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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawMEDIUM

Employing Broker Lisa in Fort Collins receives a $15,000 earnest money deposit for a residential transaction. The seller and buyer have a dispute and the transaction falls through. Both parties claim the earnest money. Lisa is uncertain who is entitled to the funds. Under Colorado law, what is Lisa's most appropriate course of action?

Correct Answer

C) Retain the funds in the trust account and seek a written release from both parties or interplead the funds with a court

Under CREC rules and C.R.S. § 12-10-217, when there is a dispute over earnest money, the broker must retain the funds in the trust account and may not release them without a written agreement signed by all parties, a court order, or by filing an interpleader action with the court. This protects the broker from liability and ensures proper legal resolution of the dispute.

Answer Options
A
Release the funds to the seller immediately, since the buyer defaulted on the contract
B
Return the funds to the buyer immediately, since the transaction did not close
C
Retain the funds in the trust account and seek a written release from both parties or interplead the funds with a court
D
Transfer the funds to the Colorado Real Estate Commission for safekeeping until the dispute is resolved

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountdisputed_earnest_moneyinterpleadermutual_releasebroker_liability

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