How the OwnerFi Referral Program Works
Step 1: Buyer Creates Profile on OwnerFi
A buyer visits OwnerFi, sets their budget and preferences, and creates an account to browse owner-financed properties.Step 2: OwnerFi Connects Buyer With You
When a buyer expresses interest in a property, OwnerFi shares their contact information (name, phone, email, budget, property interest, and relevant details) with licensed real estate agents in the buyer’s area. This is the referral. The buyer has authorized OwnerFi to share their profile with agents who can help them.Step 3: You Represent the Buyer
You reach out to the buyer, discuss the property, facilitate viewings, help negotiate terms, and guide them through closing—just like any other buyer representation.Step 4: Transaction Closes
When the buyer closes on the property, you earn your referral fee.Referral Fee Structure
You Only Pay When Deals Close
Unlike traditional lead generation companies that charge upfront fees, OwnerFi charges a referral fee only when a deal actually closes. Fee: OwnerFi receives a referral fee paid by your brokerage when the transaction closes. Your Commission: You retain 100% of your agent commission negotiated with the seller or their agent. OwnerFi’s referral fee is separate and does not come out of your side of the commission.You keep your full commission. OwnerFi’s fee is paid by the brokerage based on the referral arrangement, not from your earnings.
Commission Split (You Negotiate)
Your commission in the transaction is negotiated directly with the seller’s agent or the buyer’s situation—just like any other deal. OwnerFi doesn’t set or control your commission rates.Typical Agent Commission
Standard real estate commissions vary, but often fall in the 5–6% range (split between listing and buyer’s agent).
Your Side of the Commission
Your brokerage splits commissions with the seller’s agent or keeps it all (depending on the transaction structure). Standard splits are negotiable.
Buyer Lead Details You’ll Receive
When OwnerFi refers a buyer to you, you’ll receive:| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Buyer Name | Full name of the referred buyer |
| Contact Info | Phone number and email for immediate outreach |
| Property Interest | Which specific property(ies) they viewed/favorited |
| Budget | Their stated monthly payment comfort and down payment |
| Location | Geographic area where they’re searching |
| Move Timeline | How quickly they want to close (e.g., 30 days) |
| Situation Notes | Any relevant details (self-employed, credit situation) |
Your Responsibilities as a Referral Agent
When you receive a buyer referral from OwnerFi, you agree to:1. Represent the Buyer Professionally
You represent the buyer in accordance with your state’s real estate laws and your brokerage’s requirements. You provide:- Property viewings and guidance
- Market expertise and negotiation support
- Help navigating owner-financed deal structures
- Representation through closing
2. Communicate Clearly & Promptly
- Reach out to the buyer within 24 hours of receiving the referral
- Respond to buyer inquiries promptly
- Keep the buyer informed of progress
- Answer questions about owner financing, deal terms, and process
3. Comply With All Legal Requirements
- Follow all applicable real estate licensing laws in your state
- Adhere to fair housing laws and ethical standards
- Maintain proper documentation of buyer agreements
- Disclose your broker relationship and commission structure
4. Honor TCPA & Telemarketing Compliance
All communications with referred buyers must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and applicable state telemarketing laws:- Honor opt-out requests (STOP, unsubscribe, “Do Not Call”)
- Don’t spam, harass, or repeatedly contact buyers who decline representation
- Maintain records of consent and opt-out requests
- Follow all state-specific “mini-TCPA” regulations
5. Coordinate With Sellers/Seller’s Agents
In owner-financed deals, the buyer may be working directly with the seller or a seller’s agent. You’ll coordinate to:- Schedule property viewings
- Discuss financing terms and structure
- Help the buyer understand their rights and responsibilities
- Navigate the closing process
6. Document Everything
Keep records of:- Initial contact attempts with referred buyers
- Buyer representation agreements
- Property showings and buyer feedback
- Offers submitted and negotiation history
- Closing documents and final transaction details
7. Maintain Your Broker Relationship
- Work under your broker’s license and supervision
- Ensure your broker is aware of and approves your referral arrangements
- Follow your broker’s commission policies and procedures
- Report referral income and transactions to your broker as required
Your broker is your partner in referrals. Keep them informed of OwnerFi referrals and any commission splits or arrangements.
What OwnerFi Does NOT Do
Clear expectations protect everyone. Here’s what OwnerFi is NOT responsible for:We Don't Negotiate Deals
You handle all buyer representation and deal negotiation. We just make the introduction.
We Don't Close Transactions
Closing coordinators, title companies, and attorneys handle closing. We’re not involved.
We Don't Guarantee Buyer Quality
While we qualify leads, buyer seriousness and creditworthiness are verified during your representation.
We Don't Verify Property Accuracy
Property data comes from third-party sources. You verify property details and availability with sellers.
TCPA Compliance & Your Indemnification
What You Must Know
When you accept referrals from OwnerFi, you agree that:- All communications with referred buyers are your sole responsibility. You are liable for TCPA and telemarketing compliance.
- OwnerFi is not liable for your communications. Any fines, penalties, or claims arising from your calls, texts, emails, or voicemails are your responsibility.
- You indemnify OwnerFi – meaning if you’re sued or fined for TCPA violations, you defend OwnerFi and cover any resulting costs.
Why This Matters
TCPA violations can result in:- Fines up to 1,500 per call/text (class action potential = millions)
- State attorney general complaints
- Regulatory suspensions
- Reputational damage
When You Get Paid
Deal Closes = You Get Paid
Payment happens after closing when:- Purchase agreement is signed by both parties
- Property deed is recorded with the county
- Transaction is officially complete
Payment Timeline
- OwnerFi receives referral fee notice from the brokerage (typically within 5–10 days of closing)
- Your commission is processed through your brokerage’s normal commission split
- Payment to you depends on your broker’s payment schedule (typically 24–72 hours after brokerage receives funds)
What If Deal Doesn’t Close?
If the buyer abandons the deal, financing falls through, or transaction terminates:- No referral fee is paid. You only pay when you close.
- No obligation. You’re not charged for unsuccessful referrals.
This is different from flat-fee lead services. With OwnerFi, unsuccessful leads cost you nothing—only closed deals generate fees.
Buyer Lead Agreement & Representation
What Buyers Authorize
When buyers create a profile on OwnerFi, they authorize:- OwnerFi to share their contact info with licensed real estate agents
- Agents to contact them via phone, email, text, or other means
- Agents to represent them in owner-financed transactions
Your Representation Agreement
You should have a standard buyer representation agreement with each referred buyer. This outlines:- Your role and responsibilities
- Commission and fee structure
- Exclusive vs. non-exclusive representation
- Duration of representation
- Property search parameters
Performance Expectations
OwnerFi doesn’t set sales quotas or minimums, but here’s what successful agents do:Contact Referrals Quickly
- Reach out within 24 hours of receiving the referral
- Multiple contact attempts (phone, email, text)
- Be persistent but professional—follow up 2–3 times before marking as “no contact”
Quality Representation
- Understand owner-financed deal structures
- Help buyers navigate the process professionally
- Educate buyers on risks and protections
- Guide them to use attorneys, inspectors, and title companies
Follow Through to Closing
- Stay involved through the entire transaction
- Coordinate with sellers, title companies, and attorneys
- Keep buyers informed of progress
- Troubleshoot issues that arise
Maintain Compliance
- Honor TCPA and telemarketing laws
- Treat buyers professionally
- Document all interactions
- Report any issues to OwnerFi immediately
Access & Eligibility
Who Can Receive Referrals
- Active licensed real estate agents in participating states
- Agents in good standing with their state real estate commission
- Agents representing OwnerFi buyers in good faith
States Served
OwnerFi currently operates in Texas, Florida, and Georgia with expanding coverage. Check with OwnerFi for the most current list of participating states and agent eligibility.How to Get Started
- Confirm your license is active with your state real estate commission
- Notify your broker that you’ll be receiving OwnerFi referrals
- Complete OwnerFi’s referral agent agreement (simple 1-page form)
- Wait for first referral – OwnerFi will send qualified buyers matching your service area
Suspension & Termination
When OwnerFi May Suspend Access
OwnerFi reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate your access to leads if:- TCPA violations – You contact buyers in violation of telemarketing laws
- Poor performance – Consistent failure to contact or represent referred buyers
- License issues – Your real estate license is suspended or revoked
- Compliance issues – You misrepresent yourself, OwnerFi, or the program
- Broker issues – Your broker requests termination or your broker relationship ends
Dispute Resolution
If you believe your access was terminated unfairly:- Contact OwnerFi support with documentation
- Explain your perspective and provide evidence of compliance
- OwnerFi will review and respond within 5 business days
- Resolution may include reinstatement or appeal of the decision
Suspension is not permanent. If you correct compliance issues, you may request reinstatement.
Next Steps
Ready to start receiving buyer referrals?- Get Started as an OwnerFi Partner Agent – Complete onboarding and receive your first leads
- Understanding Deal Structures for Agents – Learn to advise clients on owner financing options
- Protecting Your Buyers – Guide buyers through safe transaction practices
- TCPA Compliance Guide for Agents – Stay compliant and avoid violations
Support: Questions about referral agreements or how the program works? Email support@ownerfi.ai and we’ll walk you through it.