When must the Real Estate Brokerage Services Disclosure Form be provided to a consumer?

The Real Estate Brokerage Services Disclosure Form must be provided to a consumer before disclosing any confidential information because this aligns with the regulatory requirements for transparency in real estate transactions. The purpose of this form is to inform consumers about the agency relationships and the roles that real estate professionals play. By providing this disclosure early in the process, the consumer can make informed decisions regarding their relationship with the real estate agent and understand the duties owed to them.

This form serves to protect both the consumer and the broker by clarifying the nature of the brokerage services provided, establishing what information will be kept confidential, and ensuring there is no misunderstanding about the representation. When agents disclose information, it is crucial that consumers are already aware of their rights and the nature of their engagement with the broker, thereby safeguarding the confidential nature of their discussions.

Providing the disclosure at the closing, during the initial listing agreement, or after the first showing would not fulfill the intent of the law, which emphasizes the need for informed consent before entering into a dialogue that might involve sensitive personal or financial details. Therefore, the correct timing is before any confidential information is shared.