The due diligence fee in North Carolina is probably the most asked about “topic” from buyers and sellers alike. Essentially, the due diligence fee is the money put up front by the buyer paid “to the seller” when an offer is accepted. This fee is returned to the buyer at settlement. However, if the buyer does not complete the transaction they will likely lose that fee and can also lose their earnest money deposit, which is a separate issue.
Take a few minutes to watch me discuss why as a seller you should not spend that due diligence fee once a buyer writes you that check.