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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

David, a Washington broker, receives a $10,000 earnest money deposit from a buyer. Instead of depositing it into the firm's trust account, David deposits it into his personal checking account, intending to transfer it before closing. The closing is delayed and the funds remain in David's personal account for three weeks. Under Washington law, David's conduct is best described as:

Correct Answer

A) Commingling, because he mixed client funds with his personal funds

Under RCW 18.85, commingling occurs when a licensee mixes client funds (such as earnest money deposits) with personal or business operating funds. David's deposit of the earnest money into his personal checking account is a textbook example of commingling, which is a serious violation and a ground for license suspension or revocation regardless of intent.

Answer Options
A
Commingling, because he mixed client funds with his personal funds
B
Conversion, because he spent the funds before the transfer
C
A minor procedural violation subject only to a written warning
D
Acceptable practice, because he intended to transfer the funds before closing

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

comminglingtrust_accountearnest_moneydisciplinary_groundsRCW_18.85

Related Concepts

A tie-in arrangement is an illegal antitrust practice in which a seller conditions the purchase of one product or service on the buyer's agreement to purchase a separate product or service.

A trust account, also called an escrow account, is a separate bank account maintained by a broker to hold funds belonging to others, such as earnest money deposits, security deposits, or other client funds.

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

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