Questions to ask before letting an agent represent you

You've found a property that interests you. An agent has offered to represent you, or you're considering asking one to. Before you hand over your authority—which, in effect, you are doing when you engage representation—you need to know who you're really hiring and whether they'll actually prioritise your interests when the pressure comes on. The best way to find out is to ask direct questions and listen carefully to how they answer.

The questions that reveal their priorities

Start by asking: "How do you manage situations where your interests might conflict with mine?" A candid agent will acknowledge that such situations exist. They earn commission only when the deal closes, and at certain prices. You win by buying low or selling high. Those aren't the same thing. A good answer sounds like this: "I keep that in mind. If I ever suspect I'm steering you toward something that suits my pocket over your outcome, I say so. I'd rather lose a commission than your trust." An evasive answer—"My incentives and yours are always aligned" or "I always put my clients first"—should make you pause. No one's incentives are always aligned with a client's; the claim suggests the agent hasn't thought it through or doesn't want to.

Ask next: "Can you walk me through a time when you advised a client against a deal you could have closed?" Listen for a specific, believable story. Not every agent will have one ready—that's fine—but their reaction tells you something. If they look confused or defensive, they may not have experience prioritising your interests over the sale. If they describe a situation thoughtfully, acknowledging what made it hard to step back from the commission, they've done the internal work.

Then ask: "If I disagree with your advice about an offer or a price, how do we handle that?" You want to hear that they'll explain their reasoning clearly, answer your questions without irritation, and ultimately let you decide. Red flags include "I've done hundreds of deals, so trust me" or "If you don't listen, I can't represent you effectively." A good agent respects that it's your money and your life. They advise; you choose.

Push on specifics: "How will you keep me informed about other offers, feedback, or market changes that affect my decision?" The answer should name concrete touchpoints—daily messages, weekly calls, or triggered updates when something material shifts. Vague promises to "keep in touch" aren't enough. You need to know you won't be blindsided.

Verifying their track record and standing

Ask for references, but phrase it carefully: "Can I speak to two or three past clients—ideally one whose deal fell through or who didn't take the agent's top recommendation?" References who always say yes are less useful. Someone who resisted the agent's advice but felt heard tells you something real.

Confirm their credentials directly. Ask: "What professional body are you registered with, and can I verify that registration?" Write down their answer and check it yourself. Ask too: "Have you ever been subject to a complaint, and if so, how was it resolved?" An agent who's had a complaint and learned from it isn't necessarily a red flag—but one who won't answer or gets defensive should concern you.

Finally, ask: "If this deal falls apart, are you still my agent, or does our relationship end?" Some agents treat engagement as deal-specific; others as ongoing. Know which applies. And ask what happens if the deal stalls: "Will you push me to lower my ask or accept less favourable terms just to move things forward?" The right answer is no—unless you decide that's what you want.

These conversations aren't confrontational. They're screening. You're not accusing anyone of wrongdoing; you're deciding whether to trust them with a decision that affects your finances and peace of mind. An agent who answers openly, without irritation or spin, is showing you how they'll behave when the stakes rise. That's worth more than any sales pitch. When you're ready to find the right agent for your situation, Strove's verified providers make it straightforward to compare credentials, read reviews, and connect with those who've been vetted for professionalism.