Questions brokers ask us
Still stuck? Call 312.238.9796. A real person answers about 95% of the time.
What is Illinois Real Estate License Holding?
We’re a referral-only brokerage and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kale Realty. We sponsor your license so it stays active while you aren’t practicing. You can’t list or sell while you’re with us, but you can refer clients and get paid.
Will I lose my license if I stop practicing?
Not if a brokerage keeps sponsoring it. Without a sponsor, your license goes inactive, and an inactive license can’t collect referral fees. We’re your sponsor, so it stays active. Our license guide explains the rules.
What does it cost?
$109 a year, plus a one-time $24 setup fee. The state also charges a $35 transfer fee (plus a small convenience fee if you pay online), which you pay directly to IDFPR. That’s it from us. First year all in: $168 plus that convenience fee. After that, $109 a year.
No MLS fees, no association dues, no desk fees. Like every Illinois broker, you still renew your license with the state every two years and complete your CE.
Why not just go inactive for free?
You can, and if you don’t expect any referrals, it may be the right call. But an inactive license can’t earn referral fees. If a friend asks you for an agent next month, you’d first need to find a sponsor, pay the $35 transfer fee and wait for IDFPR to process it. Holding with us keeps your license ready, so you never miss that check.
How do referral fees work?
Send your client to any agent you choose, or ask us for a recommendation. You and that agent agree on the referral fee.
Say your client buys a $350,000 home and the agent’s side pays $8,750. You agree on a 25% referral fee, which is $2,187.50. We pay you 80% of that: $1,750.
How do I join?
Request your application on our Forms page. We’ll email you a digital application through dotloop. Nothing to print or mail. We process it the same day and email you when you’re all set.
Will I have MLS access?
No. You won’t have MLS access while we hold your license, because you aren’t listing or selling. That’s also why you stop paying MLS and association dues.
Do I still need continuing education?
Yes. CE and renewal are the same as for any practicing broker. The license guide lists the deadlines.
Can I go back to practicing?
Yes, anytime. Ask us and we’ll release your license so your new brokerage can sponsor it. You’ll pay the state’s transfer fee, and your new brokerage may ask you to rejoin the MLS and a REALTOR® association. If you’re in the Chicago area, we’d love to introduce you to Kale Realty.
Can I take referral fees with my new job?
It depends on your employer. If you now work in mortgage, title, insurance or another part of the closing process, federal rules (RESPA) and your company’s policies may limit referral fees. Government and school jobs can have ethics rules too. Check with your employer before you join. If you can’t accept referral fees, going inactive may be the better choice for you.
Can I work for another brokerage at the same time?
No. Illinois law lets you work under one sponsoring broker at a time.
Is this right for me?
Yes, if you aren’t working with clients right now but want to keep your license active and get paid for referrals. If you’re actively listing and selling, you need a full brokerage instead.
How do I reach you?
Thinking about joining? Call 312.238.9796. Already a member? Call 312.939.5253. You can also email info@illinoisrealestatelicenseholding.com. A real person answers the phone about 95% of the time. If you get voicemail, leave a message and we’ll call you right back.