Special offer
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098 (PMI. Destin)

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Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I can't remember the last time I held an earnest money check. Funds are almost always wired or overnighted, and we write a provision into the contract that it will arrive within 24 business hours. Escrow prefers a wire as well.

Mar 22, 2016 12:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

No such thing as an EMD check in CA anymore. WIRE ONLY. Have not handled an EMD check in 8 years.

Mar 22, 2016 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I am handed the check by the buyer and deliver it to my brokerage, who deposits it in our escrow acccount.

Mar 22, 2016 10:04 PM
Ambassador
5,048,708
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It never gets near my hands. Once we have a signed contract and open escrow buyers wire funds within 3 business days. Our brokerage does not even keep a trust account

Mar 22, 2016 01:32 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

A bounced check!  Wow.  That deal was dead from the get-go.

     I usually hand deliver deposit checks to the Title company.  Sometimes I have the Buyer meet me there; I can introduce them to the Title Closer.  Since I am a one-man office, it also helps the Buyer "know where to go" should something happen to me.

    Regarding the balance of funds needed to close - most Tallahassee Title companies and lawyers insist on that money being wired.

Mar 22, 2016 01:09 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

wire transfer

Mar 22, 2016 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I collected if working with the buyer and turn it into my office for deposit.

Mar 22, 2016 01:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Almost all of ours are wired.

Mar 22, 2016 01:01 PM
Rainmaker
953,617
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Direct wire by the buyer to escrow saves some potential problems. Not physically handling the EMD as an agent/broker is best policy IMO.

Mar 22, 2016 12:36 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If you touch it, then trust handling rules must be invoked. I dont touch it!

Mar 22, 2016 11:51 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,579
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I take it to the title company myself usually

Mar 22, 2016 09:46 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

All EM checks are made out directly to the title company.  We do not take any checks even at the closing table.

Mar 22, 2016 07:56 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Rarely; usually we have wire transfers for EM.

Mar 22, 2016 06:26 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Peter. That is what you call dead on arrival. Most of the checks come into the closing that are help by the office of the listing agent.

Mar 22, 2016 05:52 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I ensure the check is delivered

Mar 22, 2016 03:35 PM
Rainmaker
763,783
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Our new default is to have fund wired to escrow within 3 days of acceptance.  No more touching funds and that's perfect.

Mar 22, 2016 02:48 PM
Rainer
417,071
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

In Southern California 98% of the time Buyer wires funds into title company via the escrow company's instructions. 

Mar 22, 2016 02:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I request a check to come with signatures together & pof.  The 3 must be in in order for me to submit an offer. Incomplete will not be processed.

Mar 22, 2016 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Peter Mohylsky - that was my question.

In our area, usually, the first EMD check is a regular check - and is delivered to the listing office. We are attorney state.

Mar 22, 2016 01:46 PM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

I don't handle earnest money deposit checks.

Most of the time, the buyer will wire funds rto escrow.  Occasionally, the buyer will bring a check to escrow. 

Mar 22, 2016 12:58 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

In California, I often get a personal check from the buyer made out to the escrow company (NEVER to me) and I will open escrow on their behalf once the offer is accepted. If the offer is not accepted, I get the check back to the buyer. For that reason,  I like for the buyer to get the funds to the escrow company directly within 3 days after the offer has been accepted. Also, sometimes we need to make offers on several properties and this is cleaner.

Mar 22, 2016 12:52 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I handle it, taking it to the title company when the offer is ratified.

Mar 22, 2016 12:50 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

always always.... go directly via wire..best way..or a cashiers check (maybe)

Mar 22, 2016 12:29 PM
Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Our MCA handles these.

Jun 18, 2019 11:33 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

ND has made it clear that handing the check over to the title company does not absolve you of your responsibility. They consider it as still in your position.

Mar 29, 2016 04:51 AM
Rainer
166,935
Demarco & Marisa
Remax Kings Realty - Riverside, CA
"The Choice is Clear!"

In CA, contract was changed to have check automatically go to escrow via a wire. I love it as I haven't handled a client's check in years. ~Marisa

Mar 24, 2016 11:13 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Most are held by title companies, and the buyer's agent delivers.

Mar 24, 2016 10:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

We handle it.  Make a copy of it and send it to the Listing agent, who will put it in their EM account.

Mar 23, 2016 01:40 PM
Rainmaker
474,392
Bill Dandridge
MKB, Realtors - Roanoke, VA
GREEN, ABR, GRI, EcoBroker

I deliver it myself.

Mar 23, 2016 12:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I take the EMD and hand it in to my broker as soon as I have a fully executed contract.

Mar 23, 2016 11:52 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I take it to the title company myself. 

Mar 23, 2016 10:46 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I've had bounced checks.  And, I have the customer make the check out to the title company/attorney.

Mar 23, 2016 08:23 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I handle all checks so I can make a copy for any kind of future reference or lost  ones

Mar 23, 2016 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

Directly to title, much easier that way.

Mar 23, 2016 07:31 AM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Rarely ... most of my clients wire their deposit and closing funds. 

Mar 23, 2016 07:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I handle it.

Mar 23, 2016 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

I am required to turn it in to my broker, so either I deliver it, or my client hand delivers it to the office.

Mar 23, 2016 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I NEVER touch the money.  It gets wired straight to escrow.  No liability for me that way.

Mar 23, 2016 04:52 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I give it to our office admin to deposit.  If I were a sole broker/owner I would have them make it out to the title company.

Mar 23, 2016 04:17 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

It depends on the situation, according to Roger.  He says that sometimes it is wired in, other times it is taken down to the closing agency by him or the client.  He personally does not like to handle the check Peter Mohylsky

Mar 23, 2016 03:47 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I deliver it and get a receipt

Mar 23, 2016 03:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Peter Mohylsky When I had my own company, I deposited the funds in my escrow account.

Mar 23, 2016 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,581
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Typically it is sent via wire.   

Mar 23, 2016 12:32 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,961
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

We use the office ecrow account. 

Mar 23, 2016 12:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Must be wired to the Escrow holding company.

Mar 23, 2016 12:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

each agent here takes the EMD check when purchase and sales is signed...and that check is given to the office administrator who takes care of the depositing process.... we make copies of everything.... 

we HAVE on occasion received a check that was not covered!! a transfer was not made in time.... we always ask if the funds are behind the check before we deposit, but ????

Mar 23, 2016 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,836
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

I take it directly to the title company. 

Mar 22, 2016 11:09 PM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

In my area, it is usually the selling brokerage that holds it until contract time, at which time normally the sellers' attorney would deposit it in his escrow account until closing. Unfortunately, often agents run around with those checks until the offer is accepted; some have been known to be lost in the process.

Mar 22, 2016 10:25 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,343
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I take the earnest money and contract to the title company.

Mar 22, 2016 10:18 PM
Rainmaker
5,215,498
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Wired funds are the way to go these days! I use a title company to hold escrow funds!

Mar 22, 2016 10:14 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

In NH the listing broker holds escrow money in their escrow account.

Mar 22, 2016 10:05 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I handle it, and either turn it in to the office or the title company depending on which one check is made out to. I would not rely on a buyer to deliver it.

Mar 22, 2016 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Escrow and title companies are not used in Ontario.

Mar 22, 2016 06:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Wire to the Escrow direcly only. I haven't had EMD check in my hands for years.

Mar 22, 2016 04:25 PM
Rainmaker
785,106
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Most of the time buyers mail or wire it directly to the title company.

Mar 22, 2016 02:14 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

In Wisconsin we either deliver the EM Check directly to the Listing Agency's Trust Account Dept or we have the Buyer mail it (but have them copy and send a copy to me prior to mailing) and then when the Listing Agency receives it they send us a receipt that then goes to the buyer's lender.  Seems everyone does it a little differently.  The best way is whatever works.  I've not had to deal with a bounced check.

Mar 22, 2016 12:59 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

The Earnest money check must be deposited at the title company and is handled by the buyers agent or their client.

Mar 22, 2016 12:29 PM