2 questions

Trust Accounts, Records, and Audits

Client funds such as earnest money received by a Washington firm must be:

  • a.Deposited into the firm's trust account and kept separate from the firm's operating and personal funds
  • b.Deposited into the designated broker's personal savings account
  • c.Held in cash by the affiliated broker until closing
  • d.Wired immediately to the listing broker's individual account

Under RCW 18.85 and WAC 308-124, client money must be deposited into the firm's trust (real estate) account and never commingled with business or personal funds. The designated broker is responsible for maintaining trust-account records that can be audited by the Department of Licensing.

Trust Accounts, Records, and Audits

Washington trust-account rules require a firm to keep records that:

  • a.Are optional if the broker uses a title company for closing
  • b.May be destroyed immediately after each closing
  • c.Support a full accounting of client funds and are available for audit by the Department of Licensing
  • d.Only summarize annual totals with no per-transaction detail

WAC 308-124 requires firms to maintain trust-account records, including deposits, disbursements, and reconciliations, that allow a complete accounting of each client's funds. The Department of Licensing may audit these records, and the designated broker is accountable for their accuracy and retention for the required period.

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