Why a partnership, not a pitch
Most lenders ask new agents for referrals. We would rather earn them by being useful from your first showing. Our team includes people who have built a real estate business themselves: Erik Michor spent eight years as a Realtor before becoming a Mortgage Loan Originator, and Kerry Yassin is a licensed Florida real estate professional and active investor. They know what a weak preapproval or a silent lender costs an agent.
Behind them is Bart Rice, who has originated Florida mortgages since 2004, and a dedicated pipeline and processing team that keeps files moving.
What the partnership includes
| Support | What you get | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Preapproval with context | A documented review of credit, income, assets, funds to close and payment comfort, not only a maximum amount | Before the first showing |
| Property-level numbers | Estimated payment and cash to close for a specific address, including taxes, insurance, HOA and CDD | Before an offer is written |
| Offer support | A call or note to the listing agent confirming the buyer’s financing strength | When your offer is submitted |
| Milestone updates | Updates at contract, appraisal, underwriting, conditional approval and clear to close, without sharing private borrower details | From contract to closing |
| A second look | Review of buyers another lender declined, including self-employed and investor scenarios | Any time a buyer hears “no” |
| Open house and workshop support | Property-specific financing sheets and co-hosted buyer education, with costs shared fairly | When you plan an event |
| Long-term nurturing | Readiness plans for buyers who are 6 to 12 months out, with updates when they hit a milestone | When a buyer says “not yet” |
Your first 90 days
- Week 1: Intro call or coffee. Your goals, your market and how you like to communicate.
- Weeks 2–3: Build the pipeline. Identify renters and likely movers in your sphere and offer them a no-pressure readiness review.
- Weeks 4–6: Run real numbers. Send addresses before offers. Learn how insurance, HOA and CDD change the payment in your area.
- Weeks 7–9: Your first contract together. Agree on milestone updates and how to communicate with the listing agent.
- Weeks 10–12: Plan the next quarter. Review your pipeline, schedule an open house or workshop and set up nurturing for future buyers.
Every step is optional. Use what helps you and skip what doesn’t.
Tools to keep handy
- Loan program cheat sheet (PDF): which loan fits which buyer, on one page.
- Contract-to-close checklist (PDF): the financing dates and tasks to track after the Effective Date.
- Realtor toolkit: buyer roadmap, condo document checklist, new construction comparison and seller-concession reference.
- Two-home payment comparison to show buyers the full monthly cost side by side.
- Florida financing contingency timeline and appraisal gap guide.
How we keep it clean
Real estate settlement rules (RESPA) prohibit paying or receiving anything of value for referrals of settlement business. RFG does not pay referral fees, and nothing in this partnership depends on how many clients you send. When we co-host an event or share marketing, each party pays its fair share of the cost. If you are ever unsure whether something is permitted, ask your broker; we will always ask our compliance contacts.
Common questions
Do I have to send every buyer to RFG?
No. Your clients choose their lender. We focus on being useful enough that you are comfortable recommending us when it fits.
What if my buyer already has a lender?
That is fine. We are still glad to answer your general financing questions, and if the buyer wants a second opinion, we will review the scenario.
Will you contact my buyer without me?
We work directly with the borrower on the loan, and we keep you informed at each milestone. Private financial details stay between the borrower and the mortgage team.
Does RFG pay for referrals or leads?
No. Paying for referrals of settlement business is prohibited under RESPA. Shared marketing costs are split in proportion to each party’s use.
Sources and editorial information
Published by The Rice Financial Group. Editorial update: November 10, 2026. How we prepare our resources.
- CFPB: Regulation X §1024.14, prohibition against kickbacks and unearned fees
- CFPB: Get a preapproval letter
- Florida Realtors: Financing contingency defined terms
Educational information, not an approval, rate quote or commitment to lend. Program rules, pricing and availability can change. Confirm the requirements for your borrower, property and transaction with the mortgage team.
Make the information personal.
Tell us what you are planning and where you need clarity. You do not need to be ready to apply to ask a question.
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