What is the purpose of a real estate good faith deposit and how does it protect both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction?

A real estate good faith deposit is a sum of money paid by the buyer to show their commitment to purchasing a property. It protects the seller by ensuring the buyer is serious about the transaction and compensates the seller if the buyer backs out without a valid reason. It also protects the buyer by giving them time to conduct due diligence on the property before finalizing the purchase.