Questions to ask before you hire a commercial agent in 2027

General information, not tax or legal advice. Talk to your lawyer and accountant before you act. Numbers here are illustrative, not a quote on any property.

Why this still matters in 2027

Commercial deals are slow, detailed and full of quiet conflicts. Before you hire anyone for a 2027 lease or purchase, including me, get clear on whose side they’re on and how you’ll work together. There’s also a longer version of this topic in Before you hire an agent.

Ten questions worth asking

1. Who do you represent on this deal? Get the disclosure of representation in plain language.
2. How do you get paid, and by whom? Tenant rep fees are often paid from the landlord’s side, but you should still understand the number and any dual-agency risk.
3. Will you put competing options side by side on real cost? Face rent alone isn’t enough. Ask about net effective rent and additional rent.
4. How often will I hear from you, and in what form? Weekly written updates beat “I’ll call if something comes up.”
5. What happens if you already know the landlord or listing agent well? Relationships help, and they need daylight.
6. Do you ever act for both sides? If dual agency is possible, ask how conflicts are handled and whether you can decline it.
7. What will you not do? Legal drafting, tax advice and lending decisions belong to other professionals.
8. Can I see a sample offer-to-lease checklist or search memo? Process tells you a lot.
9. Who covers when you’re away? Deals don’t pause for holidays.
10. If you’re not the right fit, will you say so? A good agent refers. See how I think about that on How I work.

Soft red flags

• Pressure to sign an exclusive before you’ve seen how they work.
• Hand-waving on who the client is.
• No interest in your notice deadlines or financial constraints.
• Big promises about “off-market” deals with no method behind them.

What I’d tell a friend

Interview more than one agent. Ask who they work for, how they get paid, and how you’ll get updates. If the answers are fuzzy, keep looking.

Related: questions before you hire, disclosure of representation, agency, why I focus on tenants.

Questions people ask

Who does a commercial agent work for in BC?

It depends on the agreement and the disclosure. An agent may represent the landlord, the tenant, the seller, the buyer, or in limited cases more than one party with proper disclosure. Ask in writing before you share confidential information.

Is the listing agent on my side if I’m the tenant?

Usually not. The listing agent’s client is typically the landlord. You can still deal with them, but you may want your own tenant representation so someone owes duties to you.

What should I ask before hiring an agent in 2027?

Who they represent, how they get paid, how they report, what happens if there’s a conflict, and whether they’ll put the search and the advice in writing. Also ask how they handle dual agency or referrals.