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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

A sponsoring broker disburses earnest money from the escrow account before the transaction has been consummated or terminated, relying solely on a verbal request from the buyer. How does Illinois law treat this disbursement?

Correct Answer

C) The disbursement is improper because Illinois law requires escrow funds to remain on deposit until the transaction is consummated or terminated, and disbursement requires written authorization or another recognized statutory exception.

The Illinois License Act of 2000 requires that escrow funds remain on deposit until the transaction is either consummated or terminated. Early disbursement is only lawful when a specific authorized exception applies — such as a written agreement signed by all parties, a court order, or another mechanism recognized by the Act. A unilateral verbal request from one party satisfies none of these exceptions, making the disbursement a violation of the Act's escrow-protection requirements.

Answer Options
A
The disbursement is permissible because a verbal request from one principal party is sufficient authorization under the Illinois License Act.
B
The disbursement is permissible provided the broker deposits replacement funds into the escrow account before the scheduled closing date.
C
The disbursement is improper because Illinois law requires escrow funds to remain on deposit until the transaction is consummated or terminated, and disbursement requires written authorization or another recognized statutory exception.
D
The disbursement is permissible if the broker reasonably believes the transaction will close within 30 days and documents that belief in the transaction file.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

difficulty_3disbursementescrow_trust_accounts_and_recordkeepingillinois_statescenariotrust_accounttrust_accounts_iluntil_termination

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