I put a $500 holding deposit down on a townhouse that I really wanted. Then a couple days later a new one came on the market from another company. I really wanted this second one so I Googled if a holding deposit is non-refundable. A lot of results said they have a right to keep the money. But when I called Shelter Realty to tell them I wanted to cancel the property and receive my money back, it was no problem. All I had to do was go pick up the money order no questions asked. Very happy about that.