Remove Earnest money deposit Remove Mortgages Remove Title search
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Here’s What Your Real Estate Agent Means When They Say “We’re In Escrow”

Redfin

When a home is in escrow, it means the buyer and seller have signed a purchase agreement, and an escrow account has been opened to securely hold the buyer’s earnest money deposit. The escrow account holds the deposit along with important documents like the purchase contract, loan paperwork, and the deed.

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Should You Make a Clean, No-Contingency Offer?

Redfin

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 the sale of the buyer’s current home falls through, they would be forced to give up their earnest money.

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7 Common Contingencies in Real Estate That Buyers Should Know

Redfin

Financing (mortgage) contingency A financing contingency , also known as a mortgage contingency, allows the buyer to back out of the sale if they’re unable to secure mortgage approval, usually 21 to 30 days. The title company typically conducts this search shortly after the contract is signed.

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

Redfin

Key Takeaways: Shopping mortgage rates, reviewing your credit report, and looking into first-time home buyer programs can improve your financial situation and increase your choices. 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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Is Earnest Money Refundable? When You Can (and Can’t) Get It Back

Redfin

Buyer is unable to secure financing A financing or mortgage contingency protects buyers if they’re unable to get approved for a home loan. If this happens and they’ve included the right contingency, the buyer can usually walk away with their earnest money deposit.

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Home Buying Process Timeline: 17 Steps Every Buyer Should Know

Redfin

Get pre-approved for a mortgage Estimated time: 1-2 weeks A mortgage pre-approva l is a lender’s assessment of how much they’re willing to lend you based on your income, assets, debts, and credit history. It’s best to shop around to find the best rate and determine the best type of mortgage loan for you.

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A Seller’s Guide To When A Buyer Does and Doesn’t Get Their Earnest Money Back

HomeLight

The danger to a seller in this scenario is having to pay an extra mortgage payment and additional marketing fees if, after weeks of being wrapped up in an exclusive agreement with a buyer, the buyer falls through. Earnest money is meant to compensate the seller for the time wasted in the event of a failed contract.