Which action is NOT acceptable in a sales transaction?

In a sales transaction, it is not acceptable for the seller to remove the built-in microwave after closing and before giving possession of the property to the buyer. Closing represents the finalization of the sale, where ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. At this stage, any fixtures that are included in the purchase agreement—such as built-in appliances like a microwave—are considered part of the property. By removing a fixture after closing, the seller is essentially withholding property that rightfully belongs to the buyer, which is against the principles of ethical and lawful transactions.

The other actions listed can be acceptable under certain circumstances. For instance, waiving a lead-based paint inspection is a choice a buyer can make, although it may entail risks. Similarly, a seller can specify exclusions in the sales contract, meaning they can choose not to include certain items like a built-in microwave. Additionally, if a buyer terminates a contract due to a financing contingency, receiving their earnest money back is the norm, as this would be in accordance with the contractual terms. Therefore, the action that violates proper protocol in a sales transaction is the seller removing a fixture after closing, making it an unacceptable practice.