NIREIN Referral Network

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?

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

Can I Work for My Current Managing Broker While I Have My License On Hold With NIREIN?

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

Do I Still Have to Pay CAR 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 CAR, 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 Managing Broker?

The process is the same as with any managing broker. Upon request, your sponsorship will be terminated in the IDFPR portal and a screenshot will be emailed to you. Please email membership@chicagorealtor.com to request the release of sponsorship.

How Do I Join NIREIN?

If You Are Already licensed and Wish to transfer Sponsorship to NIREIN:

In order to join NIREIN, upload the following items to Chicagorealtor.com/upload.

1. Download, complete and sign the NIREIN Application Package Here. Complete all pages, including the W9.
2. Include signed-off license or proof of license termination from the online IDFPR portal. If your license status is Inoperative or Inactive, include a print screen/PDF of your license look-up on IDFPR.
3. Include your credit card information for appropriate fees (prorated based on join date) shown below:
   • October – December: $90.00
   • January – March: $67.50
   • April – June: $45.00
   • July – September: $22.50
4. Once your NIREIN application is processed, you will receive a welcome email from NIREIN confirming sponsorship and giving you permission to complete the next steps with IDFPR. Be prepared to complete your IDFPR license transfer online and submit payment to IDFPR for appropriate fees – if you have a license number with IDFPR and you are in good standing, the cost is $35 to transfer your license. You will receive instructions in your Welcome email on how to transfer your license with IDFPR once your application is processed.

Application packages that do not include all of the above items from steps 1-3 will not be processed.

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

If You Are Applying For Your License:

In order to join NIREIN, upload the following items to Chicagorealtor.com/upload.

1. Download, complete and sign the NIREIN Application Package Here. Complete all pages, including the W9.
2. Include AMP Exam Scorecard for both your State Exam and National Exam
3. Include pre-licensing course transcripts.
4. Include credit card information for appropriate fees (prorated based on join date) shown below:
   • October – December: $90.00
   • January – March: $67.50
   • April – June: $45.00
   • July – September: $22.50
5. Once your NIREIN application is processed, you will receive a welcome email from NIREIN confirming sponsorship and giving you permission to complete the next steps with IDFPR. Be prepared to complete your IDFPR online license application and submit payment to IDFPR for appropriate fees – if you are applying for a new license the cost is $150 to IDFPR. You will receive instructions in your Welcome email on how to complete your IDFPR online license application.

Application packages that do not include all of the above items from steps 1-4 will not be processed.

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

430 N Michigan Ave
Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60611