Not all commercial brokers are the same. Before you sign a representation agreement, ask these five questions.

1. What do you specialize in? Office, industrial, retail and investment sales each demand different expertise. 2. Who else are you representing in this market? Watch for conflicts. 3. How do you get paid, and by whom? Understand the fee structure up front. 4. What comparable deals have you closed recently? Recent, relevant transactions matter more than tenure. 5. Who will actually handle my file? Make sure the person you meet is the person doing the work.