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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

Before a real estate transaction has been consummated or formally terminated, an Illinois broker disburses earnest money from the escrow account based solely on the broker's personal judgment that the deal will likely close. Which statement correctly characterizes this disbursement under the Illinois License Act of 2000?

Correct Answer

D) It is impermissible because Illinois law requires escrow funds to remain on deposit until the transaction is consummated or terminated, and disbursement based solely on the broker's personal judgment does not qualify as an authorized exception.

Section 10-25 of the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000 requires that escrow funds remain on deposit until the transaction is consummated or terminated. Authorized disbursement paths include written agreement of all parties, a court order, or other specific statutory exceptions. A broker's unilateral judgment that a closing is likely does not constitute an authorized exception and exposes the broker to disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation, for conversion or commingling of escrow funds.

Answer Options
A
It is permissible because a broker's reasonable expectation of closing satisfies the disbursement standard under Illinois law.
B
It is permissible provided the broker documents the anticipated closing date in the transaction file.
C
It is permissible if both parties have verbally agreed to the disbursement, even without written authorization.
D
It is impermissible because Illinois law requires escrow funds to remain on deposit until the transaction is consummated or terminated, and disbursement based solely on the broker's personal judgment does not qualify as an authorized exception.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

definitiondifficulty_3disbursementescrow_trust_accounts_and_recordkeepingillinois_statetrust_accounttrust_accounts_iluntil_termination

Related Concepts

In real estate, the distinction between an independent contractor and an employee determines tax treatment, liability, and the level of control a broker may exercise over the agent's daily activities. Most real estate agents operate as independent contractors.

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