Realay, a Michigan-based real estate referral platform, has launched a mobile application that brings voice-activated AI technology to referral management for independent brokers and agents nationwide. The app, available on the App Store, allows professionals to capture referral details through spoken commands instead of typing, addressing the challenge of managing opportunities during busy moments like driving between showings.
The platform first gained traction by solving a specific problem for independent brokerages: competing with national franchises for out-of-market referrals. While large brokerages like Coldwell Banker can easily connect clients with sister offices across the country, independent brokers traditionally relied on informal networks like Facebook groups. Realay built a vetted network of independent brokers across all 50 states with a bidirectional communication system that eliminated what founder John LeRoy calls the "black hole" problem where referrals disappear without updates.
"We've taken everything that made our platform successful and made it accessible anywhere, anytime," said LeRoy. "Agents no longer need to be tied to their desktops to capture opportunities. The voice activation feature means agents can make referrals as naturally as having a conversation." The mobile app integrates OpenAI technology to power its voice commands, making the platform's existing referral tracking system available through hands-free operation.
The platform's newest feature expands beyond agent-to-agent referrals to address another industry challenge: managing contractor networks. Real estate transactions consistently require service providers like painters, plumbers, electricians, and locksmiths. Realay now allows brokers to organize their preferred contractor networks within the platform, accessible through the mobile app via voice command. Contractors join through broker invitations and pay a subscription fee, creating a new revenue stream for brokerages.
"Every real estate transaction involves contractor services at some point," LeRoy added. "We're streamlining those connections and helping agents provide even more value to their clients while creating new revenue opportunities for brokerages." The platform operates on a pay-at-closing model where Realay receives 5% of the referral commission while the originating agent receives their standard 25% referral fee, with no upfront costs or monthly subscriptions.
Julie Capron, broker-owner of The Collective Home Group in Buchanan, Michigan, explained how the platform changed her workflow after managing high volumes of referrals through spreadsheets. Realay reports that 81% of referrals on its platform are currently engaged, meaning the receiving agent is actively working with the client. This conversion rate significantly exceeds typical lead generation services where rates hover around 1-2%.
Ann Filippis, Realay's Operations Director, explained the company's approach: "We don't just match referrals algorithmically and hope for the best. Our team reaches out to receiving agents to confirm they're available and ready to work with the client. If an agent is on vacation or dealing with a family emergency, we find someone else. That white-glove approach is what keeps our engagement rates high." The Realay mobile app is available for download on the App Store, with Android support coming soon. Brokers and agents can register at https://realay.com to join the platform's growing network.
