The Brink Report

Austin Real Estate News & Advice

Earnest Money vs the Option Fee in Texas: Two Deposits, Two Jobs, and Which One You Can Get Back

Earnest Money vs the Option Fee in Texas: Two Deposits, Two Jobs, and Which One You Can Get Back

James Brinkman
Published on: 10/09/2026

In Texas, the option fee and earnest money are two separate deposits with two different jobs. What each one buys, which one you can get back, when they are at risk, and how both are credited at closing, from a Northwest Austin broker.

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Buy Before or After Selling in a Different State? What Relocating Northwest Austin Buyers Should Know

Buy Before or After Selling in a Different State? What Relocating Northwest Austin Buyers Should Know

James Brinkman
Published on: 21/08/2026

Relocating to Northwest Austin from out of state? Buying your new home before or after selling your current one shapes your budget, your offer strength, and your stress. A broker's framework for deciding, plus the financing and tax angles to check.

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