A buyer can submit the earnest-money deposit in the form of _______.

Maryland license law allows the earnest-money deposit (good-faith deposit) to be paid in cash, certified funds, or personal check, provided the terms are disclosed in the sales contract. A post-dated check or promissory note is not considered “good funds” unless all parties agree in writing. Verbal assurances never satisfy the deposit requirement. The broker must promptly deposit the funds in a designated trust (escrow) account.