About EarnestMoneyCalculator.com

EarnestMoneyCalculator.com is a free calculator that shows home buyers how much earnest money to put down and how the deposit is credited at closing. The question usually comes up fast: your agent asks how much earnest money to write into the offer, and the offer is due tonight. The calculator gives the deposit at any percent of the price in a few seconds, and shows how that money comes back to you as a credit when the sale closes.

What is on the site

Next to the calculator there is a page for each common earnest money percentage, a page for home prices from $100,000 to $2 million, a set of guides, short answers to common questions, and a glossary of the terms in a purchase contract.

Independence

The site is not owned by a lender, a real estate brokerage, a title or escrow company, or a builder, and it does not sell leads. If that ever changes, it will be disclosed on this page and on any page where it applies.

How the numbers are produced

Every figure comes from one small calculation engine, and the formulas are written out on the methodology page so you can check them by hand. Statements about laws and official forms link to the source they describe.

Corrections and contact

Spotted an error, or a local practice we should cover? Email hello@earnestmoneycalculator.com.

Not advice

The calculator and guides are educational. They are not legal or financial advice. Earnest money terms come from your purchase contract, and the rules for holding and returning deposits differ by state. Check your contract and ask your agent, escrow holder or a real estate attorney before relying on anything here.