Companies that hold abandoned funds must attempt to contact the rightful owner of the property before transferring, or escheating, the property to NYS. The due diligence clause in the standard form NC Offer to Purchase and Contract is very clear.Did you know that the state of North Carolina has a non-refundable deposit in their contract? The fee is meant to incentivize the seller to complete the due diligence process and provide evidence that the buyer is serious about buying the property. What does due diligence mean in residential real estate purchases? While due diligence money is nonrefundable, earnest money is refundable but only if the buyer decides not to buy the home. Each property requires specific documentation establishing your right to the funds.