A buyer purchases a property for $450,000. The contract includes a $750 option fee and $12,000 in earnest money. The buyer defaults on the contract after the option period expires. The seller terminates and seeks liquidated damages. If the earnest money serves as liquidated damages, what is the maximum the seller can retain from the buyer's deposits?
Correct Answer
B) $12,750 (both option fee and earnest money)
When the buyer defaults after the option period, the seller retains the option fee (already delivered and non-refundable) and may receive the earnest money as liquidated damages. Total: $750 + $12,000 = $12,750.
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Related Concepts
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations under the contract without a legal excuse. The non-breaching party is entitled to legal remedies including damages, specific performance, or contract rescission.
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.
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