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What to Know About Mary Blase and the ERA Referral Group

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Mary Blase leads a network of real estate agents focused on ERA (Employee Relocation Assistance) transactions

The ERA Referral Group is a collective of real estate professionals coordinated by Mary Blase, operating across South Carolina and beyond. The group specializes in handling relocations for employees whose companies have contracted relocation services—a distinct segment of the real estate market that requires knowledge of corporate policies, timing constraints, and the paperwork that moves with a transferring employee rather than just a house.

If your employer has arranged relocation support through an ERA provider, or if you are a real estate agent looking to join a network that handles these transactions, understanding how the ERA Referral Group operates will help you know what to expect and who to contact.

Key Takeaways

  • The ERA Referral Group is a network of agents coordinated by Mary Blase who specialize in corporate employee relocations, not standard residential sales.
  • ERA transactions involve a third-party relocation company managing timelines, pricing, and often the sale or purchase of the employee's home.
  • If your company has contracted with an ERA provider, your employer or HR department will direct you to the appropriate agent or process.
  • Real estate agents interested in ERA work can contact the group to learn about joining and the training or certifications required.

How ERA relocation transactions differ from standard real estate sales

An ERA transaction is not a typical buy-or-sell situation. When a company relocates an employee, the relocation company—not the employee or agent—often controls key decisions: the timeline for listing, the acceptable price range, whether the company will buy the home directly if it does not sell, and how much the employee can spend on the new purchase. The agent's role is to navigate these corporate constraints while still serving the employee's actual housing needs.

This means ERA agents must understand corporate relocation policies, communicate regularly with the relocation company's case manager, and manage expectations when a company's rules conflict with what the employee wants. It also means the agent is usually paid through the relocation company, not directly by the buyer or seller, which changes how negotiations work.

When you might work with an ERA agent

Your employer will tell you if relocation services are part of your transfer package. If they are, your HR or mobility department will either give you a list of agents in your destination area or direct you to contact the relocation company, which will then assign or recommend an agent. You do not search for an ERA agent on your own; the system routes you to one.

In South Carolina, if the ERA Referral Group is your company's network, you will be directed to an agent within that group who covers your destination city or county. That agent will then walk you through the process: selling your current home (if needed), finding a new one, and coordinating with the relocation company on timelines and budgets.

What real estate agents should know about joining the ERA Referral Group

Agents interested in ERA work typically need to meet certain requirements: a current real estate license, experience with residential transactions, and often training specific to relocation services. The ERA Referral Group, like most relocation networks, may require agents to complete orientation or certification before they can accept referrals.

Joining a referral group means you receive leads from the network's corporate clients, but you also agree to follow the group's standards and procedures. This can be a steady source of business, especially in areas with significant corporate relocations, but it requires understanding that the relocation company—not the employee—is often your primary contact and decision-maker.

How to contact Mary Blase or the ERA Referral Group

If you are an employee needing relocation services, contact your employer's HR or mobility department first. They will direct you to the ERA Referral Group or provide you with the relocation company's contact information.

If you are a real estate agent interested in joining the network or learning more about ERA transactions, you can reach out through the group's main office or through Mary Blase directly. Most relocation networks maintain websites or contact pages that list how agents can inquire about membership or training.

Understanding the timeline and process

ERA relocations typically follow a structured timeline set by the relocation company. Your current home may need to list within a certain window; the sale must close by a target date; and your new home purchase must align with your start date at the new job. The agent coordinates all three, which means flexibility on your part—and on the agent's part—is essential.

The relocation company usually covers certain costs: the real estate commissions, appraisals, inspections, and sometimes closing costs or temporary housing. What it does not cover varies by company and by the employee's level. Your agent will explain what your specific relocation package includes and what you are responsible for.

Why relocation networks matter in South Carolina's real estate market

South Carolina has seen steady corporate growth, particularly in the Upstate around Greenville and Spartanburg, and along the coastal regions. Companies relocating employees to these areas need agents who understand both the local market and the constraints of corporate relocation. The ERA Referral Group fills that role by maintaining a network of trained agents across the state who can handle these specialized transactions.

For employees, this means you have an agent who knows the relocation process inside and out. For agents, it means access to a consistent stream of referrals from corporate clients. For companies, it means their relocating employees get professional, experienced service without having to search for it themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use an agent from the ERA Referral Group if my company uses ERA?

Your relocation company will typically direct you to an agent within their network, which may include the ERA Referral Group. You can ask your HR department or relocation case manager if you have options or if you can use your own agent, but most corporate relocation programs require you to use an agent from their approved network.

What if I am relocating to a part of South Carolina where the ERA Referral Group does not have an agent?

The relocation company will either connect you with an agent in a nearby area who covers your destination, or they will refer you to a different network. Your relocation case manager will let you know who serves your specific location.

How much does it cost to work with an ERA agent?

You do not pay the agent directly. The relocation company pays the agent's commission and covers most relocation-related costs as part of your benefits package. Your relocation case manager will explain what is covered under your specific plan.

Can I contact Mary Blase directly if I have questions about my relocation?

Mary Blase coordinates the network, but your day-to-day contact will be the agent assigned to your case. If you have concerns about your agent or the service you are receiving, you can escalate through your relocation company or ask for the group's main office contact.

What should I look for in an ERA agent?

Look for an agent who responds quickly, understands your relocation company's policies, communicates regularly with your case manager, and takes time to understand your housing needs—not just the company's timeline. Experience with relocations in your destination area is also valuable.