What signifies good faith in a real estate transaction?

Good faith in a real estate transaction refers to the intention of parties to act honestly and fairly without any intention to deceive. The option referring to an earnest money deposit accurately reflects this principle. An earnest money deposit demonstrates a buyer's serious intention to purchase a property and acts as a form of security for the seller. By providing this deposit, the buyer is signaling their commitment to follow through with the transaction, which fosters trust and establishes a good faith relationship between the buyer and the seller.

In contrast, a verbal promise lacks the enforceability and clear intent provided by a formal agreement or payment, which can lead to misunderstandings and disputes. While a higher asking price might indicate a negotiation strategy or the seller's perceived value of the property, it does not specifically demonstrate good faith in the transaction. Lastly, while a written contract is crucial for outlining the terms of a deal, the act of entering into such an agreement is often predicated on establishing good faith, which is initially signified by actions like making an earnest money deposit. Thus, the deposit embodies a tangible commitment that signifies good faith within the context of real estate transactions.