Quick Answer
After you submit earnest money along with your offer, you should get a receipt back confirming it was actually received, how much, and who's holding it, usually the title company or listing broker's trust account. Keep this document; it matters if there's ever a question about your deposit at closing or in an earnest money dispute.
- What it confirms
- Amount received and who is holding it
- Common holder
- Title company or listing brokerage trust account
- When you get it
- Shortly after depositing earnest money
- Why it matters
- Documents your deposit if a dispute or question arises
Why This Document Matters
Earnest money can be a meaningful sum, so having written proof it was deposited and where it sits protects you. Without a receipt, there's no clear record confirming the funds were actually received as agreed.
At closing, the amount on your earnest money receipt is credited back to you against your cash to close, so it directly affects the final number you bring.
Who Holds the Money
In Central Indiana, earnest money is most often held by the title company handling the closing, though some contracts route it through the listing brokerage instead. Either way, the funds sit in a neutral trust account, not with the buyer or seller directly.
The receipt should identify exactly who is holding the deposit, which matters if a later disagreement over release of the funds comes up.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Earnest money receipt
When should I receive my earnest money receipt?
Typically within a few business days of your deposit being submitted, once the holder confirms it was received.
What if I never get a receipt?
Ask your agent to follow up with the holder promptly, since this document is your proof the deposit was actually received.
Is earnest money the same as a down payment?
No, earnest money is a good-faith deposit credited toward your purchase at closing; the down payment is a separate, usually larger, amount.
Can I get my earnest money back if the deal falls through?
It depends on why the deal ended; a valid contingency generally protects your deposit, but breaching the contract can put it at risk.