EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawHARD

Salesperson Pua works for Broker Keoni's brokerage in Hawaii. Pua negotiates a purchase contract for a buyer client, and the buyer delivers a $20,000 earnest money check made payable to Pua personally. Pua endorses the check and deposits it into her personal checking account, intending to transfer the funds to the brokerage trust account the following week. Under HRS Chapter 467, which of the following best describes the legal consequences of Pua's actions?

Correct Answer

D) Both Pua and Broker Keoni may face disciplinary action, as the broker has supervisory responsibility for salesperson conduct

Under HRS Chapter 467, a salesperson who deposits client funds into a personal account commits commingling and potentially conversion — both serious violations. Critically, Broker Keoni also faces potential disciplinary action because Hawaii law imposes supervisory responsibility on the principal broker for the conduct of affiliated salespersons. The broker's failure to implement systems preventing this violation can itself constitute a violation of HAR Title 16 Chapter 99 broker supervision duties.

Answer Options
A
Pua's actions are permissible because she intended to transfer the funds to the trust account within a reasonable time
B
Pua has committed a violation, but Broker Keoni bears no liability because Pua acted without authorization
C
Only the buyer may seek remedies through civil court, as the HREC has no jurisdiction over earnest money disputes
D
Both Pua and Broker Keoni may face disciplinary action, as the broker has supervisory responsibility for salesperson conduct

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

comminglingbroker_supervisionearnest_moneytrust_accounthrs_467supervisory_liability

Related Concepts

A trust account, also called an escrow account, is a separate bank account maintained by a broker to hold funds belonging to others, such as earnest money deposits, security deposits, or other client funds.

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing