A buyer's offer was accepted by the seller two days after the offer was written. The purchase agreement included instructions for the broker to hold the $25,000 earnest money check uncashed until acceptance. The following day the check was deposited in the broker's business (personal) account. At closing, the broker delivered a check to escrow in the amount of $25,750, which represented the original earnest money plus interest.

What are your thoughts regarding this scenario? Has the broker violated any laws? Is this practice acceptable? Is it ethical?