You want to put down the minimum amount yet show good faith. Ask your realtor what you should put down, they will give you an idea. In Michigan the earnest money is deposited and held in the buyer's real estate company's escrow account once the offer is accepted. So be ready to have your check cashed once the offer is accepted. After the offer is accepted the earnest money cannot be returned until a mutual release is signed by both the seller and the buyer. That is why it is important not to give too much money either. You must follow the contract, (purchase agreement). You can not just back out of a home purchase for no reason and expect to get your money back. You will get your money back if you chose to back out the purchase agreement if the home inspection is not up to your standards or if the seller refuses to do the repairs needed. |