Earnest Money Deposit Calculator
Estimate the right earnest money deposit (EMD) for your home offer based on purchase price, local custom (1–3%), and the level of contingency protection you have. See your refund and forfeit risk side-by-side.
| Customary Range | |
| Low end (1%) | — |
| Mid (2%) | — |
| High end (3%) | — |
| Suggested for your market | — |
Earnest money deposit (EMD) is the buyer's good-faith payment held in escrow when an offer is accepted. The amount varies by region, price tier, and market temperature — but the bigger question for buyers in 2026 is when the deposit is refundable vs forfeited under modern contingency clauses.
How Much Earnest Money for 2026?
The customary range in the United States is 1–3% of the purchase price. In hot markets like Austin, Boise, or Phoenix's 2021–2024 peak, sellers routinely demanded 3–5%. In soft markets (Florida and Texas as of early 2026, per Bankrate data), 1% can still get accepted. Luxury homes (>$1M) often require 5% or fixed amounts ($25K, $50K).
Source: Bankrate 2026 EMD guide.
Refundable vs Forfeit Scenarios
With full contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), the buyer can typically walk and recover the full EMD if they invoke a contingency before its deadline. Waiving contingencies in competitive offers boosts your chance of winning but flips the EMD into liquidated damages if you back out.
Wiring vs Check — Which Is Safer?
Wire fraud is the #1 cause of EMD theft. Always confirm wire instructions by phone to a verified escrow officer number — never trust a forwarded email. Personal check or cashier's check creates a paper trail but takes longer to clear.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: CFPB Earnest Money Guide, Bankrate 2026.