When you make an offer on a house, it is accompanied by an earnest money check. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate that you are "in earnest" about purchasing the property. The earnest money check is made out to the listing company. What happens to this check?

The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until you go into closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money funds. Be sure to review this part of your contract with the real estate agent.

If you are in default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so be sure that you understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.

	See All Tips In The "Making An Offer" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Cyndi Shurts and Donald E. Shurts Jr.
RE/MAX VICTORY
51 Plum St., suite 220
Beavercreek, OH 45440
Toll Free: 1-888-278-0295
Cyndi's Direct : 937-604-5194
Don's Direct: 937-241-2124
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-602-8133
Don's Email: Don@WelcomeHomeDayton.com
Cyndi's Email: Cyndi@WelcomeHomeDayton.com

Cyndi & Don Shurts have created a reputation of outstanding service and attention to details with past home buyers and sellers, other Dayton Realtors, and real estate service providers in the Dayton area. Miami Valley Dream Homes & RE/MAX Victory at The Greene provide unmatched, cutting edge tools and technologies to accomplish specific goals for our real estate clients, both buyers and sellers. This team provided many free services beyond the standard real estate agent. They are home staging experts, extensive internet marketing experts, Short Sale experts and new construction specialists. Cyndi and Donald Shurts are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR),Ohio Association of Realtors, and the Dayton Area Board of Realtors. This Dayton Ohio real estate team will SAVE you TIME & MONEY in buying or selling a home. See the dozens of testimonials from past clients. Past Client phone numbers available upon request.