What must a broker do immediately after accepting a buyer's earnest money deposit?

After accepting a buyer's earnest money deposit, it is essential for the broker to provide a copy of the agreement as a receipt. This action serves to confirm that the buyer's deposit has been received and properly documented within the transaction. The receipt is a crucial part of the process because it ensures transparency and provides a tangible record for both the buyer and the broker, which can also aid in preventing disputes related to the deposit later on.

Providing a receipt aligns with best practices in real estate transactions, as it keeps all parties informed and helps establish clear communication. Additionally, a receipt can outline the terms related to the earnest money, such as the conditions under which it would be forfeited or refunded.

While notifying the seller of the deposit and depositing the funds into an escrow account may also be important steps in a broader context of handling an earnest money deposit, the immediate action that establishes a clear record for the buyer is the provision of a receipt. Filing all documents with the commission is a procedural requirement but is not directly tied to the immediate actions taken after receiving the earnest money.