W
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I bought a spec home from a builder and at closing we agreed (& signed) that he would reimburse me for the 2000 property taxes once the property tax bill came in (Closing was 9/1/00). The bill came in for $4,366.90 on 6/30/01. I promptly drafted a letter requesting a check for $2,925.82 (2/3rds of $4,366.90). The builder is now arguing that the county has improperly assessed the property and wants to argue it before paying. He supposedly has people working on it, but cannot show evidence of this. The problem is that I have sold the home (I went through corporate relocation) and have already payed all of the taxes for 2000 and 2001. I have been trying to collect from him since July 1. About a month ago, he proposed sending me funds of $2183.45 (1/2 of full amount) and said if I got anything additional back from the county I could keep it. I verbally agreed over the phone only if he gave me the contact names and numbers that he was using to get the re-assessment. As of today, I have not seen anything in the mail from him (his daughter is a lawyer and he was going to have her send me an agreement). I call him once a week to remind him and he keeps telling me he will get on his daughter. Since I have not seen any action on his part, I want to recover the full $2,925.82 now. Am I in the right? What are my rights? Can I threaten legal action and make him responsible for legal fees? I have called the real estate agent that acted as a limited agent for both parties and she beleives I have a right to the full amount. The kicker is she is a friend of the builder. Please advise. Thanks very much for your help in advance.