Earnest money is a deposit that shows a seller you're serious about purchasing their home. In the Omaha metro—Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Elkhorn, and Council Bluffs—earnest money typically ranges from $1,000 to 1% of the purchase price. For example, on a $300,000 home, $3,000 is common.
The earnest money is credited back to you at closing and can be applied toward your down payment or closing costs. It’s not an extra fee—it’s a good-faith promise. Strong earnest money can make your offer more attractive in multiple-offer situations, especially in competitive neighborhoods like Millard or Bennington.
If you’re unsure how much earnest money to include in an offer, we’re here to help guide you strategically.
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