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Option Money vs. Earnest Money

1/17/2017

13 Comments

 
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Do you understand the difference between earnest money and option money? My clients in the Austin area often ask me about the difference between option money and earnest money.  In Austin, and the rest of Texas, the buyer must provide two checks once under contract for a property.  Both must be delivered in a timely fashion, and are usually used in residential transactions in Texas.

The option money is non-refundable; however, a good real estate agent, like myself, will make sure the contract specifies that the option money will be applied to the sales price if the buyer determines they want to move forward with the purchase during the option period. The option money is essentially payment to the owner for the right to enter the property and perform any inspections or due diligence necessary within a specified amount of time. This check is made out to the seller, and the seller can cash it immediately. 

The amount of option money and the length of the option period are specified in the contract; however, both are negotiable amounts.  A good general rule of thumb in the Austin real estate market is that the option money should by .1% of the sales price. Thus, for a home with a sales price of $300,000, a $300 option fee is generally an acceptable amount for a 7 day option period. The option period countdown begins the day after the contract is executed and commences at 5 p.m. on the specified date. For example, if you had a 7 day option period, and the contract was executed on the 9th, the option period would end on the 16th at 5 p.m. Holidays and weekends DO NOT matter when determining the date the option period ends.

If the real estate market is incredibly competitive, such as the current Austin market, a shorter option period and/or a higher option money amount is more favorable to the seller.  If the buyer backs out of the contract during the option period, all he or she will lose is the option money, and any money spent on inspections.  The seller prefers a shorter option period since he or she must essentially remove their home from the market while the buyer is "in their option period".  Although the home is not technically off the market, many Austin real estate agents will not show homes that are under contract or "pending back up" status in the MLS.  Similarly, a higher option money amount demonstrates a greater interest in the home since the buyer has more to lose if they decide to back out of the contract during the option period.

The earnest money check is made out to the title company that will be handling the transaction. The earnest money will also be applied to the sales price of the property, and similarly shows what is called consideration.  Essentially, these are the "money talks" portions of an offer. By delivering the earnest money check, the buyer is demonstrating serious interest in and an intent to purchase the specified property. 

It is common practice in Austin for the earnest money amount to be 1% of the sales price.  If we return to the earlier example of a $300,000 sales price, this equates to a $3,000 earnest money check. Again, this is just a recommended amount and can be any amount agreed upon by both parties. The earnest money check is also "cashed" by the title company.  The money leaves the buyer's account and is held in an escrow account.  If the buyer backs out of the contract during the option period, the earnest money will be refunded to the buyer.  Understand, this is a major difference between earnest money and option money; the option money is not refunded if a buyer backs out.

After the option period, the earnest money is essentially held to make sure both parties comply with the requirements of the contract in the time frames specified. There are a number of clauses that protect the buyer's right to have the earnest money refunded if the seller fails to comply with certain provisions within specified time frames.  For example, if the contract specifies that the seller must deliver the seller's disclosure statement within 10 days of the executed date, and the seller fails to do so or delivers it on day 12, the buyer may terminate the contract, and the earnest money will be refunded to the buyer even if they are outside of the option period. For more example, check out this Austin law firm's post on earnest money refunds in Texas.

Do you understand the difference between earnest money and option money in a Texas real estate transaction now?  Want to take a look at homes for sale in Austin, view available houses for sale in Austin now.  If you have any further questions about option money or earnest money, or real estate in general, reach out to me directly! by email [email protected] or phone 512-779-7597
13 Comments
Flor Massoud
8/2/2021 11:51:36 pm

I learned that the option fee is non-refundable i, but f the seller fails to comply with certain provisions within specified time frames, and the buyer decides to back up, what happens to the option fee?
Thank you!

Reply
Erika Rae Albert
8/3/2021 12:37:00 pm

Hi Flor,

If the buyer decides to back out, the option money goes to the seller.

Reply
flor massoud
8/3/2021 03:20:35 pm

Thank you!

Val
6/1/2022 12:43:34 pm

Involved in a recent transaction where the option money was given to the seller and at closing it was deducted from the seller's proceeds. Why was the money deducted from the proceeds?

Reply
Erika Rae Albert
6/1/2022 05:57:55 pm

Hi Val,

The option money is usually reflected as a buyer credit on the settlement statement. However, there are situations where what you described could occur. Was this a new construction home by chance? I recommend you reach out to your real estate agent or the title company for clarification.

Reply
MICHELLE CALILUNG
10/17/2022 03:49:14 pm

I recently signed a contract to buy a house, but during the option period we found some redflags to the house. so we submitted termination of contract with the option period. seller doesn't want to release the earnest money. Is there any way we could get the earnest money?

Reply
Erika Rae Albert
10/17/2022 04:11:43 pm

Hi Michelle,

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! Sounds like you need to involve an attorney. A simple demand letter usually resolves this matter fairly quickly.

Reply
Michelle
10/17/2022 04:25:23 pm

Is it worthy to hire an attorney? the earnest money is amounting to $2400. May I know how much do attorney charge in this case?

anon
4/5/2023 12:11:48 pm

should be 0.1%, not 1%, according to the stated numbers

Reply
anon
4/5/2023 12:15:07 pm

nvm previous comment, my mistake:)

Reply
Erika Rae Albert
4/5/2023 12:25:13 pm

You made me second guess myself there for a minute!

Reply
Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Agent link
4/24/2023 08:15:43 pm

This blog about option money vs. earnest money didn't fail to surprise me. This awesome. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
We Buy Houses Cleveland link
7/26/2023 08:22:57 am

Thanks for the clear and detailed explanation of option money and earnest money in Austin real estate transactions. Your expertise shines through, and it's evident how well you support your clients through the process. Understanding the difference between these two aspects is crucial, and your breakdown makes it easy to grasp. Keep up the excellent work, and I'll be sure to recommend your services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable real estate agent in Austin!




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