When must a licensee provide a written agency disclosure form to a buyer-customer?

A licensee is required to provide a written agency disclosure form to a buyer-customer prior to negotiations. This requirement is crucial because it ensures that the buyer understands the nature of the agency relationship before any substantive discussions or negotiations take place regarding a property.

By providing this disclosure early in the process, the buyer can make informed decisions based on the relationship dynamics, helping to avoid any potential conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency. The agency disclosure fosters trust between the licensee and the buyer, setting clear expectations about the services being offered and the obligations involved.

This requirement typically does not hinge on events like the time of closing, after an offer is made, or contingent upon the buyer providing identification. Such instances occur later in the transaction process and do not align with the regulatory purpose of the disclosure, which is to inform the buyer upfront.