When does the seller get their earnest money deposit?

[Brittany Witt]

1) I just sent in my first Purchase and Sale contract to the title company but have not paid the earnest money deposit yet. When do I pay the earnest money? 

2) When can the seller get their earnest money deposit? 

a) Can they pick it anytime from the title company or can the title company send the seller a check for the earnest money anytime. 

b) Or does the seller have to wait to get the earnest money when they get their final check?

[Yuriy Skripnichenko]

@Brittany Witt

I assume you have an agent and he/she suppose to answer these questions for you. I'd think it may be state/region specific.  Also all of it should be in your contract. 

1) It should be stated in your contract. In PA usually it's within 5 days after the contract is executed by both parties. 

2) In general the seller will get your deposit money at the settlement:

a) No.

b) In most cases. 

Hope this helps