Real Estate Terms Glossary
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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Antonella C.
I am a business transactional & trademark attorney with 15 years experience in the law firm and in-house settings. I am barred in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I currently own my own practice serving businesses and entrepreneurs with business transactional and IP law.
Kim A.
30 year practitioner. Seasoned but not old. Wide variety of practice areas, including criminal, domestic and civil law.
August 14, 2023
Jacob W.
Background in Engineering, Masters in Business, Licensed Patent Attorney. Reviewed countless title reports, and land contracts. If you have a problem with Real Estate I can solve it.
September 2, 2023
Jeffrey J.
I have been in business development for 15 years before becoming an attorney. As an attorney, I help companies navigate legal challenges that they face.
August 15, 2023
Anthony V.
Anthony M. Verna III, is the managing partner at Verna Law, P.C. With a strong focus on Trademark, Copyright, Domain Names, Entertainment, and Advertising law, Verna Law, P.C. strives to provide all Intellectual Property services a modern business of any size may need to market and promote itself better. From the very early concept stage, Verna Law, P.C. can conduct a comprehensive, all-encompassing search and analysis on any proposed trademark to head off complications. Once the proposed concept enters the Alpha stage, Verna Law, P.C. can seamlessly switch to handling registration, protection, and if needed, defense of registered trademarks, copyrights, and domain names, as well as prosecution of entities violating said rights. Verna Law, P.C. also provides intellectual property counseling and services tailored to fit into your business’ comprehensive growth strategy. This shows as many of Verna Law, P.C.’s clients are international: from China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, Verna Law’s reach is worldwide. Additionally, Verna Law, P.C., can handle your business’ Entertainment and Advertising law needs by helping your business create advertising and promotions that keep competitors and regulators at bay. Located in the shadow of New York City, Verna Law, P.C. has a global reach that will provide clients with the most vigorous Intellectual Property advocate available. Anthony M. Verna III is a member of the New York and New Jersey Bars, as well as the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York. He is a sought-after business speaker, including regular appearances at the World Board Gaming Championships, Business Marketing Association of New Jersey, and Columbian Lawyers Association.
Cory L.
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