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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

Broker David maintains a trust account at a Minnesota bank. His brokerage is having a slow month, and he is short on operating funds to cover payroll. David temporarily transfers $3,000 from the trust account into his business operating account, intending to replace the funds within two weeks before any closings occur. Under Minnesota law, which violation has David committed?

Correct Answer

C) Both commingling and conversion, because he mixed client funds with operating funds and used them for non-client purposes

Under Minn. Stat. Ch. 82, David has committed both commingling and conversion. Commingling occurs when client trust funds are mixed with the broker's own funds (here, the business operating account). Conversion occurs when trust funds are used for purposes other than their intended client-related purpose — even temporarily and even with intent to repay. The intent to return the funds and the absence of immediate client harm are not defenses under Minnesota law.

Answer Options
A
Commingling only, because the funds were moved to a business account rather than a personal account
B
Conversion only, because David intends to return the funds before any client is harmed
C
Both commingling and conversion, because he mixed client funds with operating funds and used them for non-client purposes
D
Neither commingling nor conversion, because the funds remain within the brokerage entity and no client has been harmed yet

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountcomminglingconversionbroker_misconductlicense_violation

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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