EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawMEDIUM

Elena is a designated broker in Washington whose firm holds $42,000 in client earnest money deposits. She learns that the firm's trust account bank has begun charging a $25 monthly service fee, which is being deducted directly from the trust account balance. What is Elena's best course of action to remain compliant with Washington trust account rules?

Correct Answer

B) Deposit firm funds into the trust account in an amount sufficient to cover the bank fees

Washington law (WAC 308-124D) permits a designated broker to maintain a small amount of firm funds in the trust account specifically to cover bank service charges, provided those funds are clearly documented as firm funds. This is one of the narrow exceptions to the commingling prohibition. Elena should deposit sufficient firm funds to cover the monthly fee so that client funds are never reduced by bank charges, thereby protecting the full amount of client deposits.

Answer Options
A
Close the trust account and move all client funds to an escrow company immediately
B
Deposit firm funds into the trust account in an amount sufficient to cover the bank fees
C
Notify the DOL within 10 days and request a waiver of the commingling prohibition
D
Transfer the trust account to a bank that does not charge service fees on trust accounts

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountbank_feescommingling_exceptiondesignated_brokerWAC_308_124D

Related Concepts

Market allocation is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to divide markets among themselves by geographic area, property type, or price range, thereby eliminating competition.

Price fixing is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to charge the same commission rates, fees, or other pricing for their services. It is a per se violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Florida brokers are required to maintain transaction records and escrow records for a minimum of five years.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing