Money and independence

  1. "What is your fee, and is it fixed or a percentage?" Get it in writing, including what triggers the success fee.
  2. "Do you receive anything — commissions, kickbacks, referral fees — from anyone other than me?" The only acceptable answer is no, in writing.
  3. "Do you or any related entity sell property?" Buyers-only agencies have nothing to hedge here.

Licensing and standing

  1. "What is your licence number and which state issued it?" Then check it on the state register — NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, QLD OFT and equivalents all have public lookups.
  2. "Are you a REBAA or PIPA member?" Not mandatory, but membership means audited buyers-only status and a code of conduct.

Capacity and fit

  1. "Who will actually run my brief, and how many active clients do they carry?" Principals win awards; associates do searches. Know who you are getting.
  2. "How many purchases did you settle in my target area in the last year?" Local depth beats national branding.
  3. "What happens if I don''t buy within the engagement period?" Understand extensions, refunds and exits before signing.

Results and process

  1. "Walk me through your last negotiation that failed." Everyone has wins; how they handle losing tells you more.
  2. "How do you decide what a property is worth?" The answer should involve comparable sales analysis you will see in writing — not vibes, not the agent''s guide price.

The bottom line

None of these questions offend a professional — most will be pleased you asked. Hesitation, vagueness or charm in place of answers is itself the answer.