What should a buyer's broker do with a $1,000 earnest money check?

A buyer's broker should give the earnest money check to the listing broker for deposit according to established real estate practices. When a buyer submits an earnest money check, it serves as a show of good faith that the buyer is serious about purchasing the property. The accepted procedure is to deposit this earnest money into an escrow or trust account managed by the listing broker.

This process ensures that the funds are securely held until the transaction closes, promoting trust among all parties involved. By depositing the earnest money in this manner, it also provides a clear record of the transaction and protects the funds while the sale is being finalized. Holding the check or depositing it into the broker's personal account would not comply with industry regulations and best practices, and returning it to the buyer would not serve the purpose of demonstrating commitment to the offer.