How much earnest money is typical for offers on 30A?

On 30A, earnest money isn’t a fixed number, it’s a strategy. That’s exactly how Max Smith approaches it with clients.
Typically, earnest money falls between 1% and 3% of the purchase price. On a $2M home, that’s about $20K to $60K. That’s the baseline in most situations.
On 30A, especially in competitive or luxury scenarios, it often goes higher.

For standard deals, around 1% to 2% is usually acceptable. In more competitive situations, expect 2% to 3% or more to stay strong. For high-demand or luxury properties, buyers may go 5% or higher to stand out and show certainty.

Max’s approach is simple. Earnest money is about the message it sends. A stronger deposit signals seriousness, financial strength, and a higher likelihood of closing.
But it also comes with risk. If a buyer walks outside of contract protections, that deposit can be lost. That’s why Max doesn’t just focus on the number. He structures the entire offer to feel clean, confident, and certain.

On 30A, the strongest offer isn’t always the highest. It’s the one the seller trusts will close.