Earnest money describes the amount of money that the buyer submits to the seller with an offer to purchase a home. There is no hard and fast rule about the amount to deposit, although 1 percent to 2 percent of the purchase price is typical. Many home buyers confuse this deposit with the down payment.

Earnest money shows the buyer you are serious about purchasing the home and it indemnifies the seller against expenses he might incur should you back out for reasons other than those stated in the contract.

The down payment, on the other hand, is a lender requirement. Even if you are obtaining a mortgage that requires no down payment, such as through government programs, the seller will still expect an earnest money deposit. Ask your real estate agent to call the listing agent and request a waiver of the earnest money deposit.

Purchase a for-sale-by-owner home. Because these homeowners are typically less traditional than those who hire agents to sell the home, they may be more amenable to waiving the earnest money deposit. Purchase a home with cash and commit to a quick close. This may convince a seller to waive the earnest money deposit. Purchase a seller-financed home. Buy a home with a lease-purchase. In this scenario the buyer promises to purchase the home within a particular time frame.

Although earnest money is typically requested, you may find a seller who will waive it. Be aware, however, that if you fail to perform the seller may take you to court.

Based in the American Southwest, Bridget Kelly has been writing about gardening and real estate since Her articles have appeared at Trulia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing. How to Buy a Home Without Earnest Money by Bridget Kelly An earnest money deposit is part of the home buying process.

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