What does "commingling" refer to in real estate?

Commingling specifically refers to the unauthorized mixing of a real estate agent's personal funds or the brokerage’s funds with those of a client. This practice is prohibited as it can lead to ethical violations and legal issues, as it undermines the trust and accountability that are essential in a fiduciary relationship. Agents are required to keep client funds in trust accounts, ensuring that these funds are protected and used solely for their intended purpose. This maintains the integrity of financial transactions within real estate and upholds the standards set by regulatory bodies.

The other options, while related to real estate, do not capture the essence of commingling in the context of ethical financial practices. Sharing offices, service fees, or combining property listings does not involve the critical issue of fund integrity that commingling addresses.