When should the nature of an agency relationship be disclosed to the client?

The correct answer is prior to completing a listing agreement because it is essential for the agent to disclose the nature of the agency relationship beforehand. This disclosure ensures that clients are fully informed about how the agent will represent them, their rights, and the obligations the agent has towards them.

Transparency in agency relationships is crucial for building trust and preventing misunderstandings later on. Before entering into a formal agreement, clients need to know whether they will be represented as a seller or a buyer and what type of agency relationship is being established, whether it's single agency, dual agency, or any other form of representation.

Waiting until after a listing agreement is completed or disclosing it at a later stage could lead to a lack of clarity and potential issues with the client’s expectations. Disclosure during or after negotiations, like completing an offer, would not provide the clarity and informed consent necessary for effective representation right from the beginning of the client-agent relationship. Similarly, stating a time frame like within 24 hours after a listing agreement does not fulfill the requirement for prior knowledge necessary for informed consent.