Introduction:
When conducting a discovery call with a prospective real estate agent, the goal is to build rapport, assess alignment, and ensure professional integrity. One sensitive but potentially important question is whether the agent has been the subject of any complaints or investigations. Asking this during a discovery call may feel intrusive—but it can be a smart, proactive move. This blog explores when and how to ask about complaints and investigations while maintaining professionalism and trust.
Main Section:
1. Why It Matters to Ask About Complaints or Investigations:
Asking about past complaints can help protect your business, reputation, and clients. If you’re a transaction coordinator, broker, or partnering agent, the agent’s history can affect your workflow, liability, and brand.
2. How to Phrase the Question Professionally:
Avoid sounding accusatory. Instead, use language that emphasizes due diligence:
- “As part of our onboarding, we like to understand if there have been any past issues or complaints, just to ensure we’re a good fit. Has there ever been any disciplinary action or investigation on your license?”
- “Do you currently have a clean license history, or should we be aware of any pending matters that may impact compliance or timelines?”
3. When to Ask the Question:
Timing is crucial. Don’t lead with this. Instead, include it as part of a compliance and operations overview:
- Toward the end of the discovery call, when discussing systems and transaction processes.
- As part of a follow-up questionnaire if you prefer not to ask live.
4. What to Do with the Information:
If the agent discloses past issues:
- Ask for context—some complaints may be unfounded or resolved.
- Consider the risk—does the issue compromise your ability to work together?
- Document the response for your records and align with your compliance standards.
Broker/TC/Real Estate Agent/VC Tips:
- Always prioritize transparency and professionalism when asking sensitive questions.
- Use a standardized checklist or intake form to maintain consistency.
- Cross-reference public records where possible (e.g., state real estate commission websites).
Why It Matters:
Conducting thorough discovery calls is about more than just compatibility—it’s about risk management. Understanding an agent’s track record upfront helps you build more secure, professional relationships.
Detailed Analysis and Insights:
According to many state commissions, real estate complaints are public record. A quick check with the state licensing board (like ADRE in Arizona) can supplement your discovery call due diligence. Integrating this check into your workflow can prevent future legal headaches.
FAQs:
1. Is it legal to ask about complaints during a discovery call? Yes, as long as it’s asked respectfully and not used to discriminate.
2. What if an agent refuses to answer? That’s a red flag. Transparency should be a baseline expectation in partnerships.
3. Where can I verify an agent’s license status or complaints? Use state real estate commission websites like ADREfor Arizona.
Helpful Resources:
- Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)
- Consumer Complaint Lookup – ARELLO
- Rebillion’s Real Estate Blog
Conclusion & Call-to-Action:
Asking about complaints or investigations doesn’t have to be awkward. With professionalism and purpose, it becomes a smart vetting tool. For more tips on building strong agent partnerships, visit Rebillion.ai and explore Rebillion’s Real Estate Blog.
