EstatePass
ContractsPurchase_agreementsMEDIUM

A Wyoming purchase agreement specifies that the seller will provide a general warranty deed at closing. Before closing, the buyer's title search reveals an unresolved mechanic's lien filed by a contractor who performed roof repairs on the property. The seller refuses to address the lien. Under Wyoming law, what is the buyer's most appropriate course of action?

Correct Answer

C) Terminate the contract because the seller cannot deliver marketable title as required by the purchase agreement

A general warranty deed in Wyoming conveys the property with a guarantee that the grantor will defend the title against all claims, including liens. When a purchase agreement requires delivery of a general warranty deed, the seller is obligated to convey marketable title free of encumbrances such as mechanic's liens. If the seller refuses to clear the lien and cannot deliver marketable title, the buyer has grounds to terminate the contract and recover the earnest money deposit.

Answer Options
A
Accept the property with the lien because mechanic's liens are not covered by a general warranty deed
B
Close on the property and file a complaint with the WREC against the seller's agent
C
Terminate the contract because the seller cannot deliver marketable title as required by the purchase agreement
D
Pay off the mechanic's lien personally and deduct the amount from the purchase price at closing

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Contracts Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Contracts

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Contracts

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Contracts Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

general_warranty_deedmarketable_titlemechanic_liencontract_terminationtitle_defect

Related Concepts

A counteroffer is a response to an original offer that changes one or more terms of the offer, effectively rejecting the original offer and creating a new offer. The party who makes the counteroffer becomes the new offeror.

Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer at the time of the offer or shortly after to demonstrate good faith and serious intent to purchase the property. It is also called a good faith deposit.

Equitable title is the buyer's interest in a property after a purchase contract is signed but before closing, giving the buyer the right to acquire legal title in the future. The seller retains legal title until the deed is delivered at closing.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Contracts Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Contracts Questions

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing