Trust FundsIntermediateCalifornia Exam

What must a broker do when they receive a buyer's earnest money deposit check with instructions to hold it uncashed pending acceptance?

ADeposit it immediately in the trust account, per California trust fund record-keeping requirements, under standard California trust fund handling rules, consistent with DRE trust account regulations
BThey may hold the check uncashed until acceptance, but must deposit it within 3 business days of the offer being accepted, unless otherwise instructedCorrect
CReturn it to the buyer immediately, under standard California trust fund handling rules, consistent with DRE trust account regulations
DGive it to the seller directly, as required by DRE trust account regulations, under standard California trust fund handling rules, consistent with DRE trust account regulations

Why They may hold the check uncashed until acceptance, but must deposit it within 3 business days of the offer being accepted, unless otherwise instructed Is Correct

Answer B: They may hold the check uncashed until acceptance, but must deposit it within 3 business days of the offer being accepted, unless otherwise instructed

California allows a broker to hold an earnest money check uncashed pending offer acceptance if the buyer and the broker agree in writing. Once the offer is accepted, the check must be deposited within 3 business days unless instructed otherwise by both parties.

Exam Tip: Trust Funds

Trust fund questions test the rules for handling client money. Know the deadlines for depositing trust funds, what constitutes commingling vs. conversion, and the penalties for violations.

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