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.

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Eric Lowry
Keller Williams Realty Associate Partners
7395 Kingsgate Way
West Chester, Ohio 45069
Phone #: 513-874-1830
Fax #: 513-842-8684
Email: Eric@LowryTeam.com

"Providing Personal, Professional Real Estate Service" Eric is a full-time real estate professional specializing in the sale of existing and new construction homes in the Cincinnati, West Chester, Beckett Ridge and Liberty Township, Ohio areas. Eric is also very experienced in working with relocating clients searching for a home in West Chester, Mason & Liberty Township and in working with their relocation companies. In today's real estate market "Experience Counts"!