Commingling funds is a violation. Where should earnest money be deposited?

The correct approach to handling earnest money is to deposit it into a trust account specifically designated for that purpose. This practice ensures that the funds are kept separate from the broker’s personal finances as well as the agency’s operating accounts, thus preventing commingling of funds.

Trust accounts are regulated and designed to safeguard clients’ funds, ensuring they are used appropriately in accordance with legal and ethical standards. By placing earnest money in a trust account, brokers can manage the funds responsibly, maintain accurate records, and provide transparency and accountability to clients regarding their funds. This protects both the buyer and seller throughout the transaction process.

Other options would not meet these necessary requirements. For example, placing earnest money into a broker's personal account would directly violate regulations regarding the separation of personal and client funds. Similarly, depositing it in the agency's general operating account could also lead to commingling of funds, which is prohibited and poses a risk of mismanagement. Finally, keeping funds in a joint account with the property owner does not comply with the requirement to keep client funds in a dedicated trust, again failing to ensure proper handling and accounting of those funds.