Transforming Real Estate: The Power of Pro-Insight and Referral Networks

Finding high-quality referrals is one of the biggest challenges in real estate. Agents spend years building networks, yet many find themselves giving out more referrals than they receive. A sustainable, referral-driven business model is essential for long-term success.

That’s why I was excited to sit down with Justin Stoddart, co-founder of ProInsight, on this episode of the REalizations Podcast.

Justin, a business development and real estate expert, provides insights on effectively leveraging connections for real estate professionals.

If you’re looking for smarter ways to grow your business and increase valuable referrals, this conversation is for you.

You can watch the entire podcast episode here:

What is ProInsight and How Does It Differ from Traditional Referral Networks

ProInsight is a digital platform designed to connect professionals and generate high-quality referrals.

It’s not just for real estate agents—it’s for all professionals who serve property owners, from attorneys and lenders to tax professionals and contractors. It can be a game-changer for many agents, ensuring their clients receive expert financial guidance alongside real estate support.

Unlike traditional referral companies that take a 30-40% cut from transactions, ProInsight operates on an annual membership model. Real estate agents keep 100% of their commission, ensuring authentic and valuable referrals instead of a pay-to-play system.

It is designed for B2B referrals across multiple industries. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Multi-Industry Referrals: ProInsight isn’t just real estate agents referring other agents. It connects agents with 38 types of professionals who regularly interact with homeowners.

• Reciprocal Referrals: Many agents give out referrals but rarely receive them. ProInsight fixes this by ensuring that all professionals in the network benefit.

• No Percentage-Based Fees: Unlike referral companies that take a cut from every deal, ProInsight members keep their earnings and pay only a flat annual membership fee.

How ProInsight Works

Justin shared a step-by-step breakdown of how realtors can use ProInsight to build a strong and profitable referral network:

1. Start with a Real Estate Agent and Lender – Each ProInsight territory begins with a top-producing agent and a trusted lender.

2. Build a Professional Team – These two professionals can invite eight additional experts, including attorneys, tax specialists, property managers, and home service providers.

3. Create a Marketing Strategy – ProInsight designs an 8-page full-color brochure featuring the professionals in the network and mails it to top relocation markets at no cost to members.

4. Generate Quality Referrals – The professionals in the network refer businesses to each other, building sustainable client pipelines without relying on expensive lead-generation platforms.

This structured, territory-based approach ensures that referrals are strategic and valuable rather than random or transactional.

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Referral Systems

As a real estate agent, I know firsthand how lead-generation companies and referral platforms eat into an agent’s earnings. Many people don’t realize how much revenue gets sliced away before we even see a paycheck:

• Brokerage Splits – Many agents give up a portion of their commission to their brokerage.

• Referral Fees – Some lead-generation platforms charge 30-40% referral fees.

• Marketing & Staging Costs – Agents often cover these expenses out of pocket.

By the time an agent closes a sale, they might only be left with half of what the consumer thinks they’re paying them.

ProInsight eliminates referral fees, allowing agents to keep more of their hard-earned money while still benefiting from high-quality referrals. Just as how a US mortgage broker can save clients thousands by finding the best interest rates and terms, ProInsight empowers agents to maximize their earnings by connecting them with a network of trusted professionals.

Why Big Tech is Disrupting Real Estate—And What We Can Do About It

One of the most pressing issues in the real estate industry today is the push by big tech companies to make home buying as easy as ordering shoes online. But Justin and I agree—real estate isn’t a one-click transaction. Large corporations (we all know the one that starts with a Z) have positioned themselves as middlemen, charging high fees and reducing the role of real estate agents. Their goal is to make buying a home as simple as shopping on Amazon. But here’s the problem:

• Real estate transactions are complex and high-stakes—one wrong decision can cost clients tens of thousands of dollars.

• Clients often need expert guidance to navigate mortgages, negotiations, tax implications, and legal requirements.

• By replacing personal relationships with automated systems, big tech companies are reducing the quality of service in real estate.

One effective way to stay informed and gain insights is by listening to real estate podcasts, which can provide valuable perspectives and strategies from industry experts. ProInsight helps protect agents from these disruptions by creating a referral-driven business model that doesn’t depend on tech giants or paid lead generation.

The Future of Real Estate Referrals

My conversation with Justin Stoddart reinforced just how quickly the real estate industry is evolving. Agents must adapt and protect their businesses to thrive in this competitive space. ProInsight offers a refreshing, innovative approach to referral networking—one that keeps professionals in control of their success.

Tune in to the REalizations Podcast

Gain deeper insights into how referrals can transform your real estate business and discover practical strategies for building a robust network that supports your growth and prosperity.

Explore how referrals can enhance your real estate business and learn effective strategies to build a strong network for growth and success.

Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting, embracing a referral-driven model can significantly impact your career. With the right tools and connections, you can navigate the challenges of the industry and emerge as a leader in your market.