What is required from a buyer to show intention when making an offer on a property?

An earnest money deposit is a crucial component in the home-buying process because it demonstrates the buyer's serious intent to purchase the property. When a buyer submits an offer, providing an earnest money deposit indicates that they are committed to following through with the transaction, distinguishing their offer from those that may be less serious or merely exploratory. This deposit is typically held in an escrow account and serves several purposes: it shows good faith to the seller, can help secure the buyer's position in a competitive market, and often contributes to the down payment if the transaction proceeds.

The other options do not effectively convey the buyer's intention. A verbal agreement lacks the legal binding nature necessary to signify commitment. A legal waiver of inspection rights, while it can reflect the buyer's willingness to forgo inspection, does not inherently indicate intent to buy the property itself. Finally, providing a timeline for closing may demonstrate planning but does not inherently communicate a buyer's intention to formalize the offer. Hence, the earnest money deposit stands out as the required action to illustrate a buyer's intention when making an offer on a property.