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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Deborah McCrae
World Properties International- McCrae Realty
7625 Kensington Manor Lane
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-201-4361
Fax: 866-251-1948
deborahmccrae@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Licensed in 1999, I, Deborah Georgetta McCrae have 10 years of successful residential and commercial real estate experience after having been a State of North Carolina employee for 19 years. I began working with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston always achieving Top Producer level, and in 2005 achieved the International President’s Elite Award, which was the second highest level one could earn.

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