Understanding the Real Estate Deposit in Edmonton

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Understanding the Real Estate Deposit in Edmonton

You’ve made an offer on a home, and the seller has accepted—congratulations! The very next step is to provide a deposit. This is a crucial part of the process, but it’s often misunderstood.

Let’s clear up the biggest point of confusion right away: the deposit is not an extra cost or a fee. It is a portion of your down payment that you pay upfront as a sign of good faith to show the seller you are a serious and committed buyer.

Here are the answers to the most common questions we get about deposits.

How much should the deposit be?

While there’s no law setting a specific amount, a typical deposit in the Edmonton market is between 1% to 5% of the purchase price. For a $400,000 home, that would be between $4,000 and $20,000. While a smaller deposit is acceptable, a larger deposit can make your offer look financially stronger and more appealing to a seller, especially in a competitive situation.

Who holds the deposit money?

The deposit is never paid directly to the seller. For your protection, the funds are held in a secure trust account by the seller’s real estate brokerage. The money does not get touched by anyone until the deal either closes or is terminated according to the contract.

Is the deposit refundable?

Yes, the deposit is refundable if you back out of the deal for a reason that is covered by one of the conditions in your offer. For example, if your offer has a financing condition and you are unable to secure a mortgage, your deposit will be returned to you in full.

However, if you have a firm, unconditional deal (meaning all conditions have been waived) and you decide to back out, you are in breach of contract and risk losing your deposit to the seller. This is why conditions are such an important safety net.

When is the deposit due?

The deposit is typically due within 24 to 48 hours of your offer being accepted by the seller. It’s important to have the funds readily accessible in your bank account so you can provide a bank draft or wire transfer promptly.

How to Pay the Deposit

The deposit must be paid in a secure and traceable manner. The most common methods are:

Bank Draft: This is the most common method. You will get a certified cheque from your bank made out to the seller’s real estate brokerage.
Wire Transfer: You can also electronically transfer the funds directly to the brokerage’s trust account.

Pro Tip: Ensure your deposit funds are in a readily accessible bank account (not tied up in investments). When your offer is accepted, you will need to provide the deposit quickly, so having the funds prepared is a key part of being a strong buyer.

Your Next Step

The deposit is a key piece of your overall offer strategy. It signals your seriousness and financial health to the seller.

The deposit is a key element of a strong offer. See how it fits into the bigger picture in our complete Guide to Making a Winning Offer →

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Customize Your Own Home Search

Each step in the home-buying journey is an important one. To see how this topic fits into the complete process, review our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.

Offer & Closing FAQs

Have more questions about the final steps? Contact us for a free consultation.

What makes an offer ‘strong’ besides the price?

A strong offer has several components. A significant deposit shows you are a serious buyer. Fewer conditions (like financing and inspection) make your offer more attractive and less risky for the seller. A possession date that aligns with the seller’s preferred timeline can also be a powerful negotiating tool. Finally, being fully pre-approved for your mortgage is essential.

What is the difference between a ‘conditional offer’ and a ‘firm offer’?

A ‘conditional offer’ means the sale is subject to certain conditions being met, most commonly a satisfactory home inspection and the buyer securing formal financing. The deal is not legally binding until these conditions are waived. A ‘firm offer’ has no conditions and becomes legally binding as soon as the seller accepts it.

What happens to my deposit? Is it refundable?

Your deposit is held in a secure trust account by the seller’s real estate brokerage. It is not given directly to the seller. The deposit forms part of your down payment. If your offer is conditional and you decide not to proceed because a condition (like the home inspection) isn’t satisfied, your deposit is typically returned to you in full.

What does a real estate lawyer do for a buyer?

Your real estate lawyer is crucial for protecting your interests. They review the purchase contract, search the property’s title to ensure it’s free of liens or issues, coordinate with your lender to receive mortgage funds, handle the transfer of funds to the seller’s lawyer, and legally register the home in your name.

What happens on possession day?

On possession day (or closing day), the lawyers handle the final transfer of funds and ownership. Your lawyer will receive the mortgage funds from your lender and transfer them to the seller’s lawyer. Once the money is confirmed received and the title is registered, the sale is complete. At that point, the seller’s lawyer authorizes the release of the keys, and you can officially take possession of your new home.