Which party is NOT typically involved in managing the earnest money deposit?

In real estate transactions, the earnest money deposit is a sum of money put down by the buyer to demonstrate serious intent to purchase the property. The management of this deposit typically involves the buyer, the seller, and the brokerage representing either party.

The buyer is responsible for providing the earnest money, indicating their commitment to the purchase. The seller is often involved at a secondary level to agree upon the terms related to the earnest money, including what happens to it if the deal does not close. The brokerage acts as an intermediary, often holding the earnest money in escrow until the transaction is completed or until decisions about its return or forfeiture can be made.

The mortgage lender is not typically involved in the management of the earnest money deposit. Their primary role is to provide financing for the buyer’s purchase, not to handle the deposit funds itself. Therefore, in this context, the mortgage lender is the party that does not have a role in managing the earnest money deposit during the sale process.