A broker acting as agent for the seller receives an earnest money check from the buyer that is made payable directly to the seller. The purchase contract is silent on how earnest money is to be held. Under New York DOS regulations, what is the broker's most appropriate course of action?
Correct Answer
D) Return the check to the buyer and request a replacement check made payable to the brokerage, so it can be properly deposited and held in the trust account
Under NY DOS regulations, when a broker receives earnest money in connection with a real estate transaction, the broker is obligated to deposit those funds into a properly maintained trust account. A broker cannot deposit a check made payable to a third party (the seller) into the broker's trust account without that party's endorsement, and endorsing a check on behalf of the seller without explicit authority raises legal and ethical concerns. The correct procedure is to return the check to the buyer and request a replacement made payable to the brokerage, ensuring the funds can be lawfully deposited and held in trust. This protects all parties and keeps the broker in compliance with DOS trust account requirements.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
A variance is an authorized deviation from the existing zoning ordinance granted to a property owner who demonstrates unique hardship. It allows a use or structure that would otherwise violate the current zoning rules.
Wetlands protection refers to federal and state regulations that restrict development on wetlands — areas where water covers the soil or is near the surface for part of the year. The primary federal authority is the Clean Water Act enforced by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Zoning is the government's division of land into districts with specific permitted uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural. It is the most common exercise of police power over private property.
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- → Under New York Department of State fee schedules, what is the fee required to sit for the real estate salesperson licensing examination?
- → Broker Martinez holds an active NY broker license and operates a principal office. She opens a branch office managed day-to-day by Associate Broker Thompson. A competing broker claims Martinez is violating DOS regulations because the branch office lacks proper licensing. Which of the following best evaluates this claim?
- → A prospective salesperson candidate completed portions of the required 77-hour pre-licensing curriculum at two separate DOS-approved real estate schools. Under NY DOS regulations, which statement best describes the candidate's examination eligibility?
- → Amanda completed her 77-hour pre-licensing course in January 2024. She is now ready to take her exam in March 2026. Is her education still valid?
- → A salesperson has completed 20 of the required 22.5 hours of continuing education before her license renewal deadline. Which of the following would satisfy her remaining 2.5-hour requirement?
- → A New York salesperson wants to open an independent brokerage office without associating with a sponsoring broker. Which licensing distinction determines whether that is permitted?
- → A New York broker receives client money that must be held separately from the broker's own operating funds. What type of account must the broker use under the DOS rule?
- → A New York applicant is selecting a path to complete the 77-hour pre-licensing requirement. Which listed method is not acceptable under New York law?
- → Maria, a New York real estate salesperson, received her license in January 2024. Her license is set to expire in January 2026. She has completed 18 hours of continuing education courses. How many additional CE hours must she complete to satisfy New York's renewal requirements?
- → Steven Garcia completed 18 hours of continuing education during 2025 and 2026. His license expires December 31, 2026. On December 20, 2026, he registers for a 6-hour course scheduled for January 10, 2027. What is his renewal status?
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