Selective by design — and transparent from day one.

Families trust our recommendation because we don't let just anyone into the network. Here's exactly how we vet every partner, what you'll be asked to do, and how long each step takes.

Start Your Application See the steps

4 stages

Pre-screen · interview · references · background check

~2 weeks

Typical time from apply to approved

1 business day

We respond to every application

The process

What to expect, step by step.

Every candidate completes all four stages before approval. Nothing is a mystery — you'll always know where you stand and what's next.

You apply

~2 minutes · reply in 1 business day

Complete the online application with your license, service area, and a few references. We review every submission and respond within one business day — no application fee.

Pre-screen

1–2 business days

We confirm your application is complete, verify your license is active and in good standing with the appropriate state regulator, and take a quick look at your online presence and reviews. If everything checks out, we invite you to interview.

Structured interview

30–45 min · Zoom, on your schedule

A friendly but structured conversation with our Operations team about how you work with families — your process, how you handle sensitive situations, and how you'll fit our model. Video on, and recorded for quality and training (you'll consent up front).

Reference checks

A few business days

We speak with recent references (within the last 18 months) to confirm your real-world track record — responsiveness, professionalism, and how you treat clients.

Background check

ESM pays · FCRA-compliant

A third-party, FCRA-compliant screening — criminal (national, county, state, federal), sex-offender registry, civil litigation, identity, and license verification. We cover the cost; you pay nothing. This is what lets families trust everyone we send into their homes.

Decision & onboarding

Decision in 7–10 business days · live in ~14

We make a decision within 7–10 business days of your references and background check clearing. Once approved, we schedule your kickoff call within five business days, set up your CRM access and a short training, and get you ready for your first live referral.

The standard

What we look for — and what you agree to.

What we look for

✓ An active, in-good-standing license
✓ A clean, verifiable track record and references
✓ Genuine care for seniors and their families
✓ Responsiveness and a professional online presence
✓ A families-first approach — not sales-first

What you agree to

✓ Acknowledge new referrals within 24 business hours
✓ Provide brief status updates every two weeks
✓ Work within ESM's industry-leading partner CRM (provided free)
✓ Keep families' privacy and interests first
✓ Stay reachable and follow through to the finish

What it costs to join

Application fee. Applying is free.

Background check — ESM covers it for you.

Referral fee, paid only at closing on referred deals.

Questions

Good to know.

How long does the whole process take?

Most agents go from application to approved in about two weeks, depending on how quickly we can schedule your interview and reach your references. After approval, we set up your onboarding and prepare you for your first live referral.

Who pays for the background check?

We do. Every approved partner is screened through an FCRA-compliant provider at ESM's expense — there's no cost to you.

What does the referral fee look like?

There's nothing upfront and no lead fees. You pay a simple 1% referral fee, and only when a referred deal actually closes. If it doesn't close, you owe nothing.

What happens in the interview?

It's a 30–45 minute Zoom conversation about how you work — your process with families, how you handle sensitive or urgent situations, and how you'll use our system. It's structured, but it's a conversation, not a test to trick you.

Do I have to use your CRM?

Yes — all referrals and updates are tracked in ESM's industry-leading partner CRM so nothing falls through the cracks. Access is included free, and we train you on it during onboarding.

What could disqualify me?

An inactive or disciplined license, or serious findings on the background check — particularly anything involving fraud, financial crimes, or the abuse or exploitation of vulnerable adults. We review every file consistently and fairly.

Ready to join the network?

Applying takes about two minutes, and we respond within one business day.

Apply to Become a Partner