In Delaware, when is a real estate professional required to provide the Consumer Information Statement (CIS)?

A real estate professional in Delaware is required to provide the Consumer Information Statement (CIS) at the time of the first substantial contact. This requirement is crucial because it ensures that consumers are informed about the types of agency relationships available and the responsibilities that come with those relationships before any significant discussions about real estate transactions occur.

Providing the CIS early in the interaction helps establish transparency and builds trust between the real estate professional and the consumer. It also gives consumers the necessary information to make informed decisions about their agency relationship, which is a fundamental principle in real estate transactions.

The other options do not align with the regulations set forth for the CIS. Preparing an escrow agreement or waiting until a sale is imminent does not fulfill the legal obligation to disclose agency relationships early in the process. Furthermore, delivering the CIS after a property showing does not meet the requirement as it is crucial to present it before the consumer engages in serious discussions regarding their real estate needs.