Earnest money shows you’re serious
Typically when an offer to purchase a house is made, you, as the buyer, will also pay an “earnest money” deposit.  This deposit shows the seller that you’re serious about the offer to purchase the property. 

The amount of earnest money deposit varies based on the type of property being purchased and local market conditions.  As your real estate professional, I’ll help you determine the appropriate amount to pay as an earnest money deposit. In this market, 1% of the purchase price is typical.

The sales contract will dictate who holds the earnest money.  The earnest money is deposited into an escrow account with the title company until closing as soon as the contract has been executed.   At closing, the earnest money is applied to the purchase price.

In the event the sale doesn’t close, the sales agreement generally spells out the conditions under which you would forfeit the earnest money.  Generally if the seller meets all the terms of the contract, the seller will keep the earnest money.  If the seller does not meet the terms of the contract, you, as the buyer, may receive a total or partial refund of the earnest money.