Unless you're in negotiations!  He who speaks first, loses.  Too many people feel the need to fill the gap with words.

Why do you ask??

Michael,

Personally, we don't like the "control" concept.  The whole idea in our world is someone is coming to you to buy or have you sell.  You agree to do that, why would you need to CONTROL THEM?  You become a team and get the job done...  If you have to go to that extent, it is time to fire the client in our opinion.  I really resent when someone plays that game, and walk away.  A

I have to agree. Questions can help steer you towards the answers you are looking for obviously.

Many realtors need to shut up & listen.

Nope.   Often the true final word will come from the person who sits back and ponders the information, then leaves you to review it and calls you at a later time to give you their FINAL answer.

A barrage of less-than-meaningful questions can be irritating and counterproductive.

Control of what?
There are those who make their mission in life to fill every void with themselves. These are the controllers we love to be away from.

Then there are those who ask the well crafted, penetrating question that the good listener interprets well. The best questions, the revealing questions, the questions that expose where the vulnerability lies, seldom have real estate at their root but are the catalyst that makes magic happen.

Those who seek to control, create their own foe.

Those who seek to guide, will create those who confide.

Yes I agree to a point. Tread lightly on the "control" aspect. Its a team

Questions have always been one of my secret weapons.  Roy Kelley hit the nail on the head... the right questions need to be asked. And, equally important, is to listen!  You can learn a lot just by being quiet and listening. Knowledge is power.  

I was thinking your question was for our clients, but I ask many questions of buyers prior to starting the search, but after we start looking, I am listening.

Most of the time the person asking the questions is in control. But, they must listen intently at the answers.

Good morning Michael. Absolutely I do, knowing the right questions gets you to where you need to go, much quicker.

 Not necessarily. Many folks ask questions for clarification. The one who has the knowledge is in control.

I am a fan of asking purposeful questions and find them very effective, though I have met many who get this wrong and many of their questions come out as meaningless and manipulative.

Michael J. Perry asking questions is the best approach. More you ask, more you learn about clients and their motivation.

The key is - after asking the question - LISTEN!

I don't seek to be in control of other people.

Not necessarily

Only if "control" is defined as keeping the conversation on track when it starts to digress. Asking too many questions can put people off and make them feel that you do not have a good grasp of what they have said. If you have presented the facts and information properly, the customers should be the ones asking questions.

I hear that said too but I think it is more about listening and getting the person to open up and tell you what you need to know. That can be done by questions or conversation.

I think that is true in most anything.

I don't agree...I want to hear questions from my clients

Overpowering people by deluging them with questions can backfire and drive prospects away by creating a tense atmosphere

Yes, they control the course of the conversation and can control the encounter that way.

I think its the one that is listening is in control.

Who not just asking but listens to answers. Listening is a lost art of communication. 

Not necessarily.

Questions open the door to responses, and give us the opportunity to listen and hear people.  I certainly agree.

Nope, I think the one who's going to pay for services always has the control, regardless of who's speaking. Our biggest / best skill would be listening.

Personally, I'm not a fan of "acceptance checking" or "soft-close" questions. On the receiving end, I can pick them out and they are a huge turn-off (I look for information transfer, and hate "being sold" on a service or item) so I hope to not be asking them as an agent. 

What exactly do you mean???

Michael,

While the person asking questions has a lot of power or influence, the person with the facts has a lot of power as well.

It depends.

not always..... listening is a very strong factor....

Sometimes, too many/too much/too soon is repelling. Balance between asking, watching and listening is key. I asked an agent just for access recently -- got 3rd degree and vague answers to 2 simple Qs. REALLY? And when they lead with "I don't mean to be difficult, but . . . " LMAO! TOO LATE!

yes

The right questions asked to get what is desired and then like Susan Emo says he who speaks last loses.

Realtors need to understand when sellers talk to you they want you to agree on a selling price, commission.  What else realtors say means nothing to others. 

I would agree. Asking the right questions, and not simple yes/no, can put you in the driver's seat

Yes. If the right questions are being asked.