Earnest money amount

[Patrick Britton]

For private sales is it reasonable to have the earnest money amount be something between $10 and $1000? And I assume for REOs and short sales it would be greater?

Does it raise a red flag to the seller if I offer only $100?

[Curt Davis]

@Patrick Britton

I usually never bring up earnest money when dealing with private sellers unless they ask about it.  If they do I will tell them I can put down $500 to $1,000 with MY closing attorney.  I usually get the seller to close with my attorney as well.