When you’re buying a home, there are several financial terms that you’ll come across during the process. Three of these terms are earnest money, termination fees, and due diligence. In this article, we’ll explain what each of these terms means and how they apply to the home buying process.
- Earnest Money
Earnest money is a deposit that the buyer makes to the seller to show their commitment to purchasing the home. This deposit is typically held in an escrow account until the sale is finalized. The amount of earnest money required can vary depending on the location and the price of the home, but is typically around 1-2% of the purchase price.
If the sale goes through, the earnest money is typically applied towards the down payment and closing costs. However, if the sale falls through for any reason, the earnest money may be forfeited to the seller as compensation for taking the home off the market.
- Termination Fees
Termination fees are fees that may be charged if either the buyer or the seller terminates the purchase contract before the sale is finalized. These fees can vary depending on the terms of the contract and the reason for termination. For example, if the buyer terminates the contract due to issues with the home inspection, they may be required to pay a termination fee to compensate the seller for taking the home off the market.
It’s important to carefully review the terms of the purchase contract and consult with your real estate agent before terminating the contract to avoid any unexpected termination fees.
- Due Diligence
Due diligence refers to the process of investigating the home and its surrounding area before finalizing the purchase. This process typically includes a home inspection, a title search, and a review of any relevant documents such as homeowners association rules or zoning regulations.
Due diligence is important to ensure that there are no issues with the property that could impact its value or the buyer’s ability to use and enjoy the property. If issues are uncovered during the due diligence process, the buyer may have the option to terminate the contract or negotiate repairs or compensation with the seller.
Understanding the financial terms involved in the home buying process is important to make informed decisions and avoid any unexpected costs or fees. From earnest money to termination fees and due diligence, it’s important to work with your real estate agent and other professionals to navigate the home buying process with confidence.