how can earnest money be protected 
to protect an earnest money deposit prospective buyers can follow a number of precautionary steps first buyers can ensure that contingencies apply to defects financing and inspections this protects the deposit from being forfeited in the case that a major flaw is discovered or that financing is not secured second carefully read and follow the terms of the contract in some cases the contract will indicate a certain date by which the inspection must be made to prevent forfeiture the buyer should abide by these terms accordingly finally ensure the deposit is handled adequately which means that the buyer should work with a reputable broker title firm escrow company or legal firm 