What is the critical point at which agency disclosure is typically required by a license holder?

In the context of agency relationships in real estate, the critical point at which agency disclosure is required is the moment of first substantive contact. This is when communication or interaction occurs that goes beyond mere casual conversation and indicates a potential agent-client relationship. At this point, it is essential for the license holder to disclose whom they represent, whether it's the buyer, the seller, or if they are acting as a dual agent.

This early disclosure ensures that all parties are aware of the agency relationship and helps to establish trust and transparency from the beginning of the interaction. It is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Michigan, to protect consumers and clarify the nature of the representation being offered. This requirement is designed to prevent misunderstandings later in the transaction process and is a critical aspect of ethical practice in real estate.

The other options, such as final contract signing or final inspection meeting, occur at much later stages in the transaction and do not fulfill the obligation of timely disclosure of agency relationships, which is meant to be established as soon as substantive discussions begin.