Is ernest money negotiable?

This new builder is requiring 5% on a condo that is 9 months from completion. I have the money in investments and would rather not pull all of it out at the moment and lose on the market....Can i tell them I want to put down less ? I mean I'm signing contracts what difference does it make

Everything is negotiable. Tell him if he wants the full amount, you want him to take the amount you would earn in interest in your investment off the price of the home.

It can be negotiable. All you can do is ask and see if they are willing to negotiate.

You can ASK for less of an earnest money deposit. Perhaps the builder will accept your proposal and take less. The earnest money is far more valuable to a builder/developer than is a signed contract promising a payment. If he HAS the earnest money, he won't have to sue you to get it, should you default on the contract.

It is indeed negotiable, so go negotiate. I would not put down earnest money to purchase a unit that was not ready for occupancy.

Everything is potentially negotiable. Whether this particular builder is willing to is up to him.

Sure it's negotiable. for both of you. By offering a significant earnest money deposit (how earnest are you?), you may increase your bargaining position on the sale price (and subsequent negotiations during execution of the sales contract.) It's often a risk/price trade-off. With some decent bargaining, you might realize a better gain on your funds than your present investments. Hope you're using a Realtor.