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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawHARD

During an IREC audit, investigators discover that a managing broker at a large Indianapolis firm has been using client trust funds to cover the firm's operating expenses during slow months, always replacing the funds before closing. The managing broker argues that since clients were never harmed and funds were always restored, no violation occurred. How would the IREC most likely respond under Indiana law?

Correct Answer

D) The IREC would find a violation of trust account rules regardless of whether clients were harmed, as commingling and conversion are prohibited per se

Under IC 25-34.1, the prohibition against commingling and conversion of client trust funds is absolute. Using client funds for operating expenses — even temporarily and even if funds are restored — constitutes conversion of trust funds, which is a per se violation of Indiana license law. The IREC does not require proof of actual client harm to impose discipline. This conduct can result in license revocation, civil penalties, and criminal referral.

Answer Options
A
The IREC would issue only a written warning since no client suffered actual financial harm and the funds were always restored
B
The IREC would refer the matter to the Indiana Attorney General but could not take direct disciplinary action against the license
C
The IREC would take no action if the managing broker can demonstrate that funds were restored before each closing date
D
The IREC would find a violation of trust account rules regardless of whether clients were harmed, as commingling and conversion are prohibited per se

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountscomminglingconversionirec_disciplinemanaging_broker

Related Concepts

Market allocation is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to divide markets among themselves by geographic area, property type, or price range, thereby eliminating competition.

Price fixing is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to charge the same commission rates, fees, or other pricing for their services. It is a per se violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Florida brokers are required to maintain transaction records and escrow records for a minimum of five years.

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