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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawMEDIUM

Broker Robert's firm closes a sales transaction on Friday afternoon. The closing attorney disburses all proceeds, but a $750 overage remains in Robert's trust account from the transaction due to a miscalculation at closing. No one has claimed the funds, and Robert cannot immediately reach either the buyer or seller. What should Robert do with these unclaimed funds according to Tennessee law?

Correct Answer

D) Robert must retain the funds in the trust account and make reasonable efforts to identify and return them to the rightful party

Under Tennessee trust account rules and the Tennessee Unclaimed Property Act, a broker must retain unclaimed or unidentified funds in the trust account and make diligent efforts to locate and return the funds to the rightful owner. The broker cannot unilaterally transfer the funds to an operating account or donate them. If the funds remain unclaimed after the applicable period under the Unclaimed Property Act, they must be remitted to the Tennessee State Treasurer, not kept by the broker.

Answer Options
A
Robert must immediately report the overage to TREC and await written instructions before taking any action
B
Robert may donate the unclaimed funds to a Tennessee real estate education fund after 60 days
C
Robert may transfer the funds to his operating account after 30 days if no one claims them
D
Robert must retain the funds in the trust account and make reasonable efforts to identify and return them to the rightful party

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountunclaimed_fundsoveragebroker_dutiesunclaimed_property_act

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.

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