Earnest money deposit Inspection Rent back 
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.
Redfin
JULY 17, 2025
Earnest money deposit: A higher deposit signals serious intent and financial stability. inspection, financing) make your offer more appealing. Inspection terms: Flexibility or waiving the inspection entirely can reduce friction—but know the risks. Contingencies : Fewer or shorter contingencies (e.g.
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Redfin
JUNE 12, 2025
Fewer contingencies: Too many contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing) can make a deal feel risky. Strong earnest money deposit: A higher deposit signals you’re serious and financially committed; giving sellers more peace of mind. Simpler, cleaner offers usually win.
Realtor.com
OCTOBER 29, 2020
These are the most common contingencies that are part of your new home closing process: Home inspection contingency: This gives buyers the right to have the home professionally inspected. If something is wrong, you can request that it be fixed—or you can back out of the sale. Your home inspection reports.
HomeLight
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Your offer will be stronger if you build in some wiggle room relating to factors that might seriously entice the seller to pick you: Can you offer rent-back? Determine how much earnest money to offer. The customary amount to put down as an earnest money deposit will vary based on your market.
HomeLight
MARCH 2, 2023
While it is not always recommended to completely waive contingencies to impress a seller, you might consider pairing down to just the inspection contingency and financing contingency to remain competitive. Do they need to do a rent-back on the house, or do they want a quick close?
HomeLight
JUNE 30, 2021
If your current house doesn’t sell, or the settlement doesn’t happen, as the buyer, you can walk away from your new purchase with your earnest money. There are lots of other kinds of contingencies — inspection contingencies, appraisal contingencies — but the sales contingency can be especially tricky. Ask for a rent-back clause.
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