closing not achieved

[sunnnnie]

north carolina real estate question. our closing was set for may 16, 2008. it didnt happen. and now the lawyer wants to keep our downpayment because the seller had no right to sell the property. the land has several federal taxes owed and it is triple the asking price. the lawyer also claims that my husband and i are responsible for all of his expenses although he was hired on behave of the seller because he feels we are a sure bet for his getting paid and of course he has our money in his account and refuses to return our money. oh and did i mention that the land has been relisted? please help us. we are at our wits end and the listing agent that we have been working with since march of this year refuses to speak with us. hhhhheeeeellllllpppppp. please.

 

[FlyingRon]

The lawyer is blowing smoke. You are not responsible for paying his fees. Demand immediate return in writing. If he doesn't respond either take him to small claims or retain your own lawyer depending on the amount involved.