Earnest Money Payments
When you close your real estate transaction with Sherman & Phalen, you can trust us to safeguard your earnest money in our trust account. We have several ways you can send us your earnest money.
Securely Send Earnest Money Through CertifID: Built for Buyers, Trusted by Law Firms
If the earnest money is $15,000 or less, you may send us your money securely through our partnership with CertifID.
You may send it now or learn more below. Note that a $20 service fee applies.
What's the process with CertifID?
- Access the secure payment link.
- Verify your identity. You sign up at the link with your name, email, and phone number. You’ll then receive a verification code via text to authenticate your account. This verification confirms that you’re the authorized buyer and protects you from fraud before a single dollar moves.
- Enter the property and EMD details. Have the property address ready.
- Connect your financial institution. CertifID uses Plaid to securely connect your account. Use your online credentials and select the account from which you want to transfer funds.
- Submit and confirm. Review the details and confirm the payment. You’ll receive a confirmation once your funds are on their way.
Other Payment Methods to Ensure Your Closing Happens on Time
If you don’t want to use our online payment portal, you may use the following methods:
- Payments up to $2,000: Personal checks accepted
- Amounts above $2,000 to $5,000: Cashier’s Check issued by a local or national bank or credit union accepted
- Wires accepted for any amount. Only use wire instructions that you receive securely from Sherman & Phalen through CertifID or Qualia.
Preventing Wire Fraud
Real estate transactions are a frequent target for fraud. Therefore, we will only email you our wire instructions through a secure portal.
Usually we use CertifID, but depending on the transaction, it could be Qualia. Do not use any wire instructions that you receive unredacted through email. Do not respond to any email that says we have “changed” or “updated” our wire instructions. Pick up the phone and call us directly.
Our paralegals’ contact information can be found here. We cannot overstate this very real risk, so keep in touch with us if you have any questions.
Other Questions?
Let us know how we can help. We take pride in doing things the right way—with accuracy, responsiveness, and the kind of personal service that means you’re never left wondering where things stand.
At Sherman & Phalen, our real estate closing firm works with investors, lenders, and homebuyers to help their real estate transactions run smoothly. We have handled thousands of closings across Georgia and the Southeast and your closing matters to us. Call us or contact us today.
