It's common in most state Offers to Purchase for earnest money to be paid by the buyer at the time of the contract.  North Carolina is the same.  However, there is another type of money that is also listed in North Carolina's Residential Offer to Purchase.  That's due diligence money. Due Diligence This residential offer form is similar to commercial contracts where buyers pay for a period of time to reserve the property. During this time the buyers should complete all their inspections and … Continue reading...