A Washington real estate licensee is working with a buyer who is looking for investment properties. The buyer has not signed a buyer-broker agreement. During their first meeting, the buyer shares his financial goals and asks the licensee to explain the difference between representing him as a client versus working with him as a customer. Under RCW 18.86, what is the licensee's FIRST obligation at this meeting?

Correct Answer

C) Provide the buyer with the agency disclosure pamphlet at this first substantive contact

Under RCW 18.86.030, the licensee's first obligation at this meeting is to provide the agency disclosure pamphlet, as this first meeting constitutes first substantive contact. The buyer has discussed his financial goals and asked about agency relationships — this is clearly substantive contact about a real estate matter. The pamphlet must be provided at this point, before or concurrent with any explanation of agency types.