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IABS Legal Document

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IABS Legal Document

This Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) is made effective as of by and between Broker: License No: Brokerage Firm: and Client Name: Client Address:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Broker is duly licensed to perform real estate brokerage services and maintains an obligation to disclose the nature of brokerage relationships to prospective clients;

WHEREAS, Client is considering a potential transaction involving the property or properties described as: and requires clarification of brokerage duties and relationship options; and

WHEREAS, Broker provided Client with a written disclosure of brokerage services and has advised Client of options for representation, duties owed by a license holder, and the potential for conflicts of interest;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this IABS, "Broker" means the licensed real estate broker and its licensees identified above; "Client" means the individual or entity identified above; "Confidential Information" means information provided by the Client to Broker that is not a matter of public record and that the Client reasonably expects to be kept confidential.

2. BROKERAGE RELATIONSHIP OPTIONS

Broker has explained the available brokerage relationships. Client acknowledges receipt of that explanation and selects one of the following options by checking the applicable box and initialing where indicated.

Seller's Agent — Broker represents the seller and owes fiduciary duties to the seller, including loyalty and confidentiality with respect to that representation.

Buyer's Agent — Broker represents the buyer and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer, including loyalty and confidentiality with respect to that representation.

Intermediary — Broker may represent both parties in a transaction if Client provides informed, written consent. If intermediary is selected, the parties must agree in writing to the allocation of duties and any appointed licensee(s).

No Brokerage Relationship — Broker will provide ministerial services only, limited to factual information and clerical assistance, and will not act as an agent for either party.

Client initials to confirm the selection(s):

3. DUTIES OF BROKER

Broker shall perform services in a professional manner consistent with applicable law and license rules. Broker's duties include: (a) dealing honestly and fairly with all parties; (b) disclosing to Client material facts known by Broker that affect the value of the property or Client's decision to transact; (c) answering Client's inquiries in a timely manner; and (d) unless otherwise agreed in writing, not disclosing Confidential Information provided by Client, except as required by law.

4. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Client may provide Confidential Information to Broker to assist in representation. Broker shall not disclose Confidential Information without Client's informed, written consent, unless disclosure is required by law or necessary to fulfill Broker's duties in a transaction. Confidential Information does not include matters that are public record or that Broker is required to disclose by statute or court order.

5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; INTERMEDIARY CONSENT

If Broker is requested to act as intermediary, Broker must obtain written consent from all parties. In the event of intermediary appointment, Broker will not disclose Confidential Information of one party to another unless authorized in writing. Client may withhold consent to intermediary without affecting Broker's ability to render other services.

Client consents to intermediary representation: Client authorizes Broker to appoint the following licensee(s) to act on behalf of the parties within the scope of intermediary duties:

6. COMPENSATION

Broker's compensation shall be as agreed in writing or in a separate compensation agreement. Unless otherwise agreed, compensation is payable at closing or as otherwise set forth. Client acknowledges that payment of Broker's compensation may be due by either party to the transaction and that terms of payment are negotiable.

7. TERM AND TERMINATION

This IABS remains in effect for the period necessary to complete the contemplated transaction or until terminated in writing by either party. Termination does not affect obligations that by their nature survive termination, including confidentiality and compensation obligations incurred prior to termination.

8. NOTICES

All notices permitted or required under this IABS must be in writing and delivered to the notice addresses above and are effective upon receipt.

9. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

This IABS shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this IABS shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in the county where the property is situated, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This IABS constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the disclosure of brokerage services and supersedes all prior oral and written statements concerning that subject. If any provision of this IABS is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

11. AMENDMENT; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

This IABS may be amended only by a written instrument executed by both parties. No waiver of any provision of this IABS shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. This IABS may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

12. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND DELIVERY

The parties agree that signatures transmitted electronically or by facsimile shall have the same effect as original signatures, and that delivery of executed counterparts by electronic transmission constitutes effective delivery.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this IABS, acknowledges that Broker has explained the types of brokerage relationships available, and certifies that the information provided by Client in this IABS is true and correct to the best of Client's knowledge.

Broker Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Client Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the IABS Legal Document Is

The IABS Legal Document, commonly called the Information About Brokerage Services form, is a mandatory real estate disclosure in Texas that explains brokerage roles, duties, and who represents whom. It is a consumer-facing disclosure required by the Texas Real Estate Commission for most residential and commercial brokerage interactions; it is informational only and is not an agency agreement or contract for services. The form clarifies single-agent, intermediary, and seller/buyer representation, and should be delivered at the first substantive discussion about a specific property transaction.

Why the IABS Matters for Transactions

Providing a completed IABS protects consumer understanding and helps satisfy regulatory disclosure obligations under Texas brokerage rules while reducing later disputes over representation.

Why the IABS Matters for Transactions

Who Typically Handles the IABS

Brokers and licensees complete and deliver the IABS; clients receive and review it before substantive negotiations.

  • Brokers and listing agents who initiate property discussions and must disclose agency options.
  • Buyers and sellers who must receive the disclosure and acknowledge receipt in writing where required.
  • Brokerage support staff responsible for distributing, storing, and archiving completed forms.

Firms maintain copies and training so staff comply consistently across listings and buyer interactions.

Core Elements to Include on a Professional IABS

A complete IABS clearly identifies parties, explains brokerage relationships, lists broker contact details, and shows where the consumer signs to acknowledge receipt.

Broker Identity

Full brokerage name and license number so the consumer knows which firm is offering services and who to contact for questions.

Broker Duties

Short, plain-language description of duties owed under single-agent, intermediary, or non-agency roles to set expectations.

Representation Options

Clear statements about available representation types and whether dual/intermediary representation is possible in the transaction.

Consumer Acknowledgment

Space for consumer signature or initial to confirm receipt; not an acceptance of representation unless otherwise stated.

Delivery Date

The date the disclosure was provided; useful to document timing and demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Contact Information

Broker and supervising licensee contact details, including office address and phone, to support follow-up or complaints.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Deliver the IABS

Follow a standard sequence to complete the form, capture receipt, and retain a record for compliance.

  • 01
    Prepare Form: Populate brokerage and contact fields accurately.
  • 02
    Explain Roles: Verbally review representation options with the consumer.
  • 03
    Obtain Acknowledgment: Have the consumer sign or acknowledge receipt.
  • 04
    Store Record: Save a dated copy in the transaction file and retention system.

How to Configure an Online IABS Workflow

Online delivery and signing streamline compliance when authentication, audit trail, and retention are configured correctly.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email link or SMS code, stronger KBA for higher assurance.
Signature Fields Required signature and date fields; mark acknowledgment mandatory.
Audit Trail Enable IP, timestamp, and action logs for each signer.
Retention Set automated archival and export to PDF/A for long-term storage.

Technical Needs for Secure eDelivery and eSigning

Use a platform that supports a tamper-evident audit trail, signer authentication, and reliable storage for the signed IABS.

  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, KBA, or SSO.
  • File Formats: PDF and PDF/A exports available.
  • Integrations: CRM and document management links.

Ensure chosen integrations (CRM, storage) preserve the audit trail and permit retrieval for regulatory review or audits.

Typical Online Signing Flow for the IABS

A clear online flow reduces friction and documents all steps from delivery to completed signature and archiving.

  • Upload: Add completed IABS template to the platform.
  • Place Fields: Insert signature, date, and acknowledgment fields.
  • Send Link: Deliver via email or secure message to consumer.
  • Capture Audit: Platform records timestamp, IP, and signer actions.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for IABS Delivery and Storage

Comparing common vendor features can help choose a platform that supports secure delivery, audit trails, and retention; signNow is listed first for parity.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA required) Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Common Mistakes When Preparing an IABS

  • Delivering an IABS after substantive negotiations rather than at the required initial discussion, which undermines regulatory compliance and consumer clarity.
  • Entering incorrect broker or license details, creating mismatches with regulator records and making verification difficult during audits or complaints.
  • Failing to obtain or record consumer acknowledgment of receipt, leaving firms exposed to disputes about whether disclosure occurred.
  • Using weak or undocumented electronic signing methods without securing consent or an audit trail that meets ESIGN/UETA evidentiary standards.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Missing IABS

Regulatory Fines: Civil penalties and fines under state real estate statutes
License Discipline: Reprimand, suspension, or revocation of broker license
Civil Liability: Claims for undisclosed representation or misrepresentation
Contract Risk: Arguments over agency may affect enforceability
Tax/Record Penalties: Failure to retain related records can trigger tax or audit issues
Notary Violations: Improper notarization or RON misuse can invalidate acknowledgments

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient IABS Completion

Follow consistent procedures and technology configurations so every consumer receives the IABS at the correct time and a reliable record is preserved.

Standardize the Template
Use a single approved IABS template across the brokerage and lock critical fields to prevent accidental edits; maintain version control for regulator updates.
Train Licensees
Provide role-specific training on when to present the IABS, how to explain representation choices, and how to record acknowledgments for audits.
Capture Audit Data
Ensure the eSignature platform records signer identity, IP, timestamps, and a certificate of completion to meet ESIGN/UETA evidentiary expectations.
Archive Securely
Export signed IABS to immutable formats (PDF/A), store with access controls, and follow state retention policies for retrieval during inspections.

Real-World Scenarios for IABS Use

These two anonymized examples show how brokers deliver the IABS in common listing and buyer interactions.

Residential Listing Scenario

A listing agent presents IABS at first property tour

  • Agent checks single-agent box
  • The signed IABS is archived with the listing file and stored for compliance review by the firm.

Buyer Representation Scenario

A buyer calls to view homes and receives IABS electronically

  • Buyer initials receipt via secure link
  • The brokerage retains the signed record, showing disclosure date and authentication details for audits.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IABS Legal Document

Answers to common questions about when to present the IABS, electronic signing, retention, and state variations.


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