A due diligence fee deserves its own conversation before you make a North Carolina offer. Don’t lump it together with every other amount in the contract and call it “the deposit.”
What should you understand about a due diligence fee?
Understand who receives the fee, what rights it relates to, and when it may be at risk under your agreement. North Carolina Real Estate Commission guidance explains the fee in the commonly used residential contract. Your current signed form and addenda control your situation.
Is the fee the same as earnest money?
Treat due diligence and earnest money as separate contract questions. Ask who holds each amount, when it is due, how it is credited, and what happens if the transaction ends. Don’t assume the same refund conditions apply.
How do you decide what you can risk?
Discuss the potential loss and your inspection plan before proposing a fee. Think about the unresolved property questions and your ability to absorb the cost. There is no universal amount this guide can recommend for your offer.
What should you verify before sending money?
Verify the signed payment terms and recipient directly through trusted contact information. Have your attorney explain any exceptions or termination question. If instructions change unexpectedly, stop and verify before paying.
Where should you read the official guidance?
Start with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s fee explanation and consumer publications. The fee article was published in October 2019; do not treat its payment instructions or clause numbers as a substitute for your current contract.