What is Earnest Money. An earnest money deposit is simply money you put down as a good-faith gesture to indicate you’re serious about buying a house. In simple terms, Earnest Money deposit is the amount a buyer pays to show that his interest in a said property is genuine. Learn more. It’s basically a good-faith gesture and says to the seller that you are serious about purchasing the home. Often the contract provides for Forfeiture of this sum if the buyer defaults. Earnest money is a way for a buyer to prove to a seller that he is serious about making the purchase in question. Learn more. Legal definition of earnest money: money used as earnest. What is earnest money? Noun. In most cases, earnest money funds are typically held in escrow until closing, meaning sellers can’t access those funds until closing. Typically it’s 1–5% of the purchase price. Earnest money funds can be held by the real estate brokerage, the title company, closing attorney or other 3 rd party. What Is Earnest Money? You know the old storytelling cliché it’s better to show than tell? Normally such earnest money is applied against the purchase price. earnest money meaning: money that someone pays when they sign an agreement in order to show that they will do what the…. Depositing earnest money is an important part of the home-buying process. For example, earnest money is held by a 3 rd party until closing or termination. Earnest money says to a seller, ” I’m serious about buying your house, and this proves it.” This article explains what earnest money is, who to give it to, and how to protect yourself and ensure you don’t lose the money. Definition of Earnest Money. This is a reason why paying of a token amount is a standard practice followed in real estate transactions across the world.. earnest money definition: money that someone pays when they sign an agreement in order to show that they will do what the…. Post the Definition of earnest money to Facebook Share the Definition of earnest money on Twitter Here’s how it works. It tells the real estate seller you’re in earnest as a buyer, and it helps fund your down payment. Paying Earnest Money deposit is a usual practice when you are showing your intent of buying an asset, which is high in value. earnest money: 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. 1550-1560 English. Well, earnest money is just like that. Origin . A sum of money given to a seller in order to bind a contract, or as a show of a buyer’s good faith in his intent to finalize the deal. There are a number of factors that go into ensuring your earnest money satisfies the seller and that you get it back if things don’t work out. Earnest money is a sum that you, the buyer, put down to show a seller that you're serious about purchasing a specific home. 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