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Can a Seller Keep the Earnest Money Deposit? Yes – Here’s When

Redfin

The money is held in escrow and is typically applied towards the buyer’s closing costs or down payment. So when can a seller legally keep the earnest money deposit? Changing the financing structure (like moving from a conventional loan to FHA) without written consent.

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Earnest Money and House Deposits Explained

Rochester Real Estate

The Essentials of Home Deposits When you make an offer on a house , you want the seller to take their property off the market. This isn’t without risk for the seller, and to show you are serious about the purchase, a good faith house deposit is required. The answer depends on who didn’t follow the contract properly.

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7 Common Contingencies in Real Estate That Buyers Should Know

Redfin

This Redfin article explains how contingencies work, which ones to expect, and how they help you avoid costly setbacks during the homebuying process. Home inspection contingency This is one of the most frequently used contingencies in real estate. In certain areas, additional contingencies may be especially important.

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What is Due Diligence in Real Estate?

Redfin

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.

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17 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Consider and How to Avoid Them

Redfin

Not getting pre-approved for a home loan before starting your search A common mistake for first-time homebuyers is jumping into the search without first getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Even a small difference in your mortgage rate can really add up over the life of the loan, so it’s worth your time to shop around.

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Can You Get Your Earnest Money Back at Closing?

Redfin

If your down payment is already covered, the earnest money can help pay for lender fees, title fees, and other closing expenses. If your earnest money exceeds your total costs due at closing, youll get a refund for the excess amount. This is more common with VA loans or USDA loans, which require no down payment.

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Can You Back Out of Buying a House Before Closing?

Redfin

Contingencies provide legal exits for specific situations. Backing out without cause may result in losing your earnest money deposit. Common contingencies include: Financing contingency: Protects buyers if they can’t secure a mortgage loan. When is an ideal time to back out?