What is examined in the due diligence period? Due diligence refers to investigating facts about the condition of the property, both financial and physical, as well as the area the property is located in.If the contract was contingent on loan approval, then your earnest money should be returned. While due diligence money is nonrefundable, earnest money is refundable but only if the buyer decides not to buy the home. Put down some earnest money to prove you're committed and ready to make this your dream home. It's the time period where you can back out of the contract without losing your earnest money or incurring any other type of penalty. Whether you are looking to buy a property for residential, investment, or commercial purposes, a due diligence real estate checklist will come in handy.