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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The Luby Group - Suzanne & Liz Luby - IL Licensees
Coldwell Banker
530 North Hough Street
Suite 180
Barrington, IL 60010
Suzanne: 847-922-7773
Liz: 847-691-3150
Office: 847-277-2777
Fax: 847-382-4990
Luby@TheLubyGroup.com

Suzanne and Liz Luby begin each client relationship with a simple commitment to superior service. With more than twenty years of experience in the Barrington, Inverness and Chicago Northwest Suburban markets, Suzanne and Liz Luby offer home buyers and sellers expert real estate guidance based on the highest professional and ethical standards. The Lubys believe their business is about building lasting relationships through communication, trust, knowledge and expertise. Their team approach has consistently ranked them among the top 100 of Coldwell Bankers’ Chicagoland agents, and top 1% nationally.