Putting Earnest Money

[Matthew J. T.]

When having the seller sign the contract, I understand that you can put 10$ on it to secure the contract, but if seller asks you why you are putting in so little what do you them? Don't they want to know that you are serious? As I am going to be collecting a deposit from my end by to know he is serious, how is the motivated seller going to know I'm serious off of 10$, and is there any law, or rule that states you must put a certain amount to secure the contract?

Matt