How to Build a Scalable Realtor Referral Network as a Loan Officer Featuring Brandon Barnum, Author of Raving Referrals

Why Realtor Referrals Are Still the #1 Growth Strategy

The top loan officers in the country, including those ranked in the Scotsman Guide Top 100, all have one thing in common: they have built systems to generate consistent referrals from their database and real estate agents.

Brandon, a former LO himself, has created a plug-and-play system that empowers mortgage professionals to host referral marketing trainings for realtors, positioning themselves as the expert and adding massive value.

“When you’re the one with the mic in the room, you become the authority. And when you teach realtors how to grow their business, they naturally send business back to you.” – Brandon Barnum

3 Key Strategies to Generate Realtor Referrals at Scale

1. Fill Rooms with Realtors Using Strategic Partnerships

Stop going one-to-one and start going one-to-many. Brandon teaches loan officers how to partner with:

• Title companies

• Home inspectors

• Insurance agents

• Real estate schools and associations

These professionals are already engaging with realtors and are eager to co-host events that add value.

2. Teach the “Trusted Team” System

Realtors work with a wide range of vendors — from attorneys to HVAC pros — but most haven’t formalized referral partnerships. Brandon’s “Trusted Team Blueprint” teaches real estate agents how to:

• Turn vendors into partners

• Host monthly trusted team meetups

• Build referral alliances with mutual benefit

By teaching this system, loan officers position themselves as the leader in the network.

3. Scale Through Training and Technology

Loan officers who become certified trainers through the HOA.com system receive:

• Proven presentation slides

• Marketing materials to fill rooms

• Templates, referral blueprints, and follow-up tools

Plus, every presentation includes QR code surveys that generate new class invitations and referral leads from attendees.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Loan officers using this system report:

✅ Events that pay for themselves in 60 days or less
✅ 1.1 new realtor introductions per attendee
✅ A 9.5/10 average rating from real estate agents

Even better? These events often lead to new co-marketing opportunities, deeper relationships, and multiple classes booked from a single session.

Ready to Grow Your Realtor Referral Network?

If you’re tired of chasing leads and want to build a referral engine that runs on autopilot, this system is your next step.

👉 Watch the full podcast episode here: Loan Officer CRM Podcast – Brandon Barnum Interview

🔗 Learn more about Brandon’s certified trainer program: ReferralChampion.com/Trainer