Escrow & TitleIntermediateNorth Carolina Exam

Earnest money held in a broker's trust account in NC belongs to:

AThe listing broker until closing
BThe buyer until the contract is accepted
CThe principals per the contract terms, not the brokerCorrect
DThe seller immediately upon contract execution, in general

Why The principals per the contract terms, not the broker Is Correct

Answer C: The principals per the contract terms, not the broker

Earnest money deposited in a broker's trust account belongs to the principals per the contract terms. The broker holds it as a fiduciary and may not use it for personal purposes.

Exam Tip: Escrow & Title

Escrow questions test the neutral third-party role and the sequence of closing events. Remember that the escrow agent acts as a dual agent for both buyer and seller and cannot advocate for either side.

Key Escrow & Title Terms in This Question

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