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Practice Of Real EstateEarnest_money_disputesHARD

When a buyer and seller have a dispute over earnest money and cannot reach an agreement, what is the appropriate action for the broker holding the funds?

Correct Answer

B) File an interpleader action with the court to let a judge determine the proper disbursement

Under Arkansas real estate law and the Arkansas Real Estate Commission rules, a broker holding disputed earnest money may not unilaterally disburse the funds to either party without written agreement from both parties or a court order. The appropriate legal remedy when the parties cannot agree is for the broker to file an interpleader action, which allows a court to determine who is entitled to the funds. This protects the broker from liability for wrongful disbursement.

Answer Options
A
Release the funds to the seller automatically after 30 days without further action
B
File an interpleader action with the court to let a judge determine the proper disbursement
C
Split the funds equally between the buyer and seller as a compromise
D
Release the funds to the buyer upon the buyer's written request

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Related Topics:

trust account managementescrow proceduresAREC disciplinary actionsbroker fiduciary duties

Key Terms:

interpleaderearnest moneydisputed fundsescrowAREC rules

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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