Real estate brokers and salespersons typically receive trust funds on behalf of third parties during the normal course of business, thereby creating a fiduciary responsibility to the funds' owners. This course explains how brokers and salespersons must handle, control, and account for trust funds. It describes California's requirements for maintaining trust fund bank accounts, the record keeping requirements that must be followed, and the precautions licensees should take to ensure the integrity of trust fund accounts. Those who improperly handle trust funds may be subject to license suspension or revocation as well as possible financial liability for damages incurred by clients.

Trust Fund Handling - General Information Page

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• describe the trust fund handling requirements that real estate licensees must follow
• explain the general requirements that apply to trust fund bank account deposits and withdrawals
• demonstrate an understanding of how to maintain accounting records for trust fund accounts
• differentiate between the types of accounting and record keeping systems that may be used
• recognize the types of prohibited conduct with respect to trust fund accounts that may lead to disciplinary action