What is a deposit used in a real estate purchase agreement?

In a real estate purchase agreement, the deposit referred to is the earnest money deposit. This sum of money is typically provided by the buyer as a show of good faith when entering into a contract to purchase a property. It serves several purposes, including demonstrating the buyer's serious intent to complete the purchase, securing the property while the sale process is ongoing, and providing the seller with some assurance against potential withdrawal from the agreement by the buyer.

The earnest money is generally held in an escrow account until the sale is finalized. If the transaction goes through successfully, this deposit is often applied towards the buyer's down payment or closing costs. If the deal falls through due to a contingency stated in the contract, the buyer may be entitled to a refund of the earnest money; however, if the buyer backs out without a valid reason, the seller may have the right to keep the deposit as compensation for taking the property off the market.

In contrast, other types of deposits mentioned in the question have different functions. A security deposit is commonly found in rental agreements and acts as a safeguard for landlords against damage or unpaid rent. A down payment refers to a portion of the purchase price that the buyer pays upfront when buying a home, often significantly larger than an earnest money deposit