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    Help! The Seller Backed Out of Our Contract

    When sellers back out of a sale, buyers may be entitled to compensation for their losses. A contract to sell real estate is legally binding on buyers and sellers. Once the agreement is signed and funds are deposited in escrow, neither party can back out without consequences.

    Why Sellers Back Out

    On occasion sellers have a change of heart and seek to cancel a real estate sales contract. Generally, backing out of a contract is only legal if the buyer has not fulfilled the terms of the agreement, fails to provide the required funds, or requests provisions not included in the contract.

    Sometimes there are other reasons sellers back out of contracts. They may have received a higher offer from another buyer after signing. Unforeseen circumstances such as illness, death or job loss can cause a seller to reconsider. In some cases, they may be unable to find another suitable house or just get cold feet about leaving their longtime home.

    Buyers Left Scrambling

    When sellers do back out, buyers can be left scrambling to recover their losses and find a place to live. As long as buyers have not breached the sales contract, they may be entitled to recover compensation for their damages, including the cost of:

    • Temporary Housing – Buyers often have sold or are selling their home to buy a new one. The seller may be responsible for paying the costs of their temporary housing.
    • Buyer’s  Fees – Home inspections, surveys and other standard fees paid by the buyer are generally non-refundable
    • Storage – Left without a place to live, buyers may be forced to pay for storage for their possessions until they find another home
    • Legal Costs – If the seller refuses to compensate them for their losses, buyers may be forced to go to court to obtain a settlement which may include the legal fees and court expenses
    • Damages – Courts may award compensatory damages for the lost time and inconvenience the buyer incurs

    A contract protects the rights of all parties to an agreement. In a real estate transaction, buyers should be aware that their rights are equally protected. Sellers have an obligation to fulfill the terms of the sales contract. If they fail to do so, they may be required to compensate buyers for their losses.

    He helps clients resolve issues relating to family law, including divorce, parenting time and parental responsibilities, paternity, and child support. As a skilled real estate attorney as well, Scott also provides advice and legal representation to clients who are purchasing or selling residential or commercial property in Illinois.

    Years of Experience: Approx. 30 years
    Illinois Registration Status: Active
    Bar & Court Admissions: Illiois Courts Northern District of Illinois Federal Courts Illinois State Bar Association Chicago Bar Association
    Young businessman ceo hr director having interview hiring for job with female African American attorney sitting in office at panoramic view window

    He helps clients resolve issues relating to family law, including divorce, parenting time and parental responsibilities, paternity, and child support. As a skilled real estate attorney as well, Scott also provides advice and legal representation to clients who are purchasing or selling residential or commercial property in Illinois.

    Years of Experience: Approx. 30 years
    Illinois Registration Status: Active
    Bar & Court Admissions: Illiois Courts Northern District of Illinois Federal Courts Illinois State Bar Association Chicago Bar Association

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