At what point must an agent present a broker disclosure during their initial meeting?

The requirement for an agent to present a broker disclosure during their initial meeting is crucial for compliance with Massachusetts real estate laws, which prioritize transparency and informed consent in agent-client relationships. By presenting the broker disclosure before discussing any real estate, the agent ensures that the client is fully aware of the nature of the agency relationship and the responsibilities of both parties. This timing allows the potential client to make an informed decision about representation and sets a professional tone for the interaction.

Presenting this disclosure at the beginning of the conversation reinforces the importance of understanding the agent's role, whether as a seller's agent, buyer's agent, or dual agent, and establishes the legal framework for the forthcoming discussions, which might involve sensitive information or decisions. This proactive approach helps protect both the client and the agent throughout the real estate transaction process.

In other contexts, such as discussions surrounding the signing of the contract, at the closing, or when presenting a property, the opportunity to address the client's understanding of the agency relationship may already be too late, potentially leading to misunderstandings or disputes later on.