deposit paid by a buyer to a seller to demonstrate intention to complete the purchase.

Cash given to a seller by a buyer as good faith assurance that the buyer intends to go through with the purchase of a property, usually upon the signing of the contract of sale.

Money put down on a property and held by the seller, or a representative for the seller, prior to the closing of a purchase transaction. This money is often non-refundable should the contract be broken. Earnest money is sometimes held in an interest-bearing account by the seller's realtor or attorney, depending on the amount of earnest money offered by the buyer at the time of contract.

Money that is given to a lender by the buyer as a form of showing commitment to following through with a puchase.

the money paid by a real estate buyer that is used as a deposit to show good faith in proceeding with the transaction.When you buy foreclosed real estate properties, you will be asked to make an earnest money deposit of a few percent of total purchasing costs to show that you are serious in purchasing the property.If you cannot secure financing before closing date or if you decide to simply stop the purchasing procedure, your earnest money may be withheld.If you bid is simply not high enough, you will often be given your earnest money back.

Initial deposit made by a prospective buyer of a home to show their good faith intentions to purchase a property.

A good faith deposit given by a buyer to a seller prior to consummation of a transaction. Usually forfeited if the buyer is unwilling or unable to complete the sale.

Earnest money is money given by the consumer to the seller to show that they are serious about the purchase. This is included in the purchase price.

Deposit money given to the seller by the potential buyer to show that he or she is serious about buying a property. If the transaction is completed, the earnest money is applied to the down payment. If the the transaction fails to complete, it may be forfeited.

A deposit of any item of value, usually money, that accompanies an offer to purchase real estate as evidence of good faith.

Deposit toward down payment submitted with a purchase agreement as evidence of the buyers commitment.

deposit paid when the sale contract/offer is signed. A.k.a. - Good Faith Deposit.

A deposit paid by a potential homebuyer to a realtor upon bid acceptance that indicates their intention to purchase the house.

A sum of money given to bind an agreement or an offer made to show good faith.

A deposit of money given by the buyer to bind a purchase offer and which is held in escrow until the sale is closed. If the sale of the property is closed, the earnest money is applied to the purchase price. If the buyer does not complete all obligations of the purchase offer and the sale is not closed, the earnest money may be forfeited. Within the buyer contingency period, if any contingencies are not met to the buyer's satisfaction, the earnest money is returned to the buyer.

A deposit paid when the sale contract is signed before the closing. In some locations, it's called the "Binder."

A deposit given to the Seller, or Seller’s agent, to show that the buyer is serious about buying the property.

Money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase as evidence of good faith, and further considered a portion of the down payment.

Money deposited by potential buyers to show their seriousness about buying.

A buyer's partial payment to the seller as a show of good faith in completing the transaction.

Money given by a buyer to a seller to show that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. Earnest money becomes part of the down payment if the offer is accepted, gets returned to the buyer if the offer is rejected, or is forfeited if the buyer backs out of the deal.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, www.hud.gov, describes earnest money as a deposit placed alongside a bid to show the seller that you're serious about the purchase.

A deposit given to the seller, and usually held in escrow, by a potential buyer to show they are serious about buying a house.

A deposit made by a Purchaser to demonstrate good faith; a down payment.

The money the buyer gives the seller as an intention to buy the property. Earnest money is also known as a deposit.

The monetary advance by a purchaser of part of the purchase price as evidence of good faith. The earnest money is used to bind the parties to the contract of sale.

Money paid to the seller or the seller's real-estate broker to show that a buyer is serious about buying. Usually a few thousand dollars.

Money paid as a deposit by a home buyer to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.

Money given by a buyer to a seller as a deposit to commit the buyer to the future transaction. Earnest money is subtracted from closing costs.

A portion of the down payment given to the seller or escrow agency by the buyer with a written offer as evidence of good faith.

The money placed in escrow for the seller, by the potential buyer, upon the signing of the agreement of sale to show that the buyer is serious about buying the house. Also known as a deposit.

Aa deposit put down to secure one’s intent to purchase real estate. Usually paid at the time of sales agreement.

Good faith money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase.

Money put down by the borrower and typically held by real estate broker or escrow agent at the time of the purchase contract. This money shows that the purchaser is serious about purchasing the subject property. It also becomes an offset to down payment and/or other related costs. However, in the event that the purchaser backs out, this amount could be forfeited to the seller.

A portion of a down payment put in escrow by a potential buyer indicating the purchaser's intent to complete the procurement of the property.

The cash deposit paid by a prospective buyer as evidence of good faith to bind a sale of real estate.

The buyer gives "earnest money" to the seller as part of the purchase price to secure the transaction.

A deposit made by the buyer to the seller to demonstrate good faith of an offer to purchase the property. The money is exchanged during the signing of the purchase agreement and is later put toward the purchase price of the property.

The deposit given by a buyer to a seller to show that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. Earnest money usually is refundable to homebuyers in the event a contingency of the sales contract cannot be met.

an amount of money, given as part of the purchase price, deposited to a third party (escrow holder) by a person purchasing property and held in a trust account until the transaction is completed.

Deposit by a potential homebuyer to show he or she is serious about buying a house.

A partial advance payment of the purchase price to bind a contract for property.

The money a buyer gives to a seller as a sign of a good-faith commitment to buy the house. Earnest money deposits typically range from 1 to 3 percent.

Money that is put down in good faith once a real estate offer has been accepted. Earnest money will be applied to down payment at closing. If the buyer cancels the purchase contract or fails to close on time, earnest money may be forfeited to the seller.

Upon negotiation of the terms of sale, the portion of a down payment given to the seller (or escrow agent) as evidence of good faith in following through with the transaction.

Money given by a buyer to the seller when making a formal offer to bind a transaction. Also called a deposit.

Money paid by the buyer to the seller at the time the Offer to Purchase is presented. Generally, earnest money is applied to the purchase price.

Funds the buyer offers the seller as a sign of “good faith” that he or she intends to buy the home. Earnest money is typically 5% to 10% of the purchase price and is placed into an escrow or trust account, never given directly to the seller.

Money that accompanies an offer made on a property. The money is then applied to the down payment at closing. If the offer is not accepted the money is returned.

Sum of money paid with an offer to purchase, given to bind a sale.

A cash payment delivered to the seller of real property, or to an escrow agent for the transaction, as evidence of good faith to bind the purchase.

Deposit held in escrow until settlement

A sum of money given by a buyer to a seller of real estate to show his intent to buy the property and to help demonstrate his ability to do so.

A sum of money that is paid to the seller prior to closing, which demonstrates that the buyer is serious. This amount is deducted from the purchase price at closing.

A sum of money (or a Promissory Note) which is submitted by a buyer along with an offer for property. The money represents the buyer's good intentions to complete the purchase. When the offer is accepted, the money is placed in the trust account of the buyer's broker, where it is held until closing. If the buyer fails to complete the purchase for reasons not specified in the contract, the money may be awarded to the seller as damages.

Also known as down payment or down money; money deposited by a Buyer under terms of a contract.

A deposit of money given by a party to bind the contract usually credited toward the sales price.

the cash deposit -- including initial and additional deposits -- paid by the prospective buyer or real property as evidence of good-faith intention to complete the transaction.

money that accompanies an offer to purchase Real Estate, paid by the prospective Buyer, to indicate to the Seller the Buyer's serious intent to complete the transaction. The Earnest Money is placed in an escrow account and at the time of closing becomes part of the down payment.

A small percentage of the listing price in the form of a cashier's or certified check that is presented by a bidder when he or she registers on auction day. The earnest money will be credited towards the purchase price.

A deposit made by a buyer when submitting an offer to show good faith, and give the seller some security. This money is often forfeited if the buyer backs out or defaults.

Money put down by a potential buyer as good faith to show that he or she is serious about purchasing the home; it can be used as part of the down payment or closing costs if the offer is accepted. If the offer is rejected or the borrower does not receive lender approval for the loan then the earnest money is returned.

A deposit made by homebuyers to show that they are serious about buying a property.

The amount if of money put down by a potential buyer to show that he or she is serious about purchasing the home. If the offer is accepted it becomes part of the down payment, if the offer is rejected it is returned. However it may be forfeited if the buyer pulls out of the deal.

A sum paid, usually held in an escrow account, to show the seller that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.

Money given by the Buyer with an offer to purchase. Shows Buyer´s good faith and is usually considered a part of the Buyer´s down payment at closing.

Payment made by buyer as a sign of good faith to purchase property.

A deposit paid by the buyer, normally at the time the contract is written, to demonstrate "good faith".

A down payment on a sale of real estate which provides evidence of a buyer's good faith.

Earnest money given by a buyer with an offer to purchase a property.

A sum of money given to bind the agreement and to show good faith.

Money provided by the Buyer to show good faith in making an offer. Also referred to as a Binder by some. This money Is made out to either broker who places it into a trust account and is applied to the buyer's contribution at closing.

The advance, by a purchaser, of a small part of the purchase price as evidence of good faith.

Cash to be paid by the buyer at closing.

The deposit money given to seller or his agent by the potential buyer at the time of the purchase offer. If the offer is accepted, the money will become part of the down payment.

A deposit of funds by the purchaser of a piece of real estate as evidence of good faith.

The earnest money is the deposit money given to the seller or his agent by the potential buyer upon the signing of the agreement of sale to show that he is serious about buying the house. If the sale goes through, the earnest money is applied against the down payment. If the sale does not go through, the earnest money deposit will be forfeited to the seller unless the purchase contract expressly provides conditions for its return to the buyer.

A deposit submitted by a buyer along with an offer to purchase a house.

Deposit made by property buyer toward down payment, as evidence of good faith.

A deposit given by the buyer to the seller demonstrating that the prospective buyer is serious a purchasing a home or property.

A sum of money given to bind a sale of real estate and show buyer has good faith to purchase the property.

Money deposited by a buyer under the terms of a contract, to be forfeited if the buyer defaults but applied to the purchase price if the sale is closed.

A portion of the downpayment delivered to the seller or an escrow agency by the purchaser of real estate with a purchase offer as evidence of good faith. Easement: A right created by grant, reservation, agreement, prescription or necessary implication which one has on another's land (such as a public utility easement).

Funds that are submitted with an offer to purchase which indicates a buyer's good faith. Routinely, earnest money will need to be submitted at the time of the offer and remains in escrow until the time of closing, where it then is made a part of the down payment.

Money deposited by a buyer to indicate and evidence good faith.

A deposit given by the buyer as a sign of good faith in support of the promised purchase of the home.

Is a deposit made towards the purchase of real property. In some locales it is viewed synonymously with the Binder. Other places consider it as an additional deposit towards the purchase. Here, the amount can be quite large. Often it would accompany a signed sales contract prior to the closing or settlement.

Money paid by a buyer at the time of making an offer or entering into a contract to purchase which is intended to show the buyer's good faith intention to complete the purchase. Generally, earnest money is applied against the purchase price, but may be forfeited if the buyer fails to complete the purchase.

A portion of the downpayment delivered with a purchase offer by the purchaser of real estate to the seller or an escrow agency by the purchaser of real estate with a purchase offer as evidence of good faith. Also known as a deposit.

Money, such as a deposit, given as a part of the purchase price to bind a bargain.

This is the initial deposit made by a buyer during the purchase of a particular property. This is in evidence of a trust and good will when the purchase agreement is finalized.

A deposit of funds made by a buyer of real estate as evidence of good faith.

Advance payment of part of the purchase price to bind a contract for property.

An amount of money given as part of the purchase price of property to bind the agreement between buyer and seller.

money put down by a potential buyer to show that he or she is committed to purchasing a specific home. The earnest money is paid at the time a contract to purchase property is accepted by both the seller and the buyer.

The money that accompanies an offer to purchase as evidence of good faith, typically this is 1-2% of the purchase price of the home. Home Buyers should be prepared to write a check for this amount when shopping for a home. This money is held in escrow until the closing, when it is applied to the Buyer's downpayment.

The deposit money a buyer gives to a seller with the offer to purchase a property.

A deposit on money given to bind the sale of real estate, usually held in escrow until the loan closes.

The money given to the seller by the potential buyer upon the signing of the agreement of sale to show that the buyer is serious about buying the house. Also known as deposit. Not usually refundable.

A deposit made by the purchaser to the seller showing good faith on the part of the buyer and holding the seller to a deal both parties have agreed to.

A sum deposited with the broker at the time an offer is presented to show that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.

A deposit (a portion of the down payment) that is given by the prospective buyer to show serious interest in purchasing the home.

A deposit made by the potential home buyer which restrains the seller from offering the property to another party for a specified period.

Money given by a buyer to a seller (or his agent) as part of the purchase price to bind a transaction.

a deposit made to bind the conditions of a sale of real estate.

The funds you (the buyer) deposit with the seller to indicate you are seriously interested in purchasing the space.

Money given by a buyer to a seller as part of the purchase price to bind a transaction or assure payment.

Deposit in the form of cash or a note, given to a seller by a buyer as good faith assurance that the buyer intends to go through with the purchase of a property.

A sum of money a purchaser places on deposit under terms of a contract, that is to be forfeited if the buyer defaults, but is applied on the purchase price if the sale is consummated.

As evidence of good faith, a deposit made by the potential homebuyer to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.

Earnest Money Contract Easement Encroachment Encumbrance Entry and Possession Equity Equity Cushion Equity Loan Equity Right of Redemption Equity Skimmer Escrow Estate Estoppel Certificate Eviction Exclusive Right to Sell Execution Sale Extending the Loan Term Extension Agreement

The cash deposit paid by the prospective buyer of real property, as evidence of good faith intentions, to complete the purchase transaction.

A sum of money given as evidence of one's good faith, used to bind or secure a real estate sale. Also known as a 'Binder.'

An amount of money given with the offer to purchase as a "good faith" gesture of the buyer's serious intent. Although not required by law in Florida, most institutional sellers require a minimum $500-$1000 deposit in a trust account with an offer.

this is money put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price (though the amount can vary with local customs and conditions). If your offer is accepted, the earnest money becomes part of your down payment or closing costs. If the offer is rejected, your money is returned to you.

Money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase, as evidence of good faith (many times the earnest money is held in a third party account such as the banking account of the seller’s real estate company.)

The deposit money given to the seller or their agent by the potential buyer upon the signing of the sales agreement to show that they are serious about buying the property. If the sale goes through, the earnest money is applied against the down payment. If the sale does not go through, the earnest money will be returned or forfeited depending upon the circumstances and the written sales agreement.

A deposit made in good faith, when an offer is made on a home. Typically, this money is not refundable, unless the terms of the contract are not met.

Earnest money is paid by the buyer when the contract is signed. Earnest money shows the buyer's commitment to go through with the deal, helps make the contract legally enforceable, and provides compensation to the seller if the buyer does not close. Earnest money is typically held by the real estate agent or, if there is no agent, by the seller. The earnest money is applied against the purchase price at closing - that is, the amount of money which the buyer must bring to closing is reduced by the earnest money which the buyer has already paid. The amount of earnest money depends on the transaction. Ask your real estate agent for details.

A deposit of money made by a buyer at the time of making an offer to demonstrate the earnest intent to purchase. Also called binder, good faith deposit, or escrow deposit.

The monetary advance by a buyer of part of the purchase price to indicate the intention and ability of the buyer to carry out the contract.

The deposit of money by a potential buyer to show he or she is serious about the purchase of the property. If the deal is finalized, the money is applied to the down payment. If the deal falls through, the seller may be permitted to keep the money, unless there is a contingency clause within the offer to purchase.

Initial deposit made by the purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith.

A deposit of cash given by the buyer to the seller at the time of the purchase offer.

To show that the buyer is serious about purchasing a house, earnest money, or deposit money, is given to the seller by the buyer. The earnest money is then applied to the down payment if the loan goes through; if it doesn't, the earnest money could be forfeited.

Money given by the purchaser as a good faith assurance that they will close on the property. It could also be referred to as a deposit. Typically, the earnest amount is 10% of the purchase price. Earnest money is collected at the time when the contract is signed. Earnest money is not refundable.

Deposit money given to the seller by the potential buyer to show that he is serious about buying the house. If the deal goes through, the earnest money is applied to the down payment, if the deal does not go through, it may be forfeited.

amount accompanying an offer to purchase to show good faith or genuine desire of the buyer; it is considered part of the price if the offer is accepted, but is returnable if the offer is rejected.

The money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase. Shows good faith. Also called a deposit.

This is considered “good faith” money, for it is a deposit made to hold the property for a buyer to purchase. This money is put into an escrow account and held by the broker or the escrow company.

Money the buyer pays to the seller to solidify an offer to purchase a property. The money is applied to the purchase price of the house.

The consideration required to be given by the purchaser with a written offer as evidence of good faith.

A deposit given when making an offer on a home to demonstrate good faith. A REALTOR® usually holds the earnest money, the amount of which varies by community. If the sale goes through, this deposit will become part of the buyer's down payment.

Something given as a part of the purchase price to bind a bargain, such as a deposit.

Money given by a buyer as part of the purchase price to bind a transaction or assure payment. Also called DEPOSIT.

A home buyer's "good faith" deposit that accompanies a written purchase offer.

A sum of money given to bind a sale of real estate; a deposit.

Money showing evidence of good faith. The money is usually kept in safe keeping with a real estate broker or escrow company.

A deposit made by the potential home buyer to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.

A sum of money a potential buyer gives to the seller prior to the closing of the loan, often when the buyer submits an Offer to Purchase to the seller.

Down payment or deposit made by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith.

The buyer pays earnest money when the contract is signed. Earnest money shows the buyer's commitment to go through with the deal; helps make the contract legally enforceable, and may provide compensation to the seller if the buyer does not close. Earnest money is typically held by the real estate agent or, if there is no agent, by the seller or escrow agent. The earnest money is applied against the purchase price at closing.

The money deposited in escrow for the potential purchaser by the real estate broker upon the signing of the purchase agreement to show that the purchaser is serious about buying the property.

An amount paid to the seller to show that a potential buyer is serious about purchasing a home.

also known as a Deposit or Down Payment, is made by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith.

A deposit made by the purchaser of real estate to show good faith.

Money that is provided by a buyer as a deposit toward purchase of the home. This money is held until closing and then becomes part of the down payment.

Initial payment made by a homebuyer as evidence of good faith.

Deposit that lets the seller know you're a serious buyer. Include your earnest money in the form of cash, a cashier's check, or personal check with your written offer. Generally earnest money is 1 percent of the home's purchase price, but requirements vary in different parts of the country. Your agent can advise you about specific requirements. Your money will be held in escrow and will be applied to your down payment at closing.

A sum of money given to the seller, real estate broker or escrow agent with an offer to purchase real estate as evidence of good faith. Also known as deposit.

Deposit of money accompanying an offer to buy property, to show good faith.

A good faith deposit given to bind a contract between Buyer and Seller.

A deposit given to the seller or seller's sales professional by the potential buyer upon signing the agreement of sale. The deposit shows that the buyer is serious about buying the property, an expression of good faith. If the sale goes through, the earnest money is applied against the down payment. If the sale does not go through, the earnest money is forfeited or lost unless the binder or offer to purchase expressly provides in writing that it is refundable. Also known as Earnest Money Deposit.

The amount of money that is paid upfront as part of the purchase price to bind a transaction t will ensure payment.

A monetary deposit given as part of the purchase price of a home which binds the agreement between buyer and seller.

Money deposited by a Buyer as evidence of good faith.

See DEPOSIT.

A deposit given to the seller by the buyer when submitting an offer to show serious intent about buying a property.

A sum paid to the seller to show that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.

The money given to the seller by the potential buyer (usually held in escrow) upon the signing of the agreement of sale to show that buyer is serious about buying the house. Also, "deposit".

a deposit (sometimes called a good faith deposit) by a buyer which accompanies an offer to purchase of real estate. (normally 1-2 percent of purchase price)

Good faith money provided to seller by the potential buyer to show he is serious about purchasing the home. This amount may be applied to the down payment, but if the deal does not go through it may be forfeited, although in some cases it's returned.

A sum of money paid by a buyer at the time of entering a contract to indicate the intention and ability of the buyer to carry out the contract, usually applied toward the purchase price.

Money presented by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith which can be applied towards the down payment

Funds submitted with an offer to show good faith to follow through with the purchase. Earnest money is placed by the broker in an escrow/trust account until closing, when it becomes part of the down payment of closing costs.

Money a buyer gives with an offer to purchase a property. Also called a deposit.

Up front cash or item of value from the potential buyer which indicates their intention to make good on their offer to purchase.

A deposit made by the buyer as evidence of good faith in offering to purchase real estate and to secure performance of the contract. Earnest money is typically held by a title company, in an escrow account during the period between acceptance of the contract and the closing.

The deposit money given to the seller by the potential buyer as evidence of good faith in purchasing real estate. The broker places the money in an escrow/trust account until closing, when it becomes part of the down payment.

during the negotiation period, the upfront money given by the perspective buyer to prove that the buyer is serious about the purchase of the property; the money is used towards the down payment if the buyer's offer is accepted, is returned if the offer is not agreed upon, and lost if the buyer reneges on the offer

Money given by a buyer to a seller as part of the purchase price to bind a transaction. This money is usually held at the title company.

A sum of money (deposit) given by the borrower to secure or bind a sale of real estate.

The portion of the down payment delivered to the seller or escrow agent by the purchaser with a written offer as evidence of good faith.

A deposit given to the seller to show that a prospective buyer is serious about buying the house.

Good faith money consisting of a portion of the down payment delivered with an offer by the buyer.

Money put forward to bind a transaction.

a portion of the down payment given to the seller by a potential buyer indicating the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property.

A deposit made by a buyer of real estate towards the down payment to evidence good faith. This money is typically held in trust by the real estate brokers or the escrow company.

Like a deposit, the buyer gives the seller money when making a formal offer to show he or she is serious about the transaction.

Deposit made by a buyer towards the down payment in evidence of good faith when the purchase agreement is signed.

Money paid by the buyer at the time an official offer to purchase is submitted to the seller, intended to demonstrate the good faith of the buyer to complete the purchase. Earnest money is applied against the purchase price when the sale is finalized. Under certain conditions, the earnest money may be forfeited if the buyer fails to complete the purchase under the terms of the sales contract.

The portion of the down payment delivered to the Seller of Escrow Holder by the Buyer with a written offer as evidence of good faith.

A deposit made by a purchaser of real estate to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.

A payment made as evidence of a purchaser's good faith to complete the purchase of real estate. This will be used as part of your down payment.

Deposit or binder given with Agreement to Buy.

a monetary consideration given by the buyer to assure they will complete the transaction. If the buyer chooses to not complete the transaction, the seller keeps the earnest money as liquidated damages.

In some locations, the same as "Binder." In others, it's a large deposit paid when the sale contract is signed before the closing.

A sum of money that a buyer gives to the seller when making an offer on a home.

Money given by the potential buyer to a seller or his agent at the time of a purchase offer. If the offer is accepted, the money will become part of the down payment.

The deposit money given by the buyer to his agent or settlement agent upon the signing of the Offer to Purchase, actually called the Deposit Receipt some places. This shows that he is serious about buying the house. If the sale goes through, the earnest money is applied against the down payment. If the sale is not consummated, disposition of the earnest money is either forfeited or returned to the buyer depending upon what is agreed to in the Offer.

Buyer's "good faith" deposit accompanying purchase offer.

The deposit money given to the seller or his agent by the potential buyer upon the signing of the agreement of sale to show that he is serious about buying the house. If the sale goes through, the earnest money is applied against the down payment. If the sale does not go through, the earnest money will be forfeited or lost unless the binder or offer to purchase expressly provides that it is refundable.

A deposit made as an indication of good faith when presenting an offer to buy a property.

A portion of the down payment, deposited on behalf of the seller by a potential buyer. Earnest money indicates the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property and is usually applied toward payment of closing costs. Earnest money may or may not be required by state law.

a deposit made by a purchaser of real estate to evidence good faith. -- View Real Estate Listings

Money a buyer provides as a deposit when an offer is made to purchase a property.

Money given to a seller by a buyer to demonstrate the buyer's good faith. If the deal falls through, the deposit is usually forfeited. Source

money put down by a potential buyer to show that he or she is serious about purchasing the home; it becomes part of the down payment if the offer is accepted, is returned if the offer is rejected, or is forfeited if the buyer pulls out of the deal.

A deposit made of a portion of the purchase price by the buyer to demonstrate his or her serious intent to purchase the property, usually accompanied by an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the sale

A sum of cash paid to a seller by a buyer prior to the closing to show that the buyer is serious about buying the house. The earnest money is deducted from the purchase price at closing and is not an additional cost. Sometimes referred to as a binder deposit.

Money given by a buyer when making a formal offer to demonstrate that the buyer is serious. Also called a deposit.

a down payment of money or other consideration given as evidence of good faith for binding a contract Žè•t‹àAØ‹'‹àA

The cash deposit made by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith.

Money paid to the seller by the buyer to establish a commitment to proceed with a real estate transaction and/or assure payment.

A deposit paid up front as part of a purchase price, to demonstrate good faith on the part of the buyer.

A deposit showing that the buyer is seriously interested in buying the property. This money is applied toward the downpayment and held in escrow if a purchase agreement is reached.

Money that is submitted with an offer to purchase which indicates a buyer's seriousness and good faith. In virtually all cases, earnest money will need to be submitted at the time of the offer and remains in escrow until the time of closing, at which time it becomes part of the downpayment.