What is an Earnest Money Deposit ?

    An earnest money deposit, also known in Sarasota real estate as a "good-faith" deposit shows the seller that you are serious in your offer to buy a piece of Sarasota real estate. It is not be confused with a "down payment."

    Typically when a person makes an offer to purchase a Sarasota property, that buyer, will also make an “earnest money” deposit. The deposit is intended to show the seller that the buyer is serious about his offer to purchase the Sarasota real estate property offered for sale. An example: two parties make offers to buy a piece of real estate at about the same time. The seller may decide that the offer accompanied by the larger earnest money deposit represented the more serious offer.

    The amount of earnest money deposit will vary based upon the type of property being purchased, market conditions and the expectations of the seller. Your Sarasota Realtor will help you determine the amount of earnest money deposit to offer.

    If your offer isn't accepted, the earnest money deposit will be returned.

    If your offer is accepted, the purchase contract will dictate who holds the earnest money. It is customary for the seller’s Sarasota real estate broker to hold the money until closing in an escrow account. At closing, your earnest money will be applied against the balance due.

    If the sale does not close, the purchase contract generally spells out the conditions under which you may have to forfeit your earnest money. Generally, says one well-known Sarasota FL real estate agent, "if the seller meets all the terms of the contract, and you do not close the sale for reasons under your control, the seller will keep the earnest money. If, conversely, the seller doesn't meet the terms of the contract, you, as the buyer, may receive a total or partial refund of your earnest money deposit."