Answers by Gabrielle Strout

It's never a bad idea to go to an open house! It's great to get an idea for your value and lots of neighbors do so. You shouldn't feel bad about that. It's unfortunate that some agents don't like that. It's always good to have someone providing insight as to the value of the area. Perhaps if you met someone you liked or provided good value, ask them if you could use their name as an agent the next time you go "shopping" in your neighborhood!

The earnest money is deposited to the escrow account as good faith that you are willing to buy the home. It is applied to your closing costs that you need to bring to closing, thereby reducing the amount you need to bring to closing by the amount of the earnest money. In this way, you do "get it back" as it's a reduction in what you need to bring to closing, but you don't physically get handed a check or receive a wire with this amount after closing. It simply reduces your closing cost amount. I hope this is helpful!