What document must be provided to clients before a listing agreement is signed?

The agency disclosure form is a critical document that must be provided to clients prior to the signing of a listing agreement. This form serves to inform clients about the nature of the agency relationship that will be established between the broker and the client. It outlines the responsibilities and duties of the broker, ensuring that clients understand who is representing them and what that representation entails.

By providing this disclosure early in the process, clients are better equipped to make informed decisions about their relationships with real estate professionals. It helps maintain transparency and builds trust, which are vital components of successful client-broker relationships. The form also informs clients about their rights and the potential implications of the agency relationship, including any conflicts of interest.

Other documents, while important in real estate transactions, do not fulfill the same purpose as the agency disclosure form. For example, a sales agreement is typically created after an offer has been made and accepted, while confidentiality agreements pertain to the protection of sensitive information rather than outlining agency responsibilities. Client representation forms may vary in function but do not replace the need for an agency disclosure to ensure that the client understands the broker's role and fiduciary duties upfront.