Earnest Money
Definition:
Earnest money is a sum of money paid by a buyer as a deposit or guarantee of payment when making an offer to purchase property. It typically represents a earnest money deposit and is held in escrow by the real estate agent until the closing of the transaction.
Purpose:
- To demonstrate the buyer’s intent to purchase the property.
- To show that the buyer is financially capable of completing the purchase.
- To hold the property off the market while the buyer obtains financing.
- To protect the seller from backing out of the deal.
Amount:
The amount of earnest money required varies depending on the location, market conditions, and the price of the property. Typically, it is between 3% to 5% of the purchase price.
Payment:
Earnest money is typically paid to the real estate agent at the time of making an offer. It can be paid in the form of a check, wire transfer, or cashier’s check.
Escrow:
The earnest money is held in escrow by the real estate agent until the closing of the transaction. It is released to the seller when the purchase is complete and the buyer obtains financing.
Example:
In a purchase offer for a house priced at $500,000, the buyer may offer to pay an earnest money deposit of $25,000, which is 5% of the purchase price.
Key Points:
- Earnest money is a deposit paid by a buyer to demonstrate intent and financial capability.
- The amount varies depending on location, market conditions, and property price.
- It is typically held in escrow until the closing of the transaction.
- Earnest money is released to the seller upon completion of the purchase.
