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Which of the following is not a proper disbursement of the deposit from a trust account?

  1. The payment of a broker's salary

  2. Commissions paid to active agents

  3. Paying for office supplies and utilities

  4. Returning the deposit to the buyer if the deal falls through

The correct answer is: The payment of a broker's salary

The correct choice highlights an important principle in real estate regarding proper use of trust account funds. Trust accounts are designed to hold client deposits, ensuring that those funds are kept separate from the broker's or agency's operational funds. When considering the options, it becomes clear that using the deposit for a broker's salary is not an appropriate disbursement. Trust account funds must solely be used for transactions directly related to the client or their property, such as returning a deposit or paying commissions tied to closed transactions. This ensures that clients' funds are protected and not misallocated for unrelated expenses, such as salaries, office supplies, or utilities, which should be covered by the brokerage's operating budget and income. This distinction protects both the client and the brokerage by maintaining ethical standards and compliance with real estate laws regarding the handling of client funds.