Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

A sum given by the buyer to the seller in connection with a contract to sell is regarded to be a deposit on account of the price, unless the parties have expressly provided otherwise. If the parties stipulate that a sum given by the buyer to the seller is earnest money, either party may recede from the contract, but the buyer who chooses to recede must forfeit the earnest money, and the seller who so chooses must return the earnest money plus an equal amount. (Louisiana Civil Code, Art. 2624)

The amount of earnest money to be paid varies from city to city and is to be paid within 1 to 3 days after the seller accepts the buyer’s offer. In Seattle, for example, the earnest money deposit lies in the range of 1% to 3% of the sale price of the property. (Investopedia)

An earnest payment is a specific form of security deposit made in some major transactions such as real estate dealings or required by some official procurement processes to demonstrate that the applicant is serious and willing to demonstrate an earnest of good faith about wanting to complete the transaction. (Wikipedia)