Depending on the market, the buyers' and sellers' motivations and all other factors being considered, an average place to start with an offer is about 10 to 15 percent below the asking price. This is where the advice of an expert can be very helpful, whether that expert is a real estate agent, your neighbor or a parent. Earnest Money Earnest money is basically a deposit on the house. Usually a seller has specified how much money he or she is willing to accept as earnest money. It can range from nothing to several thousand dollars.
Sellers consider the earnest money a test of the sincerity of the buyer.
If a buyer is willing to part with some cash, then it is assumed by the seller that this person is serious about completing the transaction. The potential buyer deposits the money via a check at the time the offer is made. If the offer is not accepted, the earnest money is returned to the buyer. Buyers who are really interested in a property sometimes will provide more earnest money than is required, as proof of their commitment to the transaction. Usually when a house is listed, the inclusions are part of the listing announcement.