A buyer under a Florida residential purchase contract fails to secure financing by the loan approval deadline and does not notify the seller. The seller wants to keep the earnest money deposit. What is the most likely outcome under Florida law?
Correct Answer
D) The seller can claim the deposit as liquidated damages if properly specified in the contract
Under Florida law, if the contract properly specifies earnest money as liquidated damages for buyer default, the seller can claim it when the buyer breaches. Option A is incorrect because forfeiture isn't automatic without proper contract language. Option B is wrong because the buyer's failure to meet contingency deadlines constitutes breach. Option C is incorrect as mediation isn't required before deposit distribution for clear breaches.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
The Statute of Frauds is a legal requirement that certain types of contracts must be in writing and signed to be enforceable. In real estate, all contracts for the sale of land or interests in land must be in writing.
A time is of the essence clause in a contract means that all deadlines and dates specified in the agreement are strictly enforceable, and failure to meet them constitutes a material breach.
An appraisal contingency allows the buyer to cancel or renegotiate the contract if the property's appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon purchase price. This contingency protects buyers from overpaying.
More Real Estate Contracts Questions
A buyer and seller in Florida agree to a purchase price of $300,000 with the buyer assuming the seller's existing mortgage. The contract must include which specific disclosure?
All of the following are required elements of a valid Florida real estate purchase contract EXCEPT:
A seller accepts a buyer's offer on their Florida home but dies before closing. The seller's estate representative wants to cancel the contract. What is the legal status?
The FAR/BAR residential contract requires earnest money held by:
In Florida, the inspection period is typically:
- → A buyer signs a Florida purchase contract for a condo and learns during the inspection period about a special assessment of $10,000. The seller knew but didn't disclose this. What are the buyer's rights?
- → A buyer and seller in Florida agree to extend the closing date by 10 days. The original contract had a 'time is of the essence' clause. What must they do to make this extension valid?
- → In Florida real estate contracts, what legal principle requires that both parties exchange something of value?
- → A Florida real estate licensee prepares a purchase agreement that includes a financing contingency. The buyer fails to apply for financing within the specified timeframe. What is the legal consequence under Florida contract law?
- → Under Florida law, all of the following would typically survive the closing of a real estate purchase agreement EXCEPT:
- → A Florida purchase contract includes an appraisal contingency stating the property must appraise for at least the purchase price of $350,000. The appraisal comes in at $340,000. What options does the buyer have?
- → A Florida real estate purchase contract includes a financing contingency requiring loan approval within 30 days. On day 28, the buyer hasn't received approval but hasn't notified the seller. What is the buyer's status?
- → In a Florida real estate transaction, the purchase agreement includes a mortgage contingency clause. The buyer receives a loan commitment letter with an interest rate 0.5% higher than specified in the contract. What are the buyer's rights?
- → A Florida real estate broker prepares a purchase agreement that incorrectly states the lot size as 15,000 sq ft when it's actually 12,000 sq ft. The error is discovered after contract execution but before closing. What is the buyer's most likely remedy?
- → A buyer in Fort Lauderdale breaches a residential purchase contract by refusing to close without legal justification. The contract contains a liquidated damages clause equal to the earnest money deposit of $5,000. What is the seller's most likely remedy?
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