When must a TREC IABS form be provided to consumers?

The correct answer is that the TREC IABS form must be provided to consumers at the time of first substantive communication. This requirement is rooted in Texas real estate law, which mandates that license holders provide this information to ensure that consumers are informed of their rights and the nature of the agency relationship before any significant discussions about real estate transactions take place.

Substantive communication refers to any dialogue that goes beyond casual conversation and involves negotiations or discussions specific to a property, which is why the provision timing is crucial. This helps foster transparency and trust in the real estate process.

The other scenarios mentioned do not align with this requirement since providing the IABS form at the time of closing, after a property is shown, or only when a contract is signed does not fulfill the legal obligation to disclose agency relationships to consumers early enough in the interaction.