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. Closing timeline: Aligning with the seller’s preferred timeline—or offering a rent-back—can give you an edge. Showing you’re serious with a solid earnest money deposit.
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Redfin
JUNE 12, 2025
Strong earnest money deposit: A higher deposit signals you’re serious and financially committed; giving sellers more peace of mind. Flexible move-out or rent-back options: Sellers who haven’t secured their next home may appreciate extra time to move or stay temporarily after closing.
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.
Realtor.com
OCTOBER 29, 2020
If the appraised value is less than the sale price, the contingency enables you to back out of the deal without forfeiting your earnest money deposit , says Bishoi Nageh , president of the Petra Cephas Team at Mortgage Network Solutions, in Somerset, NJ.
HomeLight
MARCH 2, 2023
Get creative with your offer — you may want to offer a larger earnest money deposit, schedule a quick closing, or even consider letting the seller rent the house back from you for a certain period of time. Do they need to do a rent-back on the house, or do they want a quick close?
HomeLight
JUNE 30, 2021
Ask for a rent-back clause. You can always ask for a rent-back clause or an extended closing timeline if you need one for the home you’re selling. In hot markets, many sellers are asking for — and getting — rent-backs. Offer a rent-back to the seller so they can stay longer.
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