BAM Media

MARCH 5, 2025

A Strong Earnest Money Deposit A standard deposit is 5%, but serious buyers should consider going higher10%, 15%, or even more. The bigger the deposit, the stronger the commitment. Stand Out with Video & Strong Offer Presentation Most agents just email over an offer and hope for the best.

Earnest money deposit

Lighter Side of Real Estate

JUNE 3, 2025

Have your agent communicate these points clearly and professionally. Offering a higher earnest money deposit signals commitment and increases the sellers confidence that youll follow through. A good buyers agent can help clarify your options based on local norms. Sweeten the termswithout giving up key protections.

Inspection

The Living Room

MAY 2, 2025

Consider flexibility on closing dates, a solid earnest money deposit, and minimal contingencies to appeal to sellers. Engage with your realtor to discuss potential homes critically and schedule viewings promptly to stay ahead in the fast-paced market.

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.

Due diligence

Redfin

MARCH 11, 2025

Youre using a no-down-payment loan If youre financing with a VA loan or USDA loan, which dont require a down payment , your entire earnest money deposit can go toward closing costs instead. Example: Youre buying a home with a VA loan, and your earnest money deposit was $5,000.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

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. In the average market, a typical earnest money deposit is 1-3% of the home’s purchase price. Is a 20% counteroffer too much?

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Contingent offers protect your earnest money deposit In real estate transactions, once an offer is accepted, buyers demonstrate their seriousness by sealing it with a deposit of earnest money. If you’re thinking about making a non-contingent offer, consult your real estate agent before you commit.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 17, 2025

Earnest money deposit: A higher deposit signals serious intent and financial stability. Lean on your agent: Your real estate agent can guide you in making a smart, competitive offer. But with a clear budget, strong terms, and a good agent by your side, you’ll be in a solid position to compete.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 14, 2025

Walking away from one could cost you your earnest money deposit (typically 1%–3% of the home price), and in some cases, you could even be sued for breach of contract. To protect yourself, work closely with your real estate agent to include appropriate contingencies and timing strategies so you’re not caught in a bind.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Mortgage pre-approval serves several purposes: Determines how much you can afford to borrow Signals to agents and sellers that you’re more reliable Expedites the mortgage application process Locks in an interest rate for that specific period Here’s what to do instead: Take the time to get pre-approved by a lender before starting your home search.

Pre-approval

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. Know the local customs: Earnest money and due diligence fees vary by market. Know when and how to pay each.

Due diligence

Redfin

JULY 21, 2025

Backing out without cause may result in losing your earnest money deposit. If you’re having doubts, want to reassess your finances, or simply change your mind, doing so before any paperwork is signed allows for a clean exit without risking earnest money or triggering legal consequences.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Find a real estate agent Estimated time: 1-2 weeks A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate agent who represents your best interests throughout the home buying journey. Ask for referrals from friends and family, read online reviews, and interview a few agents. > >Read: What to Look For on a Home Tour 6.

Pre-approval

Redfin

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Specifically, it’s crucial to get a detailed breakdown of closing costs from your lender and/or real estate agent before closing. Additionally, while not strictly required, an earnest money deposit is a common way to show your good faith to the seller when making an offer. What kind of costs are included?

Closing costs

Redfin

JUNE 12, 2025

Work with your real estate agent to find out if your state or local laws allow for a contractual time limit, and how best to include it in your offer terms. Strong earnest money deposit: A higher deposit signals you’re serious and financially committed; giving sellers more peace of mind. Not at all.

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Hiring a Real Estate Agent When buying a property, the right buyer’s agent will save you time and, perhaps more importantly, money. Before you hire a real estate agent, meet with them to discuss your requirements before you choose. This will also tell you the money that needs to be paid on closing day.

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

What To Expect From Your Listing Agent Why For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) Fail Blog Featured Articles Home Buying Home Selling LOCAL Rochester NY Articles Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? This is one of the top reasons to hire a buyers agent when buying a house !

Inspection

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

Similar to your earnest money deposit, these funds are placed into an escrow account, where they’re safely held until the bills need to be paid. Your lender or agent can walk you through the details and help make sure everything adds up. So, which prepaid costs should you expect at closing?

Earnest money deposit

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

BAM Media

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

We also do Instagram audits during our BAMx office hours , and one thing I consistently see is agents posting videos that just arent moving the needle. At some point, someone told real estate agents they had to make these types of videos, and they have become a staple in our industrys content strategy. Your audience is the same way.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

AUGUST 4, 2025

You can strengthen your offer by offering a larger earnest money deposit or submitting a personalized offer letter. Work with a real estate agent Working with a seasoned Redfin real estate agent can make all the difference in negotiations. Also ask yourself: Are you flexible on the closing date?

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Speak with a real estate agent to help determine if you’re in a good position to begin the homebuying process. >>See: Find a real estate agent: Search for a trusted agent who understands the local housing market, can answer your questions, and can help you make a competitive offer when you’ve found the right home.

Pre-approval

RIS Media

JUNE 11, 2025

Above: Kim Luckow and David Mussari.

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

APRIL 9, 2025

It may be April 2025, but in Bergen County, New Jersey agents say it might as well be the spring of 2021. I have even seen non-refundable earnest money deposits, Joe Tamburo, a Bergen County-based Coldwell Banker Realty broker, said. Every property is going for way over asking with multiple offers.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

The new rules mandated by the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) antitrust settlement are designed to encourage more negotiations for buyer agent commissions. That’s according to Redfin , which interviewed dozens of its agents about what they’re seeing on the ground in regard to buyer commission conversations.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

OCTOBER 3, 2023

Qualia on Tuesday said the new product provides closing agents with the ability to securely collect and share wire instructions with buyers and sellers, and it features systems for earnest money deposit collection, automated wire matching, wire-sending integrations, wire fraud detection , and seller ID verification.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

MAY 28, 2024

By leveraging Earnnest within EXIT Realty’s robust network, we look forward to empowering agents with the tools they need to elevate their businesses and deliver exceptional service to clients.” “As As a leader in the real estate industry, EXIT Realty Corp. International. We’re proud to welcome Earnnest as our newest Premier Partner.”

Earnest money deposit

RIS Media

JUNE 3, 2024

Buying a home involves multiple steps, including providing an earnest money deposit. This deposit is a sign of good faith between the buyer and seller. However, losing this deposit can be a significant financial setback. It indicates the buyer’s commitment to purchasing the property.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 18, 2024

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. Funds placed in escrow often include things such as earnest money deposits or funds from a seller to help a buyer pay closing costs or their agents commission.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 10, 2020

JetClosing was built to operate in a fully digital world, so we are well-positioned to help our agent and lender partners adjust to recent shifts in business operations and consumer preferences brought on by the pandemic,” said Matt Rockhold, vice president of sales at JetClosing.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 9, 2021

Your real estate agent can help if you decide to go this route. If you didn’t have the contingency, you’d have to forfeit your earnest money deposit in order to back out. Your agent can help pull these for you. You can also: Offer to split the difference. One more option.

Earnest money deposit

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

But as much as it’s already a core tenet of real estate, collaboration currently presents a unique new opportunity for real estate agents to evolve the way they work with their buyers and sellers. Without that, you end up with a bunch of disconnected steps, and that’s quickly become overwhelming for agents and brokers.

Earnest money deposit

Realtor.com

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Keep in mind that sellers are looking for a good deal just as much as you are, and you should plan on working with your real estate agent to make sure the sellers at least feel like they’re getting one. In addition to putting your best foot forward, you should be sure you’re working with an agent who has the skills to close the deal. “A

Earnest money deposit

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

APRIL 27, 2022

Understanding An Earnest Money Refund When you are purchasing real estate, there are quite a few things you need to know. One of those things is whether or not your money is refundable. Many buyers and sellers will ask their respective real estate agents whether the earnest money deposit is refundable.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JUNE 8, 2023

Before you submit your bid, it’s important to understand what an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is, how you can use one to strengthen your offer, and how to protect your money should anything come up during your home-buying process. Get Started What’s earnest money?

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. We built Paymints.io

Earnest money deposit