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A Minnesota seller, Robert, sold his home to buyer Elena under a purchase agreement that included a seller's disclosure statement as required by the Minnesota Residential Real Property Disclosure Act (Minn. Stat. § 513.52–513.60). After closing, Elena discovered that Robert had known about significant foundation damage but deliberately omitted it from the disclosure. Elena wants to rescind the transaction. Under Minnesota law, which of the following best supports Elena's right to seek rescission?

Correct Answer

D) Elena may seek rescission based on fraudulent misrepresentation or concealment, which is a separate legal claim that survives the closing and merger doctrine

While the Minnesota Residential Real Property Disclosure Act (Minn. Stat. § 513.52–513.60) provides a pre-closing right of rescission when a seller fails to disclose material defects, a seller's deliberate concealment of known defects also constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation under Minnesota common law. A claim of fraud survives the closing and is not extinguished by the merger doctrine (which merges contract terms into the deed at closing). Elena may pursue rescission — or damages — based on fraud, which is an independent cause of action not limited to the pre-closing period.

Answer Options
A
Elena may only recover the cost of repairing the foundation damage, not rescission, because the deed has already been recorded
B
Elena has no remedy because she should have conducted an independent inspection prior to closing under the 'buyer beware' principle
C
Elena's right to rescind expired at closing because the Minnesota Residential Real Property Disclosure Act only permits pre-closing rescission
D
Elena may seek rescission based on fraudulent misrepresentation or concealment, which is a separate legal claim that survives the closing and merger doctrine

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

rescissionfrauddisclosure_actseller_breachmaterial_defect

Related Concepts

Consideration is something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, making the agreement legally binding. It can be money, a promise to act, a promise to refrain from acting, or anything else of value.

Contingencies are conditions written into a real estate contract that must be met before the transaction can close. If a contingency is not satisfied, the buyer can typically cancel the contract without penalty.

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.

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