Question 1

What is an earnest deposit?

Accepted Answer

Earnest money is a deposit a buyer pays after an offer is accepted to show the seller they are serious about buying the home. It is sometimes called a good-faith deposit.Once the buyer and seller sign a contract, the seller usually takes the home off the market. If the buyer backs out for a reason that is not allowed in the contract, the seller may be able to keep the earnest money.However, if the buyer cancels for a reason protected by the contract—such as problems found during the inspection or being unable to get financing—the buyer will usually receive the money back.Earnest money is often around 1% to 3% of the home’s purchase price and is kept in a secure escrow account until closing. If the sale is completed, the money is usually applied toward the buyer’s down payment or closing costs.

Question 2

What is an escrow account?

Accepted Answer

An escrow account is a secure account where money is held by a neutral third party (generally a Title Company,) until certain conditions are met.In a home purchase, the buyer’s earnest money is placed in escrow so neither the buyer nor seller controls it. The money stays there until the sale closes or the contract is canceled. At closing, it is usually applied toward the buyer’s down payment or closing costs.After buying a home, “escrow account” can also mean an account managed by the mortgage company. Part of each monthly payment is placed into that account to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance when they are due.

Question 3

What is a cashiers check?

Accepted Answer

A cashier’s check is a secure form of payment that is guaranteed by your bank. Instead of pulling money from your personal checking account, you pay the bank first, and then they issue the check using their own funds. This makes it a safer and more a reliable option. Cashier's checks are used for large transactions like home closing costs or down payments. Sellers, title companies, and lenders sometimes require a cashier’s check because it can’t bounce like a personal check might.

Question 4

What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent?

Accepted Answer

A buyers agent represents the homebuyers and the seller/listing agent represents the home seller. The buyers agent is responsible for helping you find a home in your budget, scheduling showings/tours, guides the buyer through the process, etc. The seller's agent responsibility is to help you set a listing price, markets your home, coordinates open houses and photoshoots, negotiates on the sellers behalf, etc.

Question 5

What is a contingency in a real estate contract?

Accepted Answer

A contingency is a condition in a real estate contract that must be met for the deal to move forward. It protects either the buyer or the seller by allowing them to cancel or renegotiate the agreement if something important doesn’t go as planned.  Some common contingencies in a real estate contract include things like a home inspection contingency, which allows the buyer to back out or renegotiate if the inspection reveals major issues. A mortgage contingency protects the buyer in case they are unable to secure a mortgage loan. There is also an appraisal contingency, which allows the buyer to walk away if the home’s appraised value comes in lower than the agreed purchase price. Lastly, a home sale contingency gives the buyer time to sell their current home before finalizing the purchase of the new one.

Question 6

Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your goals, finances, and comfort level. Many buyers qualify to buy before selling; others prefer to sell first. We’ll walk you through strategies for both, including bridge loans and contingent offers.

Question 7

Renting vs. Buying — “What happens if something breaks? I’m not a maintenance expert.”

Accepted Answer

When you own a home, you’re responsible for repairs—but you’re also building long-term equity instead of paying rent to someone else. The good news: we provide trusted vendor recommendations to help with everything from plumbing to HVAC so you never feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Question 8

What happens during a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

A licensed inspector reviews the home’s major systems and structure to identify potential issues. Afterward, you can negotiate repairs or credits, or decide if the home is still right for you.

Question 9

Should I buy or sell first?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your financial and timing goals. Some sellers buy first to avoid moving twice, while others sell first to free up funds. We’ll help you create a custom plan — even if that includes a rent-back or temporary housing option.

Question 10

What makes The Crossroads Real Estate Group different?

Accepted Answer

The Crossroads Real Estate Group is more than a group of individual agents—we work together as a team to give every client the knowledge, support, and communication they deserve.Our agents live and work in the communities we serve, so we understand the local market and what makes each area unique. Behind the scenes, our transaction and operations team helps manage the details, deadlines, paperwork, and communication to keep the process moving smoothly.Whether you are buying your first home, moving into a larger home, selling a longtime property, or investing in real estate, we take the time to understand your goals and guide you through each step. Our clients benefit from the experience and resources of the entire team—not just one agent.At The Crossroads Real Estate Group, you receive professional guidance with a personal, local approach.

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