How long does it take to get earnest money returned?

[Nick Sansivero]

Hey everyone, I was wondering what the standard timeframe is for receiving your earnest money back after a deal doesn't go through? It's been 6 weeks and I haven't received any of my deposit. My agent said she sees the payments pending for 3 weeks now. Is this normal? 6 weeks seems unnecessary. Thanks!

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Nick Sansivero, how did you pay the deposit? My guess is that you paid with a personal check and that the deal went south shortly after the check was deposited.

I'm not sure of the exact banking laws, but even though a deposited check appears to clear I believe for a few weeks there is a period where someone could still stop the check and claw back the deposit.

So, places institute policies that when personal checks are deposited that they stay deposited for at least 30 days.

I would expect you to get your check soon based on your post, but that is my guess.