• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Earnest Money

  • Thread starter Thread starter ronwarren
  • Start date Start date

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

R

ronwarren

Guest
The buyer of my home in California sent me a notice of cancellation 10 days into escrow. This was after the home inspector said the home was in good condition and only needed some cosmetic work. The buyer made a written request for repairs in which I (seller) agree to 9 of the 10 requests. The only item I didn't agree to was the pulling of three trees in my back yard (which were not on the inspection report or listed in the agreement). The buyer then canceled the agreement because I wouldn't pull the trees. The buyers $5000 deposit is still in escrow, and I have not signed the release form to return the deposit because I feel that we have been damaged and the buyer is in breach of contract. They are now threatening me with a lis pending to hold up the sale of my home that is currently in escrow with another buyer.

I tried to mediate with the buyer by agreeing to return $4000 and we go our separate ways, but to no avail. The purchase agreement says "Property, including pool, spa, landscaping and grounds, is to be maintained in substantially the same condition as on the day of acceptance." The Escrow officer and my broker's son, a real estate attorney, say they can't hold up the sale of my home, and to try to do so would be a big mistake on their part. The attorney said to just wait for their lawyer to send you a letter and he would respond free of charge. Is this a valid contingency of the agreement?
 


R

ronwarren

Guest
Bye Bye money

HomeGuru said:
Return the money, honey.

Thanks for your response, but can you be a bit more specific. Are you saying that the escrow officer and Real Estate attorney are giving me incorrect info. Or are you saying that it's just not worth it. I tend to agree with the latter and don't want to risk losing my sale. Anyway, I'm glad they pulled out because I sold the house for seven thousand more, and the buyers are much better people :-)

PS -- I found out the real reason for their backing out is that they are going through a divorce. If they would have told me the truth, then I would have returned the money much sooner. Oh the woos of deception, you will reap what you sow.
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
Top