Escrow & TitleIntermediateNorth Carolina Exam

In NC, when both buyer and seller refuse to release earnest money held in trust following a failed transaction, the broker's appropriate action is:

AReturn the money to the buyer automatically, which reflects common industry practice
BHold the funds until the parties resolve the dispute or a court orders disbursementCorrect
CTransfer the money to the NCREC
DDisburse 50% to each party

Why Hold the funds until the parties resolve the dispute or a court orders disbursement Is Correct

Answer B: Hold the funds until the parties resolve the dispute or a court orders disbursement

When the parties cannot agree on earnest money release, the broker must continue to hold the funds in trust until the dispute is resolved by a written release agreement from both parties, a court order, or arbitration.

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.

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