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Utah County Homes, Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) and Earnest Money - Utah County Real Estate

The Utah County Real Estate Purchase Contract involves more than just price. You will have to discuss personal property possession, rent, tests, inspections, closing dates and more. The one term that throws most buyers, especially Utah County first-time buyers is Earnest Money Deposit. What is it? Why do I need to pay it? Why do I have to pay so much?

Not the Down Payment

Many buyers show up to write their offer and announce to their Utah County Realtor that they do not have to put an earnest money deposit because they are getting down payment assistance or 100 percent financing. Communication is very important, it is not difficult to see where an inexperienced buyer would confuse one deposit for another, so do not feel bad if you, too, just learned something new.

Returned at Closing

Unlike the down payment, the earnest money is returned at closing. Whether you actually get the cash back or have it applied toward your closing costs depends on the situation. Once you submit your earnest money it is held in a non interest bearing account until closing. The purpose of earnest money is provide insurance to the seller that once he starts to take action toward closing, for himself or for the buyer, that the buyer will not lose interest and walk away from the sale. If the buyer does walk without good reason, the seller gets to keep the earnest money, to help offset any expenses the seller may have incurred meeting the buyer's terms, as well as any inconvenience.

Earnest Money can be Negotiated

Just like the sales price the earnest money can be negotiated. The seller would like to see as much earnest money as possible before putting his home under contract. If multiple offer situations, sometimes, the offer with the larger amount of earnest money is more acceptable to the seller. So it is important to give a full deposit when you can.

Everyone thinks that the primary concern is the dollar, but when it comes right down to it, a successful transaction with minimal drama is what everyone really wants. A buyer, who is not serious, is a buyer who could walk away a week before closing and no seller wants that. When you find your dream house, make your offer stand out and leave no question as to your seriousness if you want the best chance of receiving an acceptance.

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Posted Thursday Aug 20

Utah County Homes, Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) and Earnest Money - Utah County Real Estate

Robert A. Hulme - Utah County Real Estate - Provo
Utah Select Realty-Provo, Utah

Recent posts by Robert A.

Utah County Homes, Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) and Earnest Money - Utah County Real Estate

Robert A. Hulme - Utah County Real Estate - ProvoUtah Select Realty-Provo, Utah

Recent posts by Robert A.

Robert A. Hulme - Utah County Real Estate - Provo
Utah Select Realty-Provo, Utah