Which situation requires the department to invoke a moratorium on agreements?

The situation that requires the department to invoke a moratorium on agreements is when there is an opening of escrow. This is significant because the opening of escrow typically involves a formal agreement or transaction that could be affected by current regulations, changes in the market, or institutional practices. When escrow is opened, it indicates that specific transactions are in progress, and a moratorium is necessary to ensure that these transactions remain secure and are not impacted by any unexpected changes in policy or regulatory requirements. This protective measure ensures the integrity of all parties involved and maintains the stability of the agreements currently being processed.

In contrast, changing regulations, requests for new dealer licenses, or licensing of new agents do not directly instigate a need for a moratorium on agreements as they address broader operational aspects rather than specific transactional processes tied to escrow.