A New York buyer breaches a purchase contract by failing to close, and the seller re-sells the property for $15,000 more than the original contract price six months later. The contract contained a liquidated damages clause allowing the seller to retain the $20,000 earnest money. What can the seller recover?
Correct Answer
B) Only the $20,000 earnest money as specified in the liquidated damages clause
Under New York law, when a contract contains a valid liquidated damages clause, the seller is limited to the remedy specified in that clause. The fact that the seller later sold for more money does not affect their right to retain the liquidated damages, nor does it increase their recovery beyond the agreed amount.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
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.
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.
More Contracts Ny Real Property Law Questions
A buyer in New York breaches a contract to purchase a $600,000 home and forfeits a $30,000 earnest money deposit. The seller incurs $8,000 in additional carrying costs and $4,000 in remarketing expenses before selling to another buyer for $585,000. What is the seller's total recoverable damages?
A New York buyer exercises their right to cancel a purchase contract within the attorney review period. The seller demands to keep the earnest money as compensation for taking the property off the market. What is the legal outcome?
A seller in New York breaches a contract for a $750,000 home. The buyer must purchase a comparable property for $785,000 and incurs $3,200 in additional costs (inspection, appraisal, attorney fees). The buyer also loses $1,800 in non-refundable application fees from their original lender. What are the buyer's total recoverable damages?
Tom is buying a condominium in Syracuse and reviewing the purchase contract. What type of title insurance should Tom expect to receive?
Jennifer owns a condominium unit in Albany and wants to rent it out. What approval is required under New York condominium law?
- → Karen enters into a contract to purchase a cooperative apartment in Manhattan. The contract is contingent upon board approval. The co-op board rejects Karen's application without stating reasons. Under New York law, what is the effect on the contract?
- → A New York purchase contract specifies that the buyer will provide 'good faith deposit' but does not specify the amount. What is the legal effect of this provision?
- → In New York real estate transactions, what is the primary role of attorneys?
- → Who typically conducts the closing in a New York residential real estate transaction?
- → In a typical New York residential real estate transaction, at what stage do attorneys commonly become involved?
- → What typically happens during the attorney review period in a New York real estate contract?
- → In New York, can a real estate broker prepare a deed for a property transfer?
- → A real estate agent in New York is asked by their client to recommend a specific attorney for the transaction. What is the most appropriate way for the agent to handle this request?
- → A New York real estate agent prepares a purchase offer using a standard form contract. After the seller accepts the offer, what typically happens next regarding attorney involvement?
- → What is the primary difference between the role of a real estate agent and an attorney in a New York real estate transaction?
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