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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawMEDIUM

David is a licensed Maryland real estate broker who has been operating his brokerage for fifteen years. MREC conducts a routine audit and discovers that David has been maintaining client escrow funds in a non-interest-bearing checking account that is not labeled as a trust account. Under MREC's authority, what is the most likely immediate action the Commission may take?

Correct Answer

D) Initiate a formal disciplinary proceeding that could result in suspension or revocation of David's broker license and imposition of civil penalties

Improper maintenance of trust or escrow accounts is a serious violation under Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 17-322, which lists mishandling of funds as grounds for disciplinary action. MREC may initiate a formal administrative proceeding upon finding such violations, with potential sanctions including suspension or revocation of the broker's license and civil monetary penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

Answer Options
A
Refer the matter to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation for review of David's business license
B
Issue a warning letter and allow David 90 days to correct the trust account deficiencies before any formal action
C
Require David to immediately transfer all escrow funds to the Maryland Real Estate Commission's custodial account pending resolution
D
Initiate a formal disciplinary proceeding that could result in suspension or revocation of David's broker license and imposition of civil penalties

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountescrow_violationdisciplinary_proceedingbroker_responsibility

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.

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