Earnest Money What it is and how to pay it.

When putting down earnest money make sure you are paying via personal check or bank check with the proper documentation. Never pay using cash.

Earnest money is a deposit towards the purchase of Wisconsin real estate from a buyer to show the seller he or she is serious about wanting to purchase the home.

When paying earnest money do not pay with cash. Your Wisconsin mortgage lender will need to verify the earnest money. The best way is to pay via personal check. Your lender will need a copy of the front of the check of the back once it clears your bank. In addition some Wisconsin mortgage lenders may require a statement from your account from the date the check cleared going back 30 or 60 days. You can also pay via money order or bank check, however, you will need to provide a 30 or 60 day transaction statement showing the money came out of your account. In addition any deposits listed on that account will need to be sourced and explained. Deposits from payroll, taxes, bill of sale items etc are acceptable. Lenders do not want to see cash deposits.

If you pay via cash or your lender is unable to verify the earnest money came from you as earned income or seasoned money they will not be allowed to use it as a credit on the HUD Settlement statement and an amendment to the offer will need to be drawn up removing earnest money from the offer to purchase.

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