I recommend getting a good idea of the culture, support, lead generation, adaptation to technology, professional alliances, and expectations of management. If you're new, I recommend you put "support" over "splits" when you prioritize.  100% of nothing = NOTHING

1. What kind of training will you provide me, in exchange for the split?
2. How long do you retain your agents, average and long/short? I SO think that is critical. Happy agents stay, as a rule.
3. Can you help me with my business plan?
4. How available/who is available if I get stuck or have questions? ALSO critical. You don't know anything and SOMEONE needs your back.
5. Can I review your Policies/Procedures Manual?

Many more, but if they flunk out on these keep looking.

Some off the top of my head:

• What are your requirements of agents (weekly staff meetings, use of transaction coordinators, etc.).
• Do you provide any services (transaction coordinator, copies, flyer printing, etc.)
• Do you offer any training/mentoring and what does the program consist of
• What is the agent turnover rate
• Does the brokerage run a flat fee model, a split model, or a combo of both
• If a split model, what is the progression ladder and what are the caps

Think about what things are important to you and write them down.  Ask the broker how he or she would address every item.  For example, most real estate transaction happens during the weekends.  So as a new agent, you probably would want to know how accessible your broker is for questions on the weekends.  Keep in mind that some brokers have a high split and yet they don't provide you much support. 

You can only interview so much but in the end you will join a broker and decide whether you like it there or not.  Don't be afraid to move to another brokerage if you are not happy with the current one.  Also if you are currently employed, do not quit your job.  From observing the first brokerage that I joined, only 20% of new agents stay in the business.

Can I meet my mentor?

as a newly licensed agent, you need training and 24/7 mentoring by a seasoned agent....  ask for both.... don't even think about the commission split unless you have something significant to bring to the table.... i.e., massive SOI, especially local heavy political contacts.... 

How the broker will give you training. 

Tell me about your Training, Coaching, Technology, and Culture. 

LOVE this question. I'm an independent broker who has worked her tail off the past 13 years, through good years and lean years. Then someone with a new license in their pocket comes into my office and pretty much the first thing out of their mouth is about the commission split and what kind of training I'm giving. Here's my answer: go to one of the BIG companies and get training from them; they advertise it, take advantage of it. Maybe at some time in the future, when I've seen you work the market, maybe we can talk again. And, no, I'm not looking for someone "willing to learn". With all the laws, rules and regulations, that's pretty scary, I'd have to monitor you all the time. And why would I want to do that? The franchises have it all worked out, all you have to do is compete with all the others there.

If I were starting out today the 1st thing I would ask is if there is a team with experienced agents on it that I could join Chris Marston . There is no better teacher than experience.

Do your homework.  On the industry as well as the broker/brokerage.  Review the answers provided here and see what fits for you and your situation.  There are many posts that have been written by ActiveRain members that give insight that can give you a feel for questions that will work for you.  

Good luck.

What Candice A. Donofrio said. Training and mentorship is crucial in the beginning.  If possible intereview some other agents in the office AND agents that have left that firm. 

Please see the question asked by @paul s henderson.

questions you ask from the experienced agent to new agent are pretty different, what do they offer, what is covered, marketing, xtra fees- you want the bottom dollar of if you sell X for $500K, what goes in your pocket...good luck

Let's put it this way...A bad question is one that goes unasked

Well, dear Chris. 

Feels like you know the answer.

How do you support your agents? What is the starting split and how offten is it reviewed. What are your requirements? 

Ask about the traing program for the first 60 days, who wil conduct it and if there is a cost involved? Next do you have a mentoring program and how long does it last? By now you should have a feeling for your chemistry with the broker. Good luck!

Ask about support, education, and office fees and commission splits..

It is all about support to me. I want an experienced broker who is available to me so I dont' make too many rookie mistakes. I also want the broker to take an active interest in makinbg sure I don't just make sales I also keep as much as possible. One day you will need it.

Is the managing broker competing for business? If so, move on.

It really depends on what is important to you but I'd ask- What's the commission split? Are there any other fees? Does the Broker list properties? Am I required to attend meetings & do floor time? What kind of training will I receive? Do some research on your own too, on Google.

Ask about training, support and the fees.

Are you willing to take a lie detector test during this interview?

Well the Broker wants to know what you bring which influences what he will bring/offer you. Have your first impression on "10", let your skills bank come out for him to sample and ask questions meaningful to the Brokerage. When he sees you care you will see he cares. Be careful about the "whats in it for me" which lurks in every-ones mind. Bring it up skillfully or let it come-up

Interview the agents who are associated with the brokerge. Find out about training programs offered if you're new.

There are only two questions you need to ask. From the responses you can extrapolate all the information you need. These to question deliver OBJECTIVE measures of the brokerage, not feel good stuff that is subjective.

Of course, you will have in hand your business plan and stats created by following the On The Right Track' guide.

Use the guide to help draw the needed conclusions from these two questions:

1. How many agent, (EVERY LICENSED PERSON) in the brokerage?

2. Total transactions sides for that brokerage in past 12 months.

It matters not a whit what escapes the lips of the broker, but what does matter is the RESULTS.  You know what you need (business plan) and you now know what the broker delivers.

It  is your choice to go with the facts or chase the "We got train'n' nonsense.

Comment added Sept 11.
In this business, many organization exist on the absurdity they can create. One such offer to your question contains a list of 104 questions to ask the broker. ALWAYS be aware where many words exist transgression occurs.

As a new agent your #1 goal in to get involved in transactions. You learn by doing not warming a stool in a train'n room. When you actually have a business THEN you start to process of optimizing income.

Find out about the training and the culture.

You'll need answers for these typical broker's questions first before asking anything.

1 - What made you decide to become a real estate agent?

2 - How much income were you expecting to earn in your first year?

3 - How many hours per week are you willing to invest to accomplish that goal?

Your Questions are contained in this link c/o Keller Williams. It is the most conclusive I could find and know I have no affiliation with them. This is for information purposes only but will certainly satisfy any want or need at this juncture. Best of luck!

SO MANY GOOD ANSWERS,

PAY ATTENTION TO ALL OF THEM...A

Looks like you have some fantastic answers from experienced professionals. It's up to you how to proceeed from here Chris!

What is the worst sanction you have heard of someone receiving. 

What they believe the most important fiduciary responsibility is.

In all honesty, ask open ended questions to them so they do the talking and just listen to them. What are they going to offer you? Training, training, training. Mentoring, support, tools, and follow through on the empty promises they make to sell you in the interview.

They are claim they provide tools and offer leads but you have geerate your own leads on your own 100%.

They all claim they will train you. Unless it is paid mentor program much skills are to be picked up by yourselves.

Suggest you go to open houses and interview agents. The more experienced agents who has been around listen to their suggestions.

Ask about training, support, splits

What is your education schedule, and will you be available when I need you?

"What sort of additional training can you provide to enable me to be successful?"

"Will I be on my own or will I have a mentor whose job it is to help train me?"

How much mentoring will you give me.