Until.  That's how I operate.

Deb,

I agree with Susan Emo , Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA, Jeff Dowler CRS , Dorie Dillard Richie Alan Naggar , we have to honor those in the profession...A

It should be agreed upon upfront between the referring and recipient agents, and written in the referral agreement. Otherwise, it's until it happens. I have one going on 4 years and I will absolutely pay the referral when it happens. And I agree with Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA  on the date

Dates should be included, but if I receive a referral and the transaction doesn't take place until after the date, I'd absolutely honor the agreement regardless of the date.  To do otherwise seems small, petty and unappreciative to me. 

Anyone that brings me business should be rewarded...

I'm with Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA and Jeff Dowler CRS ..always pay no matter how long it takes!!

I suppose that needs to be agreed upon at the start.

I've never heard of that ever happening....a referral is a referral until the person is closed.... after that, it's new business.... no time limit.... 

Personally, if it's a referral to me, it's evergreen for the person referred. But if you are concerned, I'd put some wording into a contract to indicate so.

I don't think anything is "standard" in this business!

Our referral agreements don't include a date, although of course one can be added. So the way our agreements stand now, the first deal done with that referral pays a referral fee, regardless of how long it takes to close. We wouldn't have ever met that referred person without the referral.

Deb -- I'm not aware of any industry standard and everything in real estate is negotiable and better be in writing(in case "stuff" happens").  

Maximum?  Whatever is agreed.

for me, there is no end to the time that it would be paid or expected

a referral shouldn't expire until the transaction is done.  However I do not believe it applies for repeat business from that client.

Here's how I look at it...I wouldn't have had that client without the referral. I will most certainly honor the referral agreement until the transaction is complete. I have one now that I've been working on for about four years. The referring agent is now retired, but still has her license. I will be paying her a referral fee if the buyer moves here and buys something from me. 

It is in the congtract including how many properties

There is no expiration date on a referral unless one is stated. I've never have one have an 'end date'.

There is no industry standard, but personally, I would honor it as long as it takes.

Deb Kirschbaum i don't think there is an industry standard, but to me a referral should be honored no matter how long it takes to do a transaction.

It might be cleaner to have a date, but if I receive a referral, I will pay it out when the transaction closes, no matter how long that takes. 

I like Susan Emo 's answer. If there is any trepidation on entering into a referral, then either specify the term of the agreement, or do not enter into the agreement at all.

Susan Emo is right - it doesn't expire in my book either!

I would pay the referral fee without looking at the date.

I don't think there is an industry standard and have seen anythng from 6 months to 3 years. I have heard some agents say it has no time limit.

Until, if its a referral then its through that first transaction with the client.

Our referral agreements always include a date, usually 2 years.

Agree with Jeff Dowler CRS and 

Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA 

We can all understand that verbal does nothing for either party. All things must be in writing including referral history.

The referral is payable until paid!

1. No

2. No

3. Yes

Follow the terms of your agreement. If in doubt, pay a referral fee.

Best to spell it out in your agreement.

It is an interesting question and should be asked when you sign that referral agreement. 

I put an expiration on any contract or agreement. 1 year?

When in doubt, put in a date or specify that it's unending.  Whatever you do, get it clear or assume the worst, for your side of the transaction. 

I am not aware of any standards.  This issue should be negotiated between both sides.

Something to be negotiated between the parties involved.

Read Mike & Eve Alexander before you proceed.

Mike & Eve Alexander have an incredible story to tell in this regard.  Maybe they will share it here.