Due Diligence Fee vs. Earnest Money Deposit

North Carolina is unique in that it has a formalized Due Diligence Fee and a Due Diligence Period. A few other states have “periods” per se that are time-bound with completing inspections, etc; but the actual fee is unique to NC. Below is a comparison chart and a great flyer provided by NC Realtors that answers questions about Due Diligence in NC.

It is critical to understand the risk associated with this initial deposit as it is NON-REFUNDABLE.