Referral fees are one-fer unless otherwise agreed upon.  The agent is a loser douchebag and totally out of line. 

That is an agent who is 3rd rate and broke... and will continue to be... ref is for one time and for a limited time.. a few weeks to a few months...depending if they drop out and then come back. but one transaction only

Paul, My expectation is the first transaction (or perhaps two if it was sent as a sell/buy set), but any business years later?  That was earned based on MY performance, not by the referring agent continuing to tout me.  As far as a time limit, I think our brokerage's form doesn't have a time frame specified, so I'd go with "as long as it takes".

No, I think a one time fee is acceptable. After you've worked with the client and they choose to use you again, that's due to your work. It has nothing to do with the referring agent. 

Just wow that they expected more 5 years later.  I have paid for multiple purchases when an investor was referred to me, but it was clearly spelled out in the referral we negotiated.  It was all purchases for a period of 24 months.

Trying the old "Squeeze Play" with you!  Pound Sand comes to mind!!!

I do not put a time limit on a referral I receive.  Sometimes it takes a while to find them the right home.  However, I would not pay multiple fees everytime the bought and sold in the future.  Two different deals.

It's a 1-time thing unless otherwise specified. And I spell out if it is buy, or sell

1 time, 1 transaction unless otherwise agreed. And make sure it is clearly outlined on the agreement.

What did the referral form that was signed by the agents and the brokers state?

If this event wasn't "covered" - send her a coupon for a class in contract writing??!! 

What a dope that other agent is.  Referral is for a one time only transaction.  the rest of my thought I'll hold in reserve as they are not suitable in this forum..

I am fairly strict on my acceptance level and all of these questions are discussed with the referring agent prior to that. Beyond that the customer interview will be the deciding factor. Where they are and where they want to be in their new market can be discouraging to many. The "forever referral" is not in my repetoire Paul! 

I like things in writing.

Good morning Paul. Unless otherwise agreed upon, I would pay a referral as a one time thing, but no time limit.

Only for that single transaction, unless you agreed on ''forever'' in advance. 

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington good question.

Usually, I think referrals should not expire - at least for the first transaction. Never had multiple transactions through a referral from another agent, yet.

I reblogged Kathleen Daniels 's post where she did not even receive referral fees for the first transaction as too much time passed as per referred agent. Not right for sure.

At the time they are referred. It may take a few weeks to a month. After you closed the deal I would think the future, 5 years or so... would be because they liked you. 

Hmmm . . .  my thought is that, that was a '1 time' Referral Fee.  You would have had to work together for her to 'earn' another '1 time' Referral Fee.  That seems so wrong on her part . . .  she would get compensation for doing 'what' this second time??  Just my .02 cents Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington!! 

Pretty much one sale only. I have done a few extensions on investors.

I never did before but going to now

Boy!  This is a tough one.  I remember an old broker telling me that a referral fee was owed only on the first transaction.  But if I felt that the referee had a close connection with that first agent, I might offer to send them something. 

The subject has actually never come up for me. Our referral agreements are written for a specific transaction. I don't believe you "owe" forever and I don't believe I'm "owed" forever.

Our referrals don't have an end date and they are for one deal. If the buyer or seller wants to work with me a second (or third) time, they want to work with me because I did a great job the first time. 

You done good.  I would have done the same.

 Good morning Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington . As an ancillary service provider, I can never take anything for granted.

One & done with me. I have sent fees to agents that forgot they referred me; I'm ethical that way. But all future business is a result of my efforts, not the original referring agent. That agent was out of line for wanting more.

I have not thought of it and do not expect referral fees after the first transaction.

I depends on your agreement with the other agent.

One sale, or no go!~

One and done unless there are unusual circumstances!

This should all be worked out when sending a referral

We get multiple referrals from our past clients.  it is good forever.

Tough to enforce forever.

Paul - I would not expect a referral fee four years later? My opinion is that the referral would be for that first particular transaction, unless otherwise stated.

No time limit on the initial sale but one sale only

Unless in writing otherwise, I think the referal is a point in time deal.  It is for introducing the client to the agent.  Subsequent transactions are based upon your service to the client and should not be subject to a referral fee.  Maybe a thank you card and a small gift, but no fee.

Paul,

You only get paid a referral fee, once...A

Yes, usually 12 months and good for all sales in that period only.

that referral was a one shot deal....it's not perpetual care like the cemetery.... 

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington A referral is only good for the one transaction unless there is a prior agreement in place to share all referrals. Looks like you may have to add a one transaction statement in your referral agreement to make it clear.