> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.generalreferral.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# How to Submit a Referral
> Step-by-step guide to submitting referrals through the General Referral platform
## Quick Start
Submit your referral agreement in minutes through our online portal.
Access the referral submission form
Review example agreement
## Step-by-Step Process
Go to [https://app.generalreferral.com/dashboard](https://app.generalreferral.com/dashboard)
Find the "Submit a Referral" button in your member dashboard
Choose whether you've already selected a receiving agent:
* **Yes** - Proceed to enter agent details
* **No** - Review our guide on [finding a referral partner](/knowledge-base/referral-transactions/who-receives-referral) or let us find an agent for you
Referrals placed by GR are capped at 20% commission.
If you selected "Yes", provide:
* Receiving agent name and contact info
* Receiving manager name and contact info
If the receiving agent and manager are the same person, leave the receiving agent field blank.
Fill in all required information about:
* Client details
* Property location
* Transaction type (buy/sell)
* Referral fee percentage
Review and submit. All parties will receive the agreement for electronic signature.
## Information You'll Need
Before starting, gather the following information:
* Full name(s)
* Contact phone number
* Email address
* Current address
* Property preferences or listing details
* Receiving agent full name
* Agent email address
* Agent phone number
* Brokerage name
* Manager/broker contact info
* Transaction type (purchase/sale)
* Target location/market
* Estimated property value
* Desired timeline
* Negotiated referral fee percentage
## Best Practices
Always agree on the referral fee percentage with the receiving agent before submitting the agreement. [Learn about typical referral fees](https://www.generalreferral.com/blog/referral-fees).
Check with the receiving agent and manager the next business day to ensure they received the SignWell request. Quick follow-up prevents delays.
You'll automatically receive a fully executed copy via email once all parties sign. Save this for your records and for commission disbursement.
After your first referral, we'll invite you to create an account with our payroll provider for direct deposit. This streamlines future payments.
## Managing Your Referral
### After Submission
Once you submit the referral agreement:
1. **Automatic Distribution** - SignWell sends to all parties after General Referral signs it
2. **Track Signatures** - Monitor who has signed
3. **Receive Confirmation** - Get fully executed copy via email
4. **Stay Involved** - Check in periodically on transaction progress
### Need to Make Changes?
If you need to modify an existing referral agreement:
Learn how to update or replace an agreement
## Signed on Paper? Upload the Agreement
Most agreements are signed electronically through SignWell. But if the receiving parties printed the agreement and signed it **on paper**, you can upload a scan of the signed copy instead of waiting for electronic signatures.
This option is only available **after** General Referral has signed and the agreement is out for the receiving parties' signatures — that is, while the status shows **"Awaiting Signatures."** You'll find it on the agreement's detail page.
From your dashboard, open the referral that's awaiting signatures.
On the agreement page you'll see a card titled **"Signed on paper instead?"** with an **Upload Signed Agreement** button.
Choose your file and upload it. Accepted formats are **PDF, JPG, or PNG**, up to **10 MB**.
Make sure **every required party** has signed the copy you upload — both the receiving agent and the receiving broker/manager. General Referral can't complete the agreement if a signature is missing.
Once uploaded, the status changes to **"Signed Agreement Received."** General Referral reviews the scan to confirm the signatures, then marks the agreement complete. **You'll get an email with the fully executed copy when it's done.**
Uploaded the wrong file, or have a clearer scan? While the agreement is being verified, use **Replace Upload** on the same card to swap in a better copy.
## Common Questions
Yes. Once General Referral has signed and the agreement is awaiting the receiving parties' signatures, open the agreement and use the **"Signed on paper instead?"** card to upload a scan (PDF, JPG, or PNG). We'll verify the signatures and complete the agreement — you don't need to collect electronic signatures too. See [Signed on Paper?](#signed-on-paper-upload-the-agreement) above.
For unique referral structures, [contact our support team](https://app.generalreferral.com/members) for assistance with custom agreements.
Most agreements are fully executed within 24-48 hours. Follow up if you don't receive confirmation within this timeframe. Note that agreements expire after 30 days if not fully signed. If your agreement expires, you'll need to submit a new one.
Yes, but each referral requires a separate agreement. Submit them one at a time through the portal.
Send them [this W9 form](https://app.generalreferral.com/api/documents/w-9) and copy us at [support@generalreferral.com](mailto:support@generalreferral.com).
## Next Steps
After submitting your referral:
Monitor transaction progress
Learn about getting paid
**Pro Tip:** Build strong relationships with a few reliable agents in different markets. This makes the referral process smoother and increases your success rate.