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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

Broker Tom operates a property management firm in Virginia. He collects monthly rent payments totaling $45,000 from tenants of properties he manages. He also has $8,000 in earned management fees from last month that he has not yet transferred to his operating account. Under Virginia VREB regulations, what is Tom's primary obligation regarding these funds?

Correct Answer

D) He must maintain the $45,000 in rent in the trust account and may transfer the $8,000 in earned fees to his operating account

Under 18 VAC 135-20-180, client funds (such as rent collected on behalf of property owners) must be maintained in the trust account. However, earned fees that belong to the broker may and should be transferred to the operating account once they are earned. Keeping earned fees in the trust account for extended periods can itself become a violation. The $45,000 in rent belongs to the property owners and must remain in trust; the $8,000 in earned management fees belongs to Tom's firm and should be transferred out.

Answer Options
A
He must deposit all $53,000 into his operating account and track client funds separately in his accounting records
B
He must keep all $53,000 in the trust account until the end of each calendar quarter
C
He must open a separate trust account for property management funds, distinct from his sales transaction trust account
D
He must maintain the $45,000 in rent in the trust account and may transfer the $8,000 in earned fees to his operating account

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountproperty_managementearned_feesclient_funds

Related Concepts

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.

Continuing education (CE) refers to the ongoing coursework that licensed real estate professionals must complete during each renewal cycle to maintain an active license. CE ensures agents stay current with changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices.

The National Do Not Call Registry is a federal program administered by the FTC that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls, including calls from real estate agents soliciting business.

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