At risk today(if you back out for a reason not covered)$0
3% of price(liquidated damages cap)$0
Days to deadline—
What happens if…
Next steps
Wire the deposit within 2 business days after acceptance (RPA ¶3D(1)). Call escrow at a number you looked up yourself before you wire.
Put the contingency deadline on your calendar. Finish inspection, appraisal and loan approval before it. See the full timeline in T60.
Removing contingencies means signing C.A.R. Form CR. After that your deposit is on the line. Don't remove the loan contingency without written loan approval.
Need to cancel? Do it in writing (C.A.R. Form CC) before the deadline, then both sides sign escrow's cancellation instructions. Check any agent's license at DRE.
Many people get this wrong: "Escrow can just give my deposit back." No. Escrow is neutral. It releases the money only when buyer and seller both sign, or a judge or arbitrator decides (RPA ¶14H). Refusing to sign without a good-faith reason can cost up to $1,000 plus attorney fees (Civil Code §1057.3).