New Jersey Real Estate Commission rules (N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.9) mandate that a licensee must provide the Consumer Information Statement (CIS) at the time of the first substantive discussion with a prospective buyer. A "substantive discussion" is defined as any dialogue that moves beyond casual introductory remarks to the point of discussing the consumer's specific needs, motivations, or financial qualifications. An inquiry about a specific property's price and terms is unequivocally a substantive discussion, triggering the immediate requirement to provide the CIS. This ensures the consumer understands their agency relationship options before disclosing potentially confidential information.

B. Waiting until an offer is made is a violation, as the disclosure must occur at the first substantive contact, not near the end of the negotiation process.

C. The duty to provide the CIS is a proactive, mandatory obligation of the licensee, not a reactive one dependent on a consumer's request for representation.

D. Providing the CIS at closing is far too late and defeats the entire purpose of the disclosure, which is to inform the consumer at the outset of the relationship.

1. New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter 6.9(e): "All licensees shall supply a copy of the Consumer Information Statement... to all sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants... at the time of the first business meeting, or before any discussion of the seller's/landlord's or buyer's/tenant's motivation or financial situation is initiated, whichever occurs first..." (Source: State of New Jersey, Department of Banking and Insurance, Real Estate Commission).

2. New Jersey Real Estate Commission, Real Estate License Law and Rules (N.J.S.A. 45:15-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 11:5-1.1 et seq.), Page 102, Section 11:5-6.9(e): This official publication reiterates the requirement for providing the CIS at the first substantive meeting before confidential information is discussed. It clarifies that this is a foundational step in establishing a proper business relationship with the public.

3. Pivar, W. H., & Vitousek, M. L. (2018). Real Estate Principles and Practices for New Jersey (12th ed.). OnCourse Learning. Chapter 5, "Law of Agency," consistently emphasizes that the CIS must be presented at the first meaningful contact to ensure informed consent regarding agency relationships. The text defines this contact as any point where financial or motivational details are discussed.