Is it legal for real estate agents to collect sincerity money?

Legal analysis: earnest money is different from deposit. If the party paying the deposit defaults, the deposit cannot be recovered. If the party who receives the deposit defaults, it will double the deposit. Sincerity money is a unilateral expression that developers ask consumers to pay in advance for promotion when looking at the house. Can not guarantee the risk of consumer buying and selling, is the overlord clause that forces consumers to accept.

Legal basis: Civil Code of People's Republic of China (PRC).

Article 961 An intermediary contract is a contract in which the intermediary reports to the client the opportunity to conclude a contract or provides media services for concluding a contract, and the client pays the remuneration.

Article 962 The broker shall truthfully report to the client the matters related to the conclusion of the contract. If the broker intentionally conceals important facts related to the conclusion of the contract or provides false information, which harms the interests of the client, he shall not ask for payment of remuneration and shall be liable for compensation.