Illinois Real Estate License Holding Company

What's Included with NextPath Realty

Compare that to a traditional brokerage where MLS dues alone can run $800–$1,500 per year, plus NAR® membership, local board fees, and monthly office costs. For an agent who isn’t actively selling, those fees add up to thousands of dollars a year for very little return. 

Is an Illinois License Holding Company Right for You?

Career Changers

You left real estate but want to keep your license active in case an opportunity comes up.

Dual-Career Agents

You work full-time in another field and only do occasional referrals on the side.

New Licensees

You passed your exam but aren’t ready to commit to a traditional brokerage.

Retiring Brokers

You’re winding down your career but want to stay licensed for the occasional referral.

Between Brokerages

You’re in transition and need a low-cost place to park your license while you decide.

If you hold an Illinois real estate license but aren’t actively selling, a license holding company keeps your license active — without the cost and overhead of a traditional brokerage.

How to Join

Step 1

Complete your Application
Fill out our quick online application form. It takes about five minutes. Make sure to review the policies and procedures before signing so you know what you can and can’t do as a referral agent.
 

Step 2

Submit Payment Securely
Payments are submitted securely through Stripe, our third-party payment processor. Stripe encrypts your payment information and handles the transaction using industry-standard security measures.
 

Step 3

Transfer your License to Us
Transfer your license to us through the IDFPR portal using our guide. We’ll walk you through each step along the way. If you have questions at any point, we’re here to help.
 

Step 4

Submit your Referrals and Earn
Submit your referrals using our simple online form. We will handle getting signed agreements and getting you paid.
 

Common Questions

How long does it usually take?
The application process can be completed in about 5 minutes. Transfers are usually accepted by us the same day they are initiated and processed by the state within 24 hours.

Are there any additional fees besides $95 a year?
We charge no additional fees to hold your license. The state charges a nominal fee, currently $35, to transfer your license to us. You will still be responsible for all CE and renewal fees.

How soon can I start submitting referrals?
You can start sending us referrals as soon as you join. We can’t pay out any referral fees until your license is transferred to us and active.

How quickly do I get paid?
Referrals are paid out via direct deposit on the Friday after the payment received clears our account.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

What our Brokers are Saying

George Krizanovic
February 9, 2026

Easy and quick to sign up.

An Illinois Broker
February 14, 2026

My experience with NextPath has been nothing but professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. It is nice to know my license is safe and usable when the opportunity presents.

Monica Aberle
February 11, 2026

David is so helpful and responds very quickly whenever questions come up. Easy to work with and regularly communicates about keeping license active/renewed/etc.—highly recommend!

Casi Beckemeyer
February 11, 2026

Very friendly and helpful

An Illinois Broker
March 5, 2026

I recently joined your company and so far I am very pleased. You made the transition very seamless and easy. Grateful for your help. Thanks a lot!

Chip Eberhart
February 9, 2026

Amazing brokerage and David is an incredibly helpful managing broker with fast, efficient and thorough communication as well as accounting

Frequently Asked Questions

The fee to join our holding company as a referral agent is $95 a year, one of the cheapest in the industry. Membership renews annually on your anniversary date. 

No. As a referral only agent with our company you are only allowed to refer buyers and sellers to other agents of your choosing.

Yes, you are still a real estate broker in the State of Illinois and will have to meet the CE requirements necessary to keep your license active.

Yes, you can refer to any broker of your choosing, including those from out of state as allowed by state statute. We have not found any jurisdictions where a referral is not allowed to this point.

Additional Questions?

If you’re not seeing your question in the FAQ, send me a note using the form. I’m happy to help.