What is typically considered a partial payment towards a purchase price at closing?

The correct choice is typically the down payment, which represents a partial payment towards the total purchase price at the closing of a real estate transaction. The down payment is crucial because it shows the buyer's commitment to the purchase and reduces the amount that must be financed through a mortgage or loan.

In real estate transactions, the down payment is commonly expressed as a percentage of the total purchase price. This payment is made at closing and can significantly affect the terms of the mortgage, including interest rates and monthly payments.

While earnest money represents a deposit made to demonstrate a buyer's commitment to the purchase, it is usually held in escrow and later applied towards the down payment or the total purchase price. Thus, earnest money serves as a good faith gesture but is not itself considered the partial payment made at closing.

Other terms like commission pertain to the fees paid to real estate agents and have no direct bearing on the purchase price paid by the buyer. Therefore, while the deposit and earnest money can be part of the overall transaction, it is the down payment that is specifically recognized at closing as a partial payment towards the final purchase price.