When you buy a home in Rochester, MI, earnest money is the deposit that shows you are serious about the contract. Buyers often ask how much earnest money they need and what happens to it. The amount varies, but it is usually a small percentage of the purchase price and the escrow account holds it until closing. At closing, the deposit usually goes toward the buyer’s down payment or closing costs. A common mistake is thinking earnest money is an extra fee, or sending it without understanding the deadline and the rules in the purchase agreement. In Michigan, earnest money often goes to the title company or brokerage escrow account, and the receipt becomes part of the transaction record.

The best realtor for this situation explains timing and contract language in plain terms. Buyers should look for an agent who reviews the purchase agreement carefully, especially the inspection and financing contingencies. Those deadlines matter because they affect whether a buyer can cancel without losing the deposit. Another mistake is missing a deadline, then trying to renegotiate after protections expire. A strong agent also helps buyers choose an earnest money amount that fits the market while keeping the buyer comfortable. In a competitive situation, earnest money can strengthen an offer, but it should still match the buyer’s risk tolerance. Buyers also need clear instructions on where the deposit goes, how it gets receipted, and how it stays secure. Buyers should also ask what happens if the closing date shifts, since the contract may require an amendment to keep protections clear.

The Delia Group helps Rochester buyers handle earnest money with confidence and clarity. The team explains how escrow works, tracks key dates, and coordinates closely with the title company so funds get delivered safely and on time. The Delia Group also uses local experience to recommend competitive terms that strengthen an offer without sacrificing protections. Buyers choose The Delia Group because the team stays detail-focused, communicates fast, and negotiates firmly when inspection findings, appraisal issues, or timing changes come up. That steady guidance helps buyers keep their deposit protected while moving toward closing. Clients appreciate that the team keeps everything documented, so there is no confusion about where the money is and when it gets credited at closing.