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Practice Of Real EstateEarnest_money_disputesHARD

When a buyer and seller dispute the disbursement of earnest money held in a broker's trust account, the broker should:

Correct Answer

B) File an interpleader action with the court

When a buyer and seller cannot agree on the disbursement of earnest money held in a broker's trust account, the broker should not take sides or unilaterally release the funds to either party. The appropriate action is to file an interpleader action, which allows the broker to deposit the disputed funds with the court and let a judge determine the rightful recipient. This protects the broker from liability and ensures a neutral resolution. Releasing funds to one party without mutual written agreement or a court order could expose the broker to legal liability and disciplinary action by the Idaho Real Estate Commission.

Answer Options
A
Release the funds to the seller
B
File an interpleader action with the court
C
Split the funds equally between both parties
D
Release the funds to the buyer

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Related Topics:

trust account managementfiduciary dutiesearnest money handlingIREC disciplinary actionscontract disputes

Key Terms:

interpleadertrust accountearnest money disputefiduciary dutybroker liability

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