Referral Scope Brief
The investor question that tells a referral agent to bring in a specialist
When the client asks, “Which investment structure should I choose?” the referral agent should stop short of answering outside the agent’s role and build the specialist team.
An agent can help clarify property criteria, location, timing, access, comparable evidence, and the receiving broker’s role. That does not make the agent the client’s CPA, attorney, qualified intermediary, lender, insurance professional, or securities professional.
Use the scope map
| Client question | Primary handoff |
|---|---|
| Which property fits the stated search criteria? | Receiving real-estate broker or agent |
| Will this qualify for Section 1031? | CPA, attorney, and qualified intermediary |
| Should I buy a DST, REIT, partnership interest, or other offering? | Appropriately licensed securities or investment professional, plus tax and legal review |
| How should I finance it? | Licensed lender and tax advisor |
| What coverage is available? | Licensed insurance professional |
| What does the contract or entity document mean? | Attorney |
What belongs in the referral brief
With the client’s consent, include the objective, timeline, target geography, direct-versus-passive question, professionals already engaged, and the next-contact owner.
Keep confidential documents out of ordinary email. Do not send tax returns, government IDs, account numbers, wire instructions, or private-offering documents as part of a routine referral handoff.
Close the loop without overreaching
The receiving agent should confirm contact, clarify the real-estate scope, identify missing specialists, and record the next owner and date. The referring agent needs continuity—not confidential tax or investment details.
Sources and limits
Educational only. Brokerage scope, referral duties, securities rules, tax treatment, and legal obligations are fact-specific and must be reviewed by the appropriate licensed professionals.
Build the right handoff
Start with the real-estate need, identify the receiving agent, and make the missing specialist roles explicit before the referral moves forward.
Do not send confidential documents through ordinary email