EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

Rachel is a licensed Michigan salesperson working for Metro Realty. She receives an earnest money deposit of $5,000 from a buyer on a Friday afternoon. Under Michigan law, what is the proper procedure for handling this deposit?

Correct Answer

A) Rachel must promptly deliver the earnest money to her employing broker, who is responsible for depositing it into a separate trust account

Under Michigan Occupational Code Act 299 of 1980 and LARA-BPL regulations, the broker — not the salesperson — is legally responsible for maintaining a separate trust (escrow) account for client funds. When a salesperson receives earnest money, they must promptly deliver it to their employing broker. The broker then deposits the funds into a properly maintained trust account. Commingling trust funds with operating funds is a disciplinary violation.

Answer Options
A
Rachel must promptly deliver the earnest money to her employing broker, who is responsible for depositing it into a separate trust account
B
Rachel may deposit the funds directly into Metro Realty's operating account to ensure they are secure over the weekend
C
Rachel should hold the check personally until Monday morning, then deliver it to the broker
D
Rachel must deposit the funds into her personal trust account by the next business day

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:

license_categoriesearnest_moneytrust_accountsalespersonbroker_responsibilitycommingling

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.

Florida real estate licenses must be renewed biennially, and sales associates have specific post-license education requirements for their first renewal.

License requirements are the mandatory qualifications—including pre-licensing education, examination, and background checks—that a person must satisfy before legally practicing real estate. These requirements are established and enforced by each state's real estate commission.

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