One of the most successful agents in our office is a tremendous introvert.  Doesn't mean you can't be successful.  

The reality of it is this, if she doesn't want to talk to anyone, she's not going to get referral business either.  It's almost more awkward than engaging people in your own business.

I have a referral brokerage for those agents who would rather just give referrals out without incurring the costs of being an active agent with MLS access, etc. Usually these are people retired from real estate, but I do have one agent who is very active. He meets and knows a lot of people and refers them to a "team" in my normal brokerage who are happy to receive his referrals.  It is a win-win for all.

The time it takes to drum up steady referrals can also be used to buy and sell Real Estate. One pays a little and the other pays a lot more...

First of all, let me say that you do not need to be an extrovert to be a successful agent. In fact, some of the most successful agents are introverts. I'm not an extrovert... I just play one on TV... but have been successful for some 28 years.

What's not clear to me about your question is whether she wants to send out referrals or receive referral. Regardless of either, she would still need to be out and about meeting people and developing a data base.

Brian,

I like what Lynnea Miller shared and also what Chris Ann Cleland shared.  Being an introvert does not mean you cannot sell.  A

You've got a couple of great answers here. If you don't want to talk to people then RE is not for you.

She may want to be a virtual/office transaction coordinator if she is shy unless willing to break out of that and become more outgoing. You have to assert yourself and be willing to openly conversate, especially when negotiating, talking about the contracts, effectively communicating when relaying information or if problems arise.

Depends on your sphere! If your wife is that much an introvert, not sure how that will work. Some great agents are introverts, with calm energy that can inspire trust. There's far more money in the list/sale commissions and she may find she is actually good at handling the details and keeping everyone on track! 

Yes.

OF course there is.
I assume you are referring to the practice of agents swapping clients with each other and taking a cut altough they have contributed noting to the tranaction...you know, much like EVERY relocation company.
However, is suggest limiting the reach to just swapping is a bit small minded.
The 'middle-sphere' is the fasted growning segment of the economy. The middle-sphere sucks money out of the economy and creates nothing. And when an industry is overburded with those seeking DFU solutions....the middle-sphere thrives.
There is just a small 'side-step' from the practice of swaping and being a middle-sphere participant. EVERY big enterprise in real estate is leveraging, creating and owning their slice of the middle-sphere.

Like anything else, if you work at it, it can pay off. If she is going to make local referrals, one sale could pay the cost of an active agent's yearly fees.

She would have to network and Lead Generate to make any money

There is money to be made by making referrals.

There is more money to be made in satisfying the needs of buyers and sellers.

Where are the leads that are referred out going to come from?

To be paid, a licensee has to affiliate with a broker.

Would you wife be lead generating for her brokerage?

There are business models which are built around developing leads and selling them to agents.

For health reasons I gave up working with Buyers and refer them out.  I also depend on incoming referals for my listing business but send them out across Canada and the US too.   For the record, I am an extreme Introvert and have found that makes me a better agent, a better listener and then a better problem solver. 

Introverts can be outstanding agents. They can handle sales, listings, rentals or referrals with no problems.

Your wife should join an active office with a supportive manager. Tell her to put a big smile on her face and learn the business.

I wish you and your wife all the best in your endeavors. 

I doubt it will be easy starting out as a referral agent if she's never been involved with real estate business.

Yes, there should be. If she works directly within her core territory or demographic of customers; and refer-out the leads that don't fit within that; the referral element can become a nice increment to the overall business.

yes