What Is Earnest Money? | Earnest Money Deposit Explained

If you find a property that you’re highly interested in buying but are concerned that the seller might choose another offer over your own, you may consider making a deposit in escrow to show that you’re committed to your offer. This deposit is called an “earnest money deposit,” and is a great way to back up your offer in a competitive housing market

Read our blog written specifically for homebuying beginners here.

What Is Earnest Money?

Earnest money is typically deposited in an amount between 1 and 2% of the purchase price. It shows that you’re serious enough about your offer to give that money to the seller if you back out without good reason during the closing process. Earnest money isn’t a requirement, but it’s strongly recommended and shows your commitment to the seller.

Understanding How Earnest Money Works

Earnest money is delivered to a third party in an escrow account when you sign a sales contract or purchase agreement. If you purchase the home, the money is refunded to you or can go toward your down payment. If you back out for a reason that isn’t outlined as a contingency in the contract (which we’ll cover more in a minute), the seller will get to keep the earnest money.

Earnest Money in Action

As an example, say that Nathan wants to purchase a $150,000 condo. Since he’s buying in a competitive market and wants to make his offer stand out, he decides to indicate in his offer that he will make a deposit of 2% of the sale price ($3,000). When his offer is accepted, Nathan wires the money to an escrow company.

If Nathan’s home inspection covers a serious issue like a dangerous crack in the foundation, he can back out and receive his money back. If he decides to move forward to close on the property, the earnest money will either be refunded to him or will go towards his down payment. However, if Nathan were to find another property that he was more interested in, he would have to forfeit the $3,000 in earnest money in order to withdraw his offer.

Earnest Money Deposit vs. Down Payment

Be sure not to confuse earnest money with the down payment on a house. The down payment money is brought as a cashier’s check to closing, and the amount depends on both the property type and the kind of financing used. Nathan might be able to use his earnest money as part or all of his down payment, but this isn’t a requirement.

How Much Earnest Money Is Enough?

As you can see from the example, a buyer may want to make a higher earnest money deposit when they are committed to buying or are shopping for houses in a highly competitive market. The minimum amount is 1% of the sale price, which is typically just a few thousand dollars at most.

Your real estate agent will be a great resource when it comes to deciding an earnest money amount and will use their expertise on local trends and competition to help you write your offer.

Can Earnest Money Be Refunded?

As we discussed, earnest money will either go towards a down payment if you close on the home or can be refunded if you decide to withdraw your offer for a reason outlined as a contingency in the buyer’s agreement.

4 Types of Contingencies

There are several different types of contingencies that might be included in the agreement signed by you and the seller.

1. Home Inspection Contingency

The home inspection contingency allows a buyer to withdraw earnest money if inspection findings reveal a problem with the property that costs too much to repair or that would make the home a bad purchase

Read our blog covering 8 budget-friendly DIY home improvements here.

2. Appraisal Contingency

An appraisal contingency ensures that the buyer can withdraw their offer and earnest money if their lender appraises the house and determines that it is worth significantly less than the same price.

3. Financing Contingency

A financing contingency is an important protection for the buyer that allows them to withdraw their offer and earnest money if they are unable to receive financing for the home. It also provides them with a predetermined amount of time in which they can look for financing.

4. Contingency for Selling an Existing Home

Depending on the buyer’s finances, they may want to include a sale contingency, in which they can withdraw their offer if their current home or property doesn’t sell in a given time period.

How to Protect Your Earnest Deposit in 4 Steps

Earnest deposits can range anywhere from a small amount to thousands of dollars. It’s important to take the right steps to protect your money in case you do want it refunded.

Step 1: Use an Escrow Account

Escrow companies exist so that neither the buyer nor the seller has possession of cash or assets while a house is in the middle of the sale process. If you were to give earnest money to the seller and then ask for a refund if, for example, your first home were unable to sell, there’s more room for conflict than if the money is held by an objective third party.

Step 2: Know Your Contingencies

Make sure that every relevant contingency is included in your buyer’s agreement. If you choose to forfeit contingencies, do your research beforehand to make sure you’re willing to take the chance of losing that deposit.

Step 3: Stay on Track With Responsibilities

Your responsibilities don’t stop with a signed contract. Protect yourself by staying on track with next steps: securing the financing for the home and scheduling a home inspection. Delaying these processes or failing to be through might result in a loss of your earnest money or in making rushed decisions later on.

Step 4: Put It All in Writing

Make sure that every contingency and term is included in an agreement that is signed, in writing, by both you and the seller. It might seem simple to make promises and agreements in person or over the phone, but having written documentation will guarantee your financial security and will keep a record of the process.

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Working With a Real Estate Agent

Making an earnest money deposit is only one aspect of making an offer on a potential home. Working with a real estate agent ensures that you have help in deciding when earnest money is important and how much to offer as a deposit. Since market trends can change depending on property type and area, it’s important to find an agent who is specifically experienced in the kind of home you’re looking for and in your neighborhood of interest.

Ready to Find the Home of Your Dreams!

This page last updated: October 17, 2022