How does a strong earnest money deposit help me win in 2026?

A larger earnest money deposit signals to a seller that a buyer is financially committed and less likely to walk away, which matters most in a multiple-offer situation where the seller is comparing several buyers at similar prices. It does not guarantee acceptance on its own, since price, financing terms and contingencies still carry weight in that comparison. Joel Boss advises buyers on how much deposit actually moves the needle for a specific listing rather than assuming bigger is always better.