{"id":103472,"date":"2025-07-14T15:16:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T22:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=103472"},"modified":"2025-07-14T15:17:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T22:17:02","slug":"when-can-seller-keep-earnest-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/when-can-seller-keep-earnest-money\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Seller Keep the Earnest Money Deposit? Yes \u2013 Here\u2019s When"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-earnest-money\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earnest money<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a good-faith deposit buyers make when submitting an offer on a home. It&#8217;s designed to show the seller they\u2019re serious about the purchase and typically ranges from 1% to 3% of the purchase price. The money is held in escrow and is typically applied towards the buyer\u2019s closing costs or down payment. However, if the deal falls through, the seller may be entitled to keep it depending on the terms of the contract.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So when can a seller legally keep the earnest money deposit? The short answer: when the buyer fails to meet the terms of the contract without a valid, agreed-upon reason. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below, this <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/redfin.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redfin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> article breaks down the situations where a seller is within their rights to keep the earnest money, along with examples to help make sense of it all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85977\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool.jpg\" alt=\"A luxury home feature in Los Angeles is a backyard oasis\" width=\"1023\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool-839x630.jpg 839w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LAPool-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Buyer violates a term of the contract\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real estate contracts are more than just price and dates \u2013 they outline specific obligations for both the buyer and seller. If a buyer acts outside the bounds of that agreement, even unintentionally, and the deal falls through as a result, it can be considered a breach of contract. When that breach isn\u2019t protected by a contingency, the seller may have the right to keep the earnest money as compensation for lost time and missed opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Violations can include a wide range of actions, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessing the property without permission.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing unauthorized inspections or repairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving in or storing belongings early without a formal written agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing the financing structure (like moving from a conventional loan to FHA) without written consent.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failing to deliver required documents (like updated proof of funds or loan pre-approval) by the contract deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Example scenario:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buyer\u2019s contract requires them to provide a mortgage commitment letter by a certain date. They switch lenders mid-process and fail to notify the seller, which delays the loan approval and causes them to miss the financing deadline. Since they violated the contract terms and didn\u2019t request an extension, the seller may be entitled to the earnest money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Buyer backs out of the deal without a contingency<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/contingencies-in-real-estate\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate contracts include contingencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 built-in conditions that must be met for the sale to move forward. These include financing, home inspection, and appraisal contingencies. If a buyer walks away from the deal <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">outside<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of those protections, they\u2019re often in breach of contract, and the seller may be entitled to the earnest money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example scenario:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buyer waives the inspection contingency to make their offer more competitive. Later, they discover minor issues during an informal walk-through and decide to back out of the deal. Because they didn\u2019t have an inspection contingency in place, the seller may be entitled to keep the earnest money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Buyer misses a deadline in the contract<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real estate contracts come with strict timelines for things like completing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inspections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, securing financing, and submitting earnest money. If a buyer fails to meet one of those deadlines and doesn\u2019t formally request an extension or terminate the contract under a valid contingency, the seller may have grounds to keep the deposit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example scenario:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The contract gives the buyer 10 days to complete a home inspection. They fail to schedule it on time and try to back out of the deal on day 15, citing inspection concerns. Since the deadline passed, and no extension was approved, the seller can argue they\u2019re entitled to the earnest money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Buyer fails to close with no valid reason<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delays in closing can occur for a variety of reasons, but not all are legally acceptable excuses. Simply getting cold feet, poor time management, or slow paperwork won\u2019t typically excuse a missed closing date. Buyers are expected to arrive at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/steps-to-closing-on-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fully prepared \u2013 with financing secured, all contingencies satisfied, and required documents completed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unless the delay is covered by a contingency or both parties agree to an extension in writing, missing the closing deadline can cost the buyer their earnest money deposit. In these cases, the seller may be entitled to keep the deposit as compensation for lost time and the disruption caused by the failed transaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example scenario:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All preparations for closing are complete, but the buyer asks to delay closing by several weeks. The seller declines the request, and the buyer decides to back out of the deal. Since there\u2019s no contingency or written agreement permitting the delay, the seller is usually entitled to keep the earnest money as compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When does the buyer get earnest money back?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers are typically entitled to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/is-earnest-money-refundable\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">refund of their earnest money deposit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if the seller backs out of the deal or if they back out of a home purchase for reasons protected by contingencies outlined in the contract. These contingencies act as legal safeguards, but they must be included in the purchase agreement to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These commonly include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inspection contingency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The inspection uncovers serious issues and the buyer cancels within the contingency window.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/appraisal-contingency-and-your-homebuying-journey\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Appraisal contingency<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/appraisal-came-in-low\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home appraises below<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the offer price and the seller won\u2019t adjust.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/financing-contingency\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Financing contingency<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buyer can\u2019t secure a loan despite reasonable efforts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Title contingency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Legal issues with the home\u2019s title prevent the sale from proceeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important that buyers act within the timelines specified in the contract and provide proper notice when invoking a contingency. Missing deadlines or failing to follow procedure can result in forfeiting the earnest money, even if the reason for backing out seems valid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who decides what happens to the earnest money?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earnest money is held by a neutral third party, such as a title company or escrow agent, until both buyer and seller agree on its distribution. If there\u2019s a dispute, the funds stay in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-escrow\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">escrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until resolved through negotiation, mediation, or legal action.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, it comes down to <\/span><b>what\u2019s written in the contract<\/b> <b>and whether the buyer acted in good faith.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Buyers who back out for valid, contract-protected reasons usually get their money back; otherwise, the seller may be entitled to keep it.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sellers usually can keep earnest money when buyers breach the contract without a valid reason. Find out the common scenarios where sellers are entitled to keep the deposit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":523,"featured_media":85977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34279],"tags":[3621,34629,3991,33479,36552],"coauthors":[31388],"class_list":["post-103472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-selling-a-home","tag-finance","tag-first-time-homebuyer","tag-home-seller-tips","tag-home-selling","tag-selling"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When Can a Seller Keep Earnest Money? | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sellers usually can keep earnest money when buyers breach the contract without valid cause. 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