Many agents and individuals are on the web stating you can always get your earnest money back from Southgate or any builder. This is NOT the case. When you sign a contract and provide earnest money to the builder your are agreeing to typically forfeit the funds if you cancel the contract. It is up to the builder to determine if they will return your earnest money or keep it. There are legal ways to force a builder to return your earnest money, but they are on a case by case basis. Please consult your REALTOR if you are in this situation.