3. Two days after closing, the seller gives a $500 bonus check to the selling agent. The agent should

Answer: B

Explanation:

The agent should instruct the seller to issue the check to the agent's broker.

In this scenario, the agent should guide the seller to issue the bonus check directly to the agent's broker. This procedure ensures compliance with industry regulations and proper financial management.

A) immediately deposit the check in a savings account.

This option is incorrect as the agent should not personally deposit the check without it being addressed to the broker. Handling the check in this manner could violate the policies surrounding commission and bonus payments within real estate transactions.

B) instruct the seller to issue the check to the agent's broker.

This option is correct because it aligns with standard practices where bonuses or commissions are paid to the broker, ensuring that all funds are processed correctly and in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.

C) cash the check and give the broker a share of the bonus.

Cashing the check personally is not appropriate, as it circumvents the broker's involvement in the transaction. This option fails to adhere to the requirement that such payments should be processed through the broker to maintain transparency and accountability.

D) instruct seller that bonuses should be in the form of an electronic transfer.

While electronic transfers are often preferred for their efficiency, this option does not directly address the immediate situation regarding the physical check the seller has provided. Moreover, it does not comply with the requirement that the bonus should be directed to the broker.

Conclusion

Option B is definitively the correct choice, as it ensures that the bonus payment is processed through the appropriate channels, maintaining compliance with real estate regulations. The other options either suggest improper handling of the check or fail to comply with standard protocols, making them unsuitable in this context.