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From , former About.com Guide

“Earnest Money”

Glossary

Definition: Money that accompanies an offer to purchase real estate. It is usually held in a real estate broker's trust account until the property changes hands. It is credited to the buyer's funds on HUD-1 settlement statement.

Read more about earnest money and the HUD-1.

Also Known As: good faith deposit, binder

Common Misspellings: ernest money

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