A Connecticut seller misrepresented the condition of the property's foundation to the buyer during negotiations. The buyer relied on the misrepresentation, purchased the property, and later discovered significant foundation damage requiring $40,000 in repairs. The buyer wants to pursue the maximum available remedies. Under Connecticut law, which combination of remedies is potentially available to the buyer?
Correct Answer
D) Compensatory damages for repair costs under contract law, and a CUTPA claim for the deceptive practice with potential attorney's fees
Under Connecticut law, a buyer who was induced to purchase by the seller's material misrepresentation has multiple overlapping remedies. The buyer may pursue compensatory damages in contract or tort for the cost of repair or the diminution in value caused by the misrepresentation. Additionally, if the misrepresentation constitutes an unfair or deceptive act in commerce, the buyer may bring a CUTPA claim (CGS § 42-110a et seq.), which allows recovery of actual damages, punitive damages in egregious cases, and mandatory attorney's fees and costs for a prevailing plaintiff. These remedies are not mutually exclusive.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Deep Analysis of This Contracts Question
Background Knowledge for Contracts
Real World Application in Contracts
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Contracts Questions
Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Contract termination occurs when a contract is ended or discharged, releasing both parties from their obligations. A contract can be terminated through performance, mutual agreement, operation of law, or breach.
A counteroffer is a response to an original offer that changes one or more terms of the offer, effectively rejecting the original offer and creating a new offer. The party who makes the counteroffer becomes the new offeror.
Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer at the time of the offer or shortly after to demonstrate good faith and serious intent to purchase the property. It is also called a good faith deposit.
More Contracts Questions
A Rhode Island salesperson asks about an owner is about to sign a purchase and sale agreement. What is the best answer?
For the Rhode Island state portion, how should a candidate analyze a seller asks the principal broker about commission split or distribution?
A Rhode Island principal broker reviews a licensee wants to enter a net listing contract. Which answer follows Rhode Island law?
A Rhode Island principal broker reviews a licensee takes a listing agreement. Which answer follows Rhode Island law?
Which Rhode Island rule applies when parties sign a listing, sale, lease, or other real estate contract?
- → A Rhode Island licensee encounters a listing contract is drafted. What should the licensee remember?
- → In Rhode Island, a licensee submits a written purchase or lease offer to an owner. Which statement is correct?
- → A Rhode Island salesperson asks about a listing agreement or contract for sale is prepared. What is the best answer?
- → Which Rhode Island rule applies when a listing agreement lists property with a multiple listing service?
- → A Rhode Island licensee encounters a listing agreement lets the principal broker retain a portion of deposit money upon buyer default. What should the licensee remember?
- → A Hawaii licensee is reviewing the commission asks to inspect escrow and trust records. What is the best answer?
- → A Hawaii broker asks a salesperson about a deed or lease is not recorded. Which answer follows Hawaii law?
- → For the Hawaii salesperson state portion, interest accrues on a trust-account deposit. Which statement is correct?
- → In a Hawaii real estate transaction, trust funds are placed with a neutral escrow depository for Hawaii property. What should the licensee remember?
- → For the Hawaii salesperson state portion, a licensee secures a party signature on a Hawaii listing or purchase contract. Which statement is correct?
People Also Study
Buyer Representation Agreement
8% of exam
Property Ownership
10% of exam
Land Use Controls and Regulations
8% of exam
Valuation and Market Analysis
10% of exam
Related Articles
Real Estate Exam Practice Questions by Topic (2026): Free Sets for Contracts, Agency, Financing
Get topic-based real estate exam practice sets and a simple sequence to move from learning to timed mocks.
Real Estate Exam Topics (2026): High-Yield Areas + Common Traps (Contracts, Agency, Financing, Fair Housing)
Learn the highest-frequency real estate exam topics and the traps that cause most wrong answers—plus how to study them.
Real Estate Exam Contracts: The Only Guide You Need (2026) + Practice Questions
Learn the contract rules the exam loves, common trick wording, and how to practice contract questions efficiently.