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A Deep Dive into Earnest Money Deposits in Arizona: All You Need to Know

A Deep Dive into Earnest Money Deposits in Arizona: All You Need to Know cover

Understanding how earnest money deposits in Arizona work will assist you in securing a successful CRE sale in Phoenix, the US’ second hottest market to watch for 2024.

Investors and commercial property flippers eyeing Phoenix as an investment destination would benefit from learning about earnest money deposits in Arizona, one of the United States’ leading business-friendly states, thanks to notably low corporate taxes and a pro-business environment.

Arizona’s positive business climate has grown local businesses and enticed many new ventures hoping to launch headquarters in the strategically located Grand Canyon state, which is sandwiched between economic giants California and Texas.

Arizona's relatively affordable commercial real estate, in comparison to its neighbors, is a compelling factor driving investment, particularly in its capital, Phoenix. In addition, Arizona ranks third in the country when it comes to the appreciation of real estate.

Named as one of the top “markets to watch” in the US by Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report for 2024, Phoenix is bursting with growth.

earnest money deposit arizona

Source: Urban Land Institute

In the report, Phoenix secured the second spot in a list of the hottest overall real estate markets in the US, trailing behind Nashville, Tennessee and slightly edging out Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

It’s worth noting that the city recently scored its largest multi-building industrial business park acquisition in Arizona’s history—real estate development firm Creation struck a massive $184M deal with Prologis, Inc., for the sale of the 170-acre Airpark Logistics Center in Goodyear, Phoenix.

Investors wanting their piece of Phoenix real estate action will want to carefully study the pivotal role of earnest money deposits in Arizona’s commercial real estate transactions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take on some of the most common questions on earnest money deposits in Arizona, namely:

  1. What is earnest money?
  2. Is earnest money required in Arizona?
  3. Can I negotiate earnest money deposits in Arizona?
  4. How much earnest money is standard in Arizona?
  5. Who holds the earnest money deposit in Arizona?
  6. When is earnest money due in Arizona?
  7. How should earnest money deposits in Arizona be paid?
  8. Do you get earnest money back in Arizona?
  9. What are some common scenarios of a sale falling through, and who gets to keep the earnest money?
  10. How can earnest money deposits in Arizona be protected?

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How much is an earnest money deposit in Arizona?

Source: PICRYL

1. What is earnest money?

The right earnest money deposit in Arizona can aid in the success of your commercial real estate transaction.

A familiar term in real estate, earnest money can be a little tricky to understand, as practices can change from state to state. Earnest money (different from a down payment) is a sum of money that buyers put up before a property's closing date to show the seller that they mean to push through with the sale. Earnest money payments are also called “soft deposits” or “good faith deposits” and are there to protect both buyers and sellers.

If the buyer fails to proceed with the transaction, the earnest money goes to the seller as compensation for their time and effort. Depending on the agreed-upon contingencies in the contract, the earnest money might be refundable to the buyer. Conversely, if the sale is completed, the earnest money is applied toward the purchase price or used to cover closing costs.

In commercial real estate, the earnest money deposit is used to “demonstrate the buyer’s intention to purchase the property—that they’re indeed a serious buyer,” says David Luke, Senior Vice President of Transaction Management in CommLoan, Arizona, noting that “without earnest money, the seller has little reassurance that the buyer won’t walk away from an agreed-upon deal.”

earnest money deposit arizona


 

2. Is earnest money required in Arizona?

While earnest money deposits in Arizona are not legally required for a real estate contract to push through, they are considered a common feature of most commercial real estate agreements, can add value to an offer, and can display a buyer’s commitment to the purchase.

3. Can I negotiate earnest money deposits in Arizona?

Yes, you can negotiate earnest money deposits in Arizona. In fact, experts say you should always prepare to negotiate the best possible agreement terms in commercial real estate transactions, such as whether or not the earnest money can be refunded.

“Because earnest money deposits aren’t standard across all deals, this is one of many details that buyers and sellers should be prepared to negotiate,” says David.


David shares two earnest money negotiating topics that all buyers and sellers should know about—general demand (“specifically stating what makes a property desirable or undesirable”) and contingencies such as inspection and financing.

“Contingencies can have an inverse relationship with earnest money,” David explains. “Giving up contingencies removes potential pitfalls that could cause a seller to forfeit earnest money, so they may be willing to accept less. Adding contingency requirements increases potential pitfalls, so sellers may want more reassurance in the form of a larger deposit.”

4. How much earnest money is standard in Arizona?

According to The Investor’s Edge, the appropriate amount of earnest money deposits on CRE properties is around $5,000 to $10,000.  

In terms of how much earnest money is standard in Arizona, most realtors agree that it is the same—usually 1% of the property’s purchase price, which places many earnest money deposits in the $5,000 to $10,000 range (1% of $500,000 to $1 million).

However, “if you’re a highly motivated [property] buyer and can afford it, providing more than 1% earnest money during the negotiation process can make you more likely to be the lucky one who gets the purchase agreement,” says investor and advisor Brian Reese of District Lending in Arizona.

earnest money deposit arizona


Buyers in Arizona CRE transactions should be prepared to pay higher earnest money deposits on highly desirable properties, which could see earnest money deposits in Arizona ranging from 5% to 10%—and in some rare cases, 15%— of the sales price.

On the other hand, sellers having a hard time moving undesirable properties in lukewarm to cold markets might settle for sub-1% earnest money deposits.

In other US states, earnest money deposits range from 1% to even higher than 10% in faster-moving markets.

5. Who holds the earnest money deposit in Arizona?

In most parts of the US, like Florida, the listing agent holds the earnest money in their escrow account until closing. In other states, such as Illinois, the buyer's real estate brokerage or the seller or buyer's attorney can also hold the earnest money.

Arizona earnest money law dictates that the earnest money isn’t made directly to the seller—it’s made to an escrow account held by a third party, like a title company or bank. This safeguards the earnest money, ensuring that it will be available once the transaction is complete. This prevents dishonest sellers from pulling the deal and taking the money.

6. When is earnest money due in Arizona?

Staying on top of timelines and due dates is crucial to the success of your Arizona CRE transaction. While you most likely will be working with a real estate broker or agent who will handle the process, it’s good to have the details clarified so you can personally keep track of your payments.

So when is earnest money due in Arizona?

MacQueen & Gottlieb, PLC note that in Arizona, “earnest money is due within 24 hours of the noted acceptance date of the real estate contract by the buyer.” If the contract is signed in the late afternoon on a Friday, however, the earnest money will likely not be deposited in the escrow account until the next business day.

Arizona earnest money law says that “all earnest monies shall be deposited in the escrow account or trust fund account no later than the close of the second banking business day after receipt.”


7. How should earnest money deposits in Arizona be paid?

Along with knowing how much earnest money deposits in Arizona should be, knowing the different available payment methods for earnest money deposits is important.

While some US states, like Texas, still accept earnest money payments in cash form, most states like Colorado and Arizona no longer do.

In Arizona, “your earnest payment will be sent to the escrow company via a wire transfer, personal check, or certified check,” Brian says, though “some escrow companies may not accept a personal check, only a wire transfer or certified check.”

Check with the title company or law firm on the form of earnest money deposit they prefer, or consult with your real estate agent or lawyer before you prepare your deposits.

8. Do you get earnest money back in Arizona?

Are earnest money deposits in Arizona refundable? Yes, they can be, in some situations.

“Whether the earnest money for a commercial property is refundable depends on the specifics of a purchase contract, and how the purchase process unfolds. Which party is responsible for a deal falling through is one of the biggest factors that determines whether an earnest deposit is refunded,” explains David.



To protect the earnest money, it's important to include certain safeguards in the offer contract. These safeguards, like property appraisals, financial checks, and home inspections, help ensure the buyer's money is secure within the purchase agreement.

9. What are some common scenarios of a sale falling through, and who gets to keep the earnest money?

  • Buyer or seller defaults on the contract: If either the buyer or the seller fails to comply with terms specified in the contract, the other party has the right to terminate the contract and keep the earnest money.

  • Issues with the title: The buyer has the right to object to and contest issues to do with the title and other documents, and the seller has 15 days to deal with and fix the issue. If the seller fails to sort out the objections within the time period, the contract is terminated and the earnest money is then refunded to the buyer.

  • Buyer backs out during option period: If the buyer paid an option fee to inspect the property prior to purchase, this gives them the right to back out of the contract within the option period and for any reason. In this case, the seller keeps the option fee and the earnest money is returned to the buyer.

  • Repairs mandated by lender: If the lender demands repairs on the property, neither the seller or the buyer is required to pay for them, and either party can cancel the contract. The earnest money is then refunded to the buyer.

  • Seller fails to complete agreed-upon repairs: If both the seller and the buyer agree on repairs, the seller is required to complete all repairs (and ensure that they are done by licensed contractors with appropriate state-issued permits). If they fail to do so, the buyer has a few options: they can extend the contract’s closing date or end the contract and get their earnest money deposit back.

  • Buyer’s financing does not go through: For contracts with a financing contingency, buyers can have their earnest money refunded if financing falls through. If the buyer chose to waive the contingency and their commercial or home loan does not go through, the earnest money is then forfeited to the seller.

10. How can earnest money deposits in Arizona be protected?

There are several ways that prospective buyers can protect their earnest money deposits:

  • Include financing, appraisals, and inspection contingencies in the purchase contract: Without proper contingencies written into the contract, the seller gets to keep the earnest money if the buyer can't get financing.

  • Ensure contract terms (and all amendments) are in writing: The contract agreement, as well as any amendments between a buyer and seller, must be in writing and must be signed by both parties to be considered valid. It’s best to work with real estate lawyers who can advise on the process and take care of all the legalities.

  • Understand and strictly follow the terms of the contract: The buyer should ensure that they read, comprehend, and abide by the terms of the contract. Failure to do so could result in forfeiting the earnest money deposit to the seller.

  • Put the earnest money in an escrow account and get receipts: Earnest money is never paid directly to the seller but instead should be paid to an escrow firm who can hold and safeguard the funds until the transaction is complete or terminated. The buyer should make sure that they have the appropriate receipt for their earnest money deposit. Both buyers and sellers must have copies of the earnest money receipts.

Working closely with seasoned real estate lawyers can keep you and your earnest money deposits protected as you navigate the process of buying commercial real estate property in Arizona. Interested developers, investors, and buyers can get in touch with the Arizona Department of Real Estate for further assistance and legal advice.

Understanding how much earnest money deposits in Arizona are, along with other earnest money practices, will spell success for your CRE property investment in the US’ second hottest market to watch for 2024.

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Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes

Sign Now, Pay Later with Fast Soft Deposit Financing

Discover how Duckfund can help you secure prime commercial real estate quickly, close multiple deals at once, and rapidly grow your CRE portfolio. Only pay the soft deposit when you are ready to close the deal.  Apply for fast CRE funding now. We'll get back to you within 24 hours. 

in less than 2 minutes