Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

This also includes setting aside funds for closing costs, unexpected repairs, and moving expenses. In addition to getting pre-approved, having cash reserves prepared for your earnest money deposit and other closing expenses is also one of the top tips for making an offer on a house.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

In some states, buyers may also pay due diligence money—a non-refundable fee paid directly to the seller in exchange for this inspection window. While not required everywhere, it’s an important part of the process in certain markets and is separate from the earnest money deposit. This only applies in certain states.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

You may have saved enough for your down payment, but make sure to also account for closing costs, taxes, insurance, and any other unforeseen expenses that may arise. Rule of thumb: Aim to spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs, and keep your total debt payments under 36% of your income. . >>Read:

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

Table of contents What are prepaid costs when buying a home? So, which prepaid costs should you expect at closing? What should you expect to pay in prepaid costs? How to estimate prepaid costs Closing costs vs. prepaid costs What can you do to prepare?

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 10, 2025

How to pay earnest money and due diligence fees Earnest money is usually paid soon after your offer is accepted and held in escrow by a neutral third party, like a title company or escrow agent. >> Read: When Does the Seller Get Money After Closing? FAQs on earnest money vs. due diligence 1.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

If you’re wondering if you’re ready to buy a house , consider these three factors: Financial stability: If you have a low credit score, lots of debt, and not enough funds to cover a down payment and closing costs, you may want to wait to buy a home. Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JUNE 30, 2025

Key takeaways: In most home purchases, the buyer’s agent delivers the offer to the seller’s agent, who then presents it to the seller If you don’t have an agent, you must submit the offer yourself—ideally with help from a real estate attorney. Buying with or without an agent changes how offers are made.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 4, 2025

These might include covering some of their closing costs, agreeing to a faster closing timeline, or allowing the seller to rent back the property briefly. You can strengthen your offer by offering a larger earnest money deposit or submitting a personalized offer letter. It depends on market conditions.

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Advice On Home Financing | The Best Mortgage Blogs From 2017 Potential FHA Mortgage Quirks Anita Clark, a Real Estate agent in Bonaire GA who has been serving the residential real estate needs of consumers in middle GA for the past decade, provides some informative thoughts on potential FHA mortgage quirks.

Finance

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 18, 2024

SUCCESS Real Estate in the Greater Boston area suddenly closed up shop this week. Over the weekend, broker-owner Steve Webster sent a note to his agents informing them that the brokerage was closing, according to a report by Boston 25 News. As the article notes, no one has been accused of a crime at this time.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JUNE 29, 2022

Real Estate Agent. Real Estate Agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals. According to Chester Ardolino , a real estate agent in Springfield , Massachusetts, the time to think about your top priorities as a seller is before the house hits the market. Require a sizable earnest money deposit.

Earnest money deposit

GeekEstate

AUGUST 19, 2021

Since fraud tends to occur at times where money is being transferred , whether it’s an earnest money deposit or other closing costs, it’s time we look outside of old school methods and embrace technology to keep our personal information and money safe. Revolutionary Technology in Real Estate.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JUNE 23, 2022

If a seller terminates the contract outside of these contingencies , they typically must forfeit the buyer’s earnest money and — depending on the circumstances — may even be required to pay additional money damages and face other possible repercussions for breach of contract. Well, then they lose the earnest money.

Earnest money deposit

Easy Agent Pro

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

By becoming familiar with local market dynamics, setting realistic budget goals, and working alongside an experienced real estate agent, you can position yourself as a powerful and informed buyer. A larger deposit can give the seller confidence in your ability to close the deal and may make your offer more enticing compared to others.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JUNE 28, 2023

You’re likely weighing your resources to make certain you’ve planned properly for a down payment, closing costs, and a monthly mortgage payment. But the first financial step toward making it all happen is presenting an offer with earnest money. It takes only a few minutes, and it’s free.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JULY 31, 2022

One of the first steps is to pick a real estate agent to work with. But what if you decide that you don’t want to work with a buyer’s agent to buy your home? Well, welcome to your step-by-step guide to buying a home without a real estate agent. You’ve decided it’s time to buy a house ! Find a lender you can trust. Find a home.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JULY 26, 2022

But this sign looks different from the real estate agent signs you usually see and it lists the homeowner’s contact information. A “for sale by owner,” or FSBO (pronounced “fizz-bo”) home, is a home that is being sold by its owner who hasn’t hired a listing agent. You’ve found yourself a FSBO home. What is a FSBO home?

Earnest money deposit

Point2Homes

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

The earnest money deposit. But, by paying the earnest money deposit or down payment into escrow rather than to the seller directly, the buyer can be sure that if the sale falls through, they’ll have no trouble getting their money back. How Much Does an Escrow Service Cost? Property deeds.

Earnest money deposit

Realtor.com

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Most purchase agreements have contingencies —things that buyers must do before the real estate transaction is official, explains Jimmy Branham , a Coral Springs, FL, real estate agent at the Keyes Company. You’ll want to compare your closing disclosure to the loan estimate your lender gave you at the outset.

Closing

HomeLight

MARCH 2, 2023

If you’re shopping for a home in San Diego, a trusted buyer’s agent is a key member of your team. HomeLight analyzes millions of transactions and thousands of reviews to find you a proven, top-performing agent in just under two minutes. Find a Buyer's Agent What will it cost to buy a home in San Diego?

Closing

HomeLight

JULY 12, 2024

There will be a lot happening that involves money you’ve saved and money you’re borrowing. You’ll hear your lender and real estate agent use the phrase “house in escrow.” Funds for closing costs and other needs are also sometimes held in this account.

Purchase and sale agreement

Lighter Side of Real Estate

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Not just because it’s courteous to your real estate agent (who likely has a busy schedule), but also for the homeowners who are probably leaving their house so you can view it without them breathing down your neck the whole time. Can’t hurt to grab one for your agent while you’re at it! OK fine, your phone will do. Just sayin’…).

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

With the help of top agent David Landau , who works with 68% more single-family homes than the average agent in Newtown, Connecticut , we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that breaks down all the ins and outs of buying a house in the Constitution State. Steps to buying a home in Connecticut. Assess your readiness.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

We researched everything you need to know about buying a house in Florida, and spoke with top agent Maria Raymer , who works with 67% more single family homes than the average agent in Jacksonville, Florida , to get expert insight into the steps required for buying a home in Florida. Find a local Florida agent.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

MARCH 6, 2023

With the help of top Bay Area agent Carl Medford , who has 22 years of experience and specializes in helping first-time homebuyers, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that breaks down all the ins and outs of buying a house in the Bay Area. down payment and/or closing cost assistance. Loans are between 3%-3.5%

Earnest money deposit

Realty Biz

MARCH 9, 2021

Should you hire a real estate agent? What is an earnest money deposit? Closing costs are a part of every home purchase and that money will always be on top of any down payment requirements (buyers) or commission (sellers). Is using a local real estate agent a smart idea? Should you buy or rent?

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 12, 2021

As you close in on making an offer on a home, your real estate agent – or the seller’s agent – will ask about “earnest money.” Earnest money is a type of security deposit, also known as a “good faith” deposit, offered to show the seller of a home that you’re serious about purchasing the property.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2021

Sellers can expect to pay between 6%-10% of the final sale price in commissions and closing costs, so it’s nice to see exactly where that money is going. It serves as a record showing how all the money has changed hands line by line. Sellers do not typically receive a copy of the Closing Disclosure. Seller Credit.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

HUD will also take care of some of the closing costs, up to 3% of the home’s purchase price. These costs include a mortgage origination fee up to 1%. First, find a real estate agent. Offers can only be submitted by agents on the official HUD Home Store website with an agent’s NAID number. Pretty big perks!

Earnest money deposit

Realty Biz

MARCH 27, 2022

Consulting with your real estate agent on what has been typical will be crucial. Ask your buyer’s agent to put together a comparative market analysis for the home. Offer a Larger Earnest Money Deposit. Your earnest money is a way of showing the seller that you are a serious buyer.

Purchase and sale agreement

Point2Homes

DECEMBER 23, 2021

As a buyer, you’ll be required to pay a deposit that will go into an escrow account. An escrow agent will oversee this account, releasing the funds to go toward paying for the home if everything goes according to plan. However, in some situations, all or some of the earnest money could be returned to the buyer.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

However, there are a lot of things to learn about how to buy a house, like current mortgage rates, your credit score, home inspections, and closing costs. Additionally, it’s important to account for other upfront costs such as the down payment, closing costs, and potential home maintenance or repair expenses.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

You’ve got an incredible opportunity to make the most of this deal, if only you can avoid tripping up before closing. As a next step, your agent suggests going with a “highest and best” strategy to see if any of these offers rise to the top of the pile. With everything from 50% down to closing cost assistance, the offers ran the gamut.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

OCTOBER 30, 2020

All-cash offers are beloved by sellers and real estate agents alike — and they’re more than three times as likely to be chosen from the pack. But is the cash closing process always seamless? A cash deal can close in as little as 7 days, while financed home purchases tend to take an average of 45 days to close.

Closing

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

With the help of Daniel Real , a top agent in Modesto, California who works with 75% more single family homes than the average Modesto agent , we’ll give you the information you need to succeed as a California homebuyer. Real Estate Agent. Real Estate Agent at PMZ Real Estate. Find a local agent. Daniel Real.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Agents say the ongoing demand for houses is being heavily driven by people fleeing more expensive areas of the country. While most people have heard that 20% down is some kind of standard, many are unaware that it is possible to buy a home with as little as 3% down — or even no money down, depending on the loan requirements.

Earnest money deposit

Realty Biz

APRIL 20, 2022

So if you are only able to get a home loan at 5.25%, you can walk away from the deal with your earnest money deposit. If you need assistance from the seller to pay closing costs, you can add that as one of your offer terms and conditions. Lean on your real estate agent for their expertise. Final Thoughts.

Purchase and sale agreement