What is NOT an option for Dorothy regarding the earnest money dispute?

The correct answer indicates that filing a claim with the Maryland Real Estate Commission is not an appropriate option for Dorothy regarding the earnest money dispute. The Maryland Real Estate Commission primarily deals with issues related to licensing and regulatory compliance, rather than mediation of disputes between parties involved in real estate transactions.

In earnest money disputes, the focus is on resolving the disagreement between the buyer and seller, typically through mediation, disbursement of funds, or court intervention. Holding the funds until both parties authorize their disbursement is a common practice to ensure that the money is distributed fairly and only with mutual consent. Similarly, depositing the funds with the courts allows the legal system to determine the rightful owner based on the details of the dispute. Holding onto the funds until a court orders their disbursement also indicates a lawful approach to dealing with the matter while waiting for judicial clarification. These methods aim to protect the interests of both parties involved in the transaction.