Who is ultimately responsible for the delivery of earnest money?

• A. Buyer
• B. Escrow officer
• C. Listing agent
• D. Designated broker

Answer: (D)

Earnest money is trust funds that a brokerage must handle under state rules, so who is ultimately accountable for its delivery? The designated broker is the person in charge of the brokerage and its trust accounts, and therefore bears the final responsibility for ensuring earnest money is received, deposited into the firm's trust account promptly, and delivered to the escrow or closing agent as the agreement requires. The buyer provides the funds, and the escrow officer manages the escrow process, but the legal accountability for proper handling and delivery rests with the designated broker. The listing agent's role is to present offers and manage the transaction, not to custody or deliver funds.