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When you make an offer on a house, it is accompanied by an earnest money check. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate that you are "in earnest" about purchasing the property. The earnest money check is made out to the listing company. What happens to this check?

The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until you go into closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money funds. Be sure to review this part of your contract with the real estate agent.

If you are in default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so be sure that you understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.

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The Sandy Team
Santa Cruz Properties
100 Doyle Street, Ste H
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
sandyteam@santacruzproperties.com

Sandy Mason - DRE #00761938
Sandy Kaplan - DRE #00921329

We (Sandy Kaplan and Sandy Mason) have been working as a team since 1992. One of us is a morning person, one a night person; between us, we keep your real estate goals on track. Our way of working is... "Tell us your goals, they're our goals too." We are dedicated to continuing education for ourselves and we enjoy educating you about the current real estate market, trends and the Santa Cruz Community. We have been selling real estate in Santa Cruz County for 25 and 30 years and love to use our experience to your benefit. Sandy Kaplan was president of the Santa Cruz Association of Realtors in 2005 and continues to stay involved in local, state and national real estate organizations. She is dedicated to serving our real estate industry. Sandy Mason is a naturalist and if you are looking for rural property, she loves to drive the winding mountains roads in her all wheel drive vehicle with you to find your dream hide-a-way.

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