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ContractsContingenciesHARD

Victor signed a contract to purchase a home in Union County. The contract included a home inspection contingency and a mortgage contingency. Victor completed the inspection, and the parties agreed on repairs. Victor then received a loan commitment that satisfied the mortgage contingency. Before closing, Victor found a different home he preferred and attempted to void the contract by claiming the inspection revealed issues he had not previously noticed. The seller, Grace, refused to release the deposit. Which statement best describes the likely outcome under New Jersey law?

Correct Answer

C) Grace is likely correct that Victor cannot void the contract, as both contingencies were satisfied and Victor's new objection is not a valid basis for termination.

Once all contingencies in a New Jersey purchase contract have been satisfied — the inspection contingency was resolved by mutual agreement on repairs, and the mortgage contingency was satisfied by the loan commitment — the contract becomes firm and binding. Victor cannot retroactively invoke a contingency that has already been satisfied. Buyer's remorse or preference for another property is not a valid legal basis for voiding the contract. If Victor defaults without legal justification, Grace is likely entitled to retain the deposit as liquidated damages under the contract terms.

Answer Options
A
Victor may void the contract because a buyer always retains the right to exit during the attorney review period.
B
Victor may void the contract because the inspection contingency remains active until the deed is delivered at closing.
C
Grace is likely correct that Victor cannot void the contract, as both contingencies were satisfied and Victor's new objection is not a valid basis for termination.
D
Grace must return the deposit because New Jersey law prohibits sellers from retaining deposits when buyers change their minds before closing.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

contingency_satisfactionbuyer_defaultdeposit_forfeiturenj_contractsliquidated_damages

Related Concepts

An option contract gives one party the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to purchase or lease a property at a specified price within a specified time period. The buyer pays option consideration to keep the option open.

A purchase agreement is a legally binding contract between a buyer and seller that outlines the terms and conditions for the sale of real property. It is also commonly called a sales contract, purchase and sale agreement, or earnest money agreement.

Specific performance is a court-ordered remedy that compels the breaching party to fulfill their obligations under the contract rather than simply paying monetary damages. It is an equitable remedy used when monetary damages would be inadequate.

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