What provides the best evidence of a buyer's intention to fulfill the terms of a real estate purchase contract?

The best evidence of a buyer's intention to fulfill the terms of a real estate purchase contract is the earnest money deposit. This deposit is a sum of money that the buyer pays to demonstrate their serious commitment to purchasing the property. It's a way to show good faith and indicates that the buyer is both financially invested and eager to proceed with the transaction.

An earnest money deposit typically serves several purposes: it protects the seller by assuring them that the buyer is willing to follow through with the sale, and it can also serve to help facilitate the transaction by ensuring the buyer has the financial capability to make the purchase. If the deal goes through, this deposit is usually applied to the buyer's down payment or closing costs. If the buyer fails to follow through with the contract without a legal reason, the seller may have the right to keep the earnest money as compensation for their time and the opportunity lost.

While signing the contract indicates acceptance of its terms, and a property inspection can provide insights regarding the property's condition, neither of these actions demonstrates the same level of financial commitment as the earnest money deposit does. An agent's recommendation may provide confidence in proceeding with a purchase, but it does not directly confirm the buyer's intent like a financial deposit does.