Is the process like this?
Sign fee agreement with client, Flat fee Rate of say 2 to 3 bps
Shop Loan
Close
Collect fee from client

I would have to say that would depend on the company used to finance the deal. My company protects brokers in that we would write you into the commitment letter based on a fee agreement between the broker and borrower, and they would get paid directly from loan proceeds. However I ahve worked with some brokers who require their fee to be paid prior to closing and again that is based on your agreement with the borrower.

Hopefully that answers your question.