In Georgia, earnest money disputes are typically resolved by:

Option A is incorrect because brokers cannot unilaterally decide to keep disputed earnest money funds. Doing so could expose them to liability for conversion or breach of fiduciary duty. They must follow proper legal procedures.

Option C is incorrect because earnest money is not automatically returned to the buyer in Georgia when disputes arise. The return depends on contract terms and the reason for the transaction's failure.

Option D is incorrect because the state real estate commission does not typically resolve earnest money disputes. Their role is regulatory oversight, not mediating individual transaction conflicts.