Frequently Asked Questions

We're here to help, and you can contact us anytime with questions or to discuss your unique situation. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions, and we'd like to start that off with this one:


Why should I choose Thunderstruck Companies?

Joining Thunderstruck as a referral-only agent is a great choice for many agents. It can be a great source of retirement income for agents transitioning out of the business. It is also a wonderful choice for those who have another career or are moving out of the area. We have also seen agents start as referral-only agents who decide to transition into a traditional brokerage. 


Our broker/owner, Graham Stiles, owns and operates a traditional brokerage in north Texas as well. He has been in the business for over 25 years and has a vast network or commercial and residential agents across the globe to help you with referral business. 


  • What is an LFRO?

    Thunderstruck Companies, LLC is a referral-only brokerage. LFRO stands for Limited Function Referral Office. Simply put, Thunderstruck Companies is licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission to operate, but not to conduct traditional real estate brokerage activities. Instead, our agents refer clients to licensed practitioners and earn a fee for doing so. 

  • Can I / Do I need to join an association of REALTORS®?

    No. Our agents are active licensees, but since they do not conduct brokerage activities, they are not Realtors®.

  • Will I have MLS access?

    No. MLS is not needed for the referral brokerage business. We are not in the business of listing, selling, leasing, renting, managing, counseling, or appraising real property.

  • Does my license need to be active to be affiliated with Thunderstruck Companies?

    No, we can sponsor agents in inactive status who are working to reactivate their license, however an active license is required to place referrals and to receive compensation.

  • What legal/licensing requirements do I need to meet?

    Agents sponsored by Thunderstruck Companies must maintain an active license status with TREC, and are solely responsible all licensing renewal requirements relating to education, payments, licensing, etc.

  • Can I list or sell property?

    No, agents sponsored by Thunderstruck Companies may not engage in any brokerage activities. We are a referral-only brokerage. 

  • What about buying or selling my own property?

    No. Thunderstruck Companies agents will need to refer themselves to a traditional brokerage to handle any listings or transactions. We are also happy to help transition any of our agents to a traditional brokerage.

  • How do referral fees work?

    You can refer business to any licensee who agrees. Once a transaction closes, Thunderstruck Companies receives the referral fee. We then pay you the fee less 25%. Example: You refer a property to an agent at 30% and their commission from the sale is $15,000. Thunderstruck Companies will be paid $4,500. You will then be paid $3,375. All agents sponsored by Thunderstruck Companies are independent contractors and will receive a 1099.

  • Does this end up costing clients more?

    Not at all. And your contacts are typically more than happy to be referred to vetted agents by a trusted advisor. 

  • How much can I earn?

    There is no limit to earning potential. You can refer friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, etc. globally and earn money by placing them with the best agents in the business! These can be residential or commercial transactions. We encourage our agents to market themselves as a referral agent. 

  • What happens if an agent with Thunderstruck engages in brokerage activities?

    That would be a direct violation of the agent sponsorship agreement with Thunderstruck Companies and would cause the agent's license to immediately be sent back to TREC to be placed in inactive status. Any referral commissions earned will also be sent back to the party who paid them.