Earnest Money Calculator

Use our Earnest Money Calculator to work out your earnest money deposit in dollars or as a percentage, or the sale price a deposit matches.

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit you pay once the seller accepts your offer, usually 1% to 3% of the price — more in competitive markets. It is held in escrow until closing.

At closing, the deposit is credited toward your down payment or closing costs. Add your down payment percent to see how much of it the deposit already covers and how much is left to bring.

Whether you get the deposit back if the deal falls through depends on your contract’s contingencies — inspection, financing and appraisal. To work out the full down payment, use our Down Payment Calculator.