What should be done with earnest money received on another company's listing?

When handling earnest money received on another company's listing, it is essential to forward the earnest money to the listing company along with the offer. This practice is vital because the listing company is responsible for managing the transaction and ensuring that the earnest money is properly accounted for in accordance with the terms of the listing agreement.

By sending the earnest money to the listing company, you provide assurance to the seller that the buyer is committed to the offer they have submitted. Moreover, the listing company is typically responsible for depositing that money into a trust or escrow account, ensuring it is handled in compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.

Each option presented has its specific context and implications, but forwarding the earnest money with the offer maintains clear communication and process integrity between all parties involved in the transaction. This method adheres to best practices in real estate transactions, as it helps streamline the process and prevents any potential issues related to the handling of earnest funds.