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Oh License Law Orc 4735Trust_accounts_2_banking_daysHARD

A buyer and seller are in dispute over earnest money held in an Ohio broker's trust account. The buyer's attorney sends a written demand for immediate release of the funds to the buyer. The seller has not consented to the release. Under ORC Chapter 4735, what is the broker's proper course of action?

Correct Answer

D) Continue holding the funds in the trust account and, if the dispute remains unresolved, file an interpleader action to have a court determine proper distribution

Under ORC §4735.18, a broker may not unilaterally disburse disputed trust funds based on a demand from one party alone. The broker must continue holding the funds in the trust account and may file an interpleader action, which allows a court to determine the rightful recipient and shields the broker from liability for the disbursement decision.

Answer Options
A
Release the funds to the buyer, since a written attorney demand carries legal authority sufficient to authorize disbursement
B
Release the funds to the seller, since the seller's acceptance of the offer created the contractual right to the earnest money upon buyer default
C
Disburse the funds to the broker's operating account for safekeeping until the parties reach a written agreement
D
Continue holding the funds in the trust account and, if the dispute remains unresolved, file an interpleader action to have a court determine proper distribution

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

disputed_fundsinterpleaderno_unilateral_releaseattorney_demandORC_4735

Related Concepts

Broker supervision is the legal obligation of a designated or managing broker to oversee and be accountable for the real estate activities of all salespersons and associate brokers operating under their license.

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds, while conversion is the unauthorized use of client funds for the broker's own benefit. Both are serious violations that can result in license revocation.

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.

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