Texas Real Estate Sales Agent ExamAgencyEasy

A real estate sales agent receives a commission check directly from a buyer for a transaction they facilitated. The agent is licensed under a broker. What is the appropriate action for the sales agent to take with this commission check?

  1. ADeposit the check directly into their personal bank account.
  2. BDeposit the check directly into their business operating account.
  3. CTurn the check over to their sponsoring broker for proper disbursement.
  4. DHold the check until the end of the month, then submit it to the broker with a summary report.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Turn the check over to their sponsoring broker for proper disbursement.

In Texas, a sales agent may only receive compensation in the name of and through their sponsoring broker. It is illegal for a sales agent to accept a commission directly from a client or customer and deposit it into their own account.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This is illegal and a violation of TREC rules.
  • B. This is illegal and a violation of TREC rules, as commissions must go through the broker.
  • D. Holding the check doesn't negate the requirement to submit it to the broker for proper handling.

Commission Disbursement (Sales Agent)

The legal requirement that a real estate sales agent in Texas must receive all compensation for brokerage services through their sponsoring broker, not directly from clients or customers.

  • Sales agents cannot receive direct payments from clients.
  • All commissions must be paid to the sponsoring broker.
  • Broker then disburses the agent's share.

Memory trick: Money flows through the broker's office, never directly to the agent's pocket.

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