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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawHARD

Broker Sandra is the principal broker of Sunrise Realty. She maintains one escrow account for all client funds. At the end of the month, Sandra's bookkeeper discovers that the escrow account balance is $3,000 less than the total of all client deposits on record. Sandra immediately deposits $3,000 of her own personal funds into the escrow account to cover the shortfall before notifying VREB. Under Virginia law, how will VREB most likely treat Sandra's action of depositing personal funds into the escrow account?

Correct Answer

D) VREB will treat the personal deposit as commingling of funds, which is itself a violation of 18 VAC 135-20-180

Under 18 VAC 135-20-180, Virginia prohibits the commingling of a broker's personal funds with client trust funds. Even if Sandra's intent was to protect clients, depositing her own personal money into the escrow account constitutes commingling — a separate and distinct violation from the underlying shortage. VREB can and likely will cite Sandra for both the escrow shortage and the commingling violation. This is a classic Virginia exam trap: trying to fix one problem creates another violation.

Answer Options
A
VREB will treat the deposit as acceptable because Virginia law allows brokers to maintain a small personal balance in escrow for administrative purposes
B
VREB will commend Sandra for promptly protecting client funds and take no disciplinary action
C
VREB will require Sandra to immediately withdraw the personal funds and close the escrow account pending investigation
D
VREB will treat the personal deposit as commingling of funds, which is itself a violation of 18 VAC 135-20-180

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

comminglingtrust_accountescrowbroker_supervisiondisciplinary_action

Related Concepts

Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.

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.

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