Earnest money is a good-faith deposit made by the buyer when they submit an offer, showing commitment to the purchase. It’s typically held in escrow and later applied toward the down payment or closing costs. The down payment, on the other hand, is the larger portion of the home’s purchase price tha

Multiple offers are a great situation but require careful handling. Evaluate each offer beyond price—look at contingencies, loan type, closing flexibility, and earnest money strength. Your agent can help you assess which offer provides the best combination of certainty and value. In some cases, a co

The first offer can sometimes be the best one, especially if it’s strong and meets your terms. Early buyers tend to be the most serious and ready to act. However, it’s always wise to review all aspects—price, contingencies, financing, and timeline—before accepting. In a competitive market, waiting a