Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Brokerage Firm
Choosing the right partner in your real estate journey—whether you're buying, selling, or investing—can make or break the experience. That’s why selecting from the best property brokerage firms is critical. With so many options available, including traditional models and innovative 100 percent commission brokerages, it’s important to ask the right questions before making a decision.
If you're considering a real estate brokerage in Fort Lauderdale, FL, or anywhere in Florida, this guide will help you vet potential firms effectively. Here are the top 10 questions to ask before hiring a property brokerage firm.
1. What is your commission structure?
Start here. The commission model determines how much of your hard-earned money you keep—or lose. Traditional brokerages may charge 30% to 50% splits, while a 100 percent commission brokerage lets you keep everything, only charging a small flat transaction fee.
Pro Tip: Star Bay Realty agents keep 100% of their commission, no hidden fees.
2. How much local market experience do you have?
Experience in your specific location—like real estate brokerage in Fort Lauderdale, FL—is essential. A firm that understands local pricing, buyer behaviors, and neighborhood trends will help you close faster and smarter.
Ask:
- How long have you operated in this area?
- How many deals have you closed here in the last 12 months?
3. Do you specialize in a certain type of property or client?
Some property brokerage firms specialize in commercial, luxury, or investment properties. Others focus on residential or first-time buyers. Make sure their expertise aligns with your needs.
4. What kind of support do you offer agents and clients?
Whether you're a client or an agent, ongoing support matters. For agents, look for firms that provide transaction management, marketing tools, and access to MLS. For clients, ask about communication practices and response times.
Star Bay Realty offers 7-day-a-week broker support and a full suite of digital tools.
5. Can you explain your marketing strategy?
A modern brokerage should do more than just list a property. Their strategy should include digital advertising, social media campaigns, open houses, and more. Ask for examples of past listings and how they were marketed.
6. What platforms and tools do you use for transactions?
Real estate today is tech-driven. A forward-thinking firm should offer e-signature platforms, mobile access to documents, lead-generation tools, and CRM systems to streamline your experience.
At Star Bay Realty, all agents get access to industry-leading platforms to keep transactions efficient and organized.
7. What are your fees beyond commission splits?
Don’t get blindsided by desk fees, franchise fees, or office supply costs. Transparency is key. Some firms charge hundreds per month just to keep your license active.
With Star Bay Realty, there are NO monthly fees, NO desk fees, and NO surprises.
8. Can I see testimonials or reviews from other clients or agents?
Ask for real feedback. Positive reviews from satisfied clients or successful agents are a green flag. You want to work with a company known for professionalism, responsiveness, and results.
Tip: Also check Google reviews, Facebook, and Zillow for unfiltered opinions.
9. Are there any training or development opportunities?
Even experienced agents benefit from ongoing education. A good brokerage should offer webinars, training calls, or mentorship. For clients, educational resources about the buying/selling process are also a bonus.
10. What makes your brokerage different from others?
This is the big one. Every firm claims to be “the best,” but you want specific differentiators. Do they offer flexible contracts? Are they fully virtual? Are they locally owned? Do they put agent earnings and client results first?
Star Bay Realty stands out by offering 100% commission, full transparency, dedicated support, and freedom to grow your business your way.
Why It All Matters
Hiring a property brokerage firm is more than just picking someone with a license. You're entering a partnership—one that can affect your income, reputation, and results. Whether you're seeking a reliable real estate brokerage in Fort Lauderdale, FL, or evaluating firms across the state, these 10 questions will help you make the right call.
At Star Bay Realty, we’re redefining what a brokerage should be. Our model is built around 100 percent commission brokerage principles, so agents succeed and clients thrive. We empower you with tools, support, and full transparency—no micromanagement, no fees, and no catch.
Ready to Work With a Property Brokerage That Puts You First?
If you’re an agent looking to maximize your earnings or a client seeking expert guidance, it’s time to consider Star Bay Realty.
- Keep 100% of your commission
- No desk or franchise fees
- Full access to MLS, marketing tools, and tech platforms
- Responsive broker support—7 days a week.
- Trusted team serving Fort Lauderdale and all of Florida.