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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Joyce Barnwell
Intracoastal Realty
1206 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Tel: 910-617-7654
Fax: 910-458-7759
Email: joycebarnwell@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Residing in the peaceful coastal community of Carolina Beach, I’m a licensed North Carolina Realtor with over 30 years real estate experience and 20 years owning my own real estate company, faithfully serving the unique real estate needs of buyers, sellers and investors. I specialize in the listing and selling of residential pre-existing homes, newly constructed homes, waterfront property, golf course property, investment property, condos and duplexes as well as lots for sale in and around North Carolina’s New Hanover County coastal communities of Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight. Thanks again for visiting my site and don’t hesitate to call me direct at 877-617-7654.