05/21/2023
EMD - Earnest Money Deposit
What is it?
Why does it exist?
EMD is the upfront deposit a buyer (or wholesaler) needs to put into escrow. It's an amount of money that shows "good faith" to the seller.
It's basically your skin-in-the-game and allows your seller to take you seriously. How seriously will you be taken if you don't put any or any real amount in?
Also, to make the contract legal, an amount of monetary compensation must be put up. That's part of the "adequate consideration" part to make the contract legally binding.
However, the EMD does not necessarily need to come from your pocket. Consider bringing in a partner who provides this, allowing you to focus on what you are good at: finding and negotiating a deal.