What is earnest money in a real estate transaction?

Earnest money is a financial commitment made by a buyer during a real estate transaction to demonstrate their serious intention to purchase a property. This deposit is typically made when a buyer submits an offer to purchase and is held in escrow until the transaction is finalized. Its purpose is to provide reassurance to the seller that the buyer is committed to moving forward with the deal.

The correct understanding of earnest money reflects that it is generally refundable if certain conditions are met, such as the deal falling through due to failed inspections or if financing falls through, making it possible for buyers to recoup their earnest money under specified circumstances.

In this context, the element that underlines its function as a binding commitment includes the stipulation that while it is an advance on the purchase price, the structure of the transaction usually allows for refunds under defined terms. This differentiates it clearly from non-refundable fees or commissions associated with services like home inspections or real estate agent commissions, which serve different purposes in the transaction process.