

What is the process if I have recently passed the sales or broker licensee exam and am a new licensee?

Complete our Application. Download the NIREIN Application Package Here, must include the following:

  1. Original paperwork work peach background, photo, 45 day sponsor card and transcript (originals).
  2. Independent Contractor’s Agreement
  3. Information sheet on licensee
  4. Check made payable to IDFPR for $125.00 *amount is stated on face of the peach paperwork
  5. Check made payable to NIREIN (prorated quarter-see proration chart)

Application packages that do not include all of the above items will be returned to the sender.

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200 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: 312-803-4900, Fax: 312-803-4905

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© 2009 Chicago Association of REALTORS®