Which of the following must be included when discussing earnest money in a sales contract?

In a sales contract, discussing earnest money specifically necessitates including the stipulated amount of earnest money being put forth by the buyer. This is crucial because earnest money serves as a good faith deposit indicating the buyer's serious intent to purchase the property. It helps to secure the contract and can also influence the seller's willingness to accept the offer. Including the exact amount assures both parties are in agreement about the commitment being made.

The other choices do not directly pertain to the core concept of earnest money. For instance, the amount for inspections does not fall under the definition of earnest money, as it specifically relates to property assessments rather than the good faith deposit. Buyer’s total assets, while relevant to their financial capability, is not tied to the earnest money itself and does not need to be disclosed in the sales contract. Inspection contingencies may be important during the purchasing process but are distinct from the earnest money agreement and may not necessarily be included in a discussion about earnest money.