Start with identity and registration. Confirm the individual, agency, contact information, states served and any required registrations through authoritative sources. Ask for relevant experience and references, recognizing that references selected by the agent may not be independent.
Understand who will solicit opportunities, negotiate, manage deliverables and communicate with the school. Request a written explanation of commissions, retainers, expenses, referral compensation and relationships with other professionals.
Compare the presentation to the representation agreement. Pay attention to exclusivity, duration, automatic renewal, termination, post-termination commissions and authority to act. Paid directory placement should never be treated as an endorsement.
