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

Depositing the check into a personal savings account bypasses the broker's involvement, which is contrary to the established protocol in real estate transactions. Agents are typically required to ensure that all commissions and bonuses are paid to and processed by their broker to maintain transparency and proper oversight.

Cashing the check personally not only disregards the broker's role but could also lead to legal complications regarding commission distribution. Agents should not handle client funds directly; all financial transactions should flow through the broker for accountability and regulatory compliance.

While electronic transfers are an efficient way to handle payments, the focus here should be on the correct recipient of the funds. The agent must ensure that the seller issues the check to the broker, which is the proper channel for managing commission payments rather than suggesting a different payment method.