A complete guide to earnest money deposits in Michigan, along with details on requirements, payments, disputes, and refunds. Earnest money is a deposit made to a seller that represents a buyer's good faith to make a purchase such as the acquisition of a new home.The fee is meant to incentivize the seller to complete the due diligence process and provide evidence that the buyer is serious about buying the property. Earnest money is typically due upon contract acceptance (unless otherwise stated in the purchase contract).