Earnest Money Deposit

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Home Real Estate Terms Glossary Earnest Money Deposit

What is an Earnest Money Deposit?

The earnest money deposit is a partial payment that buyers make for the home or property they are about to purchase. Did you know that the earnest money deposit forms part of most real estate contracts? Also, on average, buyers hand over the earnest money soon after their offer has been accepted. In most cases, it is usually between 24 and 48 hours.

So, an earnest money deposit can be defined as a good faith deposit that shows to the seller that the homebuyer is serious about purchasing the home.

Examples of Earnest Money Deposits

  • Example 1: House deposits
  • Example 2: Good-faith deposits

Here’s Investopedia’s definition of an Earnest Money Deposit .

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