EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawEASY

A buyer gives Massachusetts Broker Kim a personal check for $8,000 as an earnest money deposit. The buyer asks Kim to hold the check uncashed for two weeks until the buyer can transfer funds from another account. The seller has already signed the offer. What should Kim do?

Correct Answer

B) Deposit the check into the trust account immediately, regardless of the buyer's request

Under Massachusetts Board regulations (254 CMR 3.00), earnest money deposits must be deposited into the broker's trust account as soon as practicable — typically the next business day. The broker cannot accommodate a buyer's request to hold a check uncashed, as this delays proper handling of client funds and may expose all parties to risk. If the buyer does not have sufficient funds, that is a matter to be addressed with the parties and their attorneys, not by holding the check.

Answer Options
A
Hold the check uncashed as requested, since the buyer is a client and Kim should accommodate client preferences
B
Deposit the check into the trust account immediately, regardless of the buyer's request
C
Return the check to the buyer and advise them to resubmit it in two weeks when funds are available
D
Cash the check and hold the currency in the office safe until the buyer's funds are available

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:

trust_accountearnest_moneydeposit_timingbroker_dutieslicense_law

Related Concepts

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client trust funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds; conversion is the misappropriation of those funds.

Continuing education (CE) refers to the ongoing coursework that licensed real estate professionals must complete during each renewal cycle to maintain an active license. CE ensures agents stay current with changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices.

The National Do Not Call Registry is a federal program administered by the FTC that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls, including calls from real estate agents soliciting business.

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