Can I get my earnest money back if the deal falls through?

Getting earnest money back depends on why the deal fell through and whether the contract's contingencies, such as financing, inspection, or appraisal, were still active when it happened. Walking away without an active contingency to rely on usually means forfeiting the deposit to the seller. Brian Beatty makes sure contingency deadlines are tracked closely so a buyer never loses a deposit over a missed date rather than an actual problem with the home.