Dear Monty: We are trying to buy a house, but the seller backed out of the sale. The real estate agent is holding our deposit until the seller pays their commission. I know this is not legal, but how can I get my large deposit back?
Every State Has Different Rules
Not knowing the property’s location makes it an unanswerable question for me. Every state has its legal theories and statutes. Wisconsin law is the basis for the comments below. Check your contract for similar language about earnest money, and you may find your answer.A Wisconsin home purchase contract states, “The Firm’s disbursement of earnest money does not determine the legal rights of the Parties in relation to this Offer. Buyers or Sellers legal right to earnest money cannot be determined by the Firm holding the earnest money. At least 30 days prior to disbursement per (1), (4) or (5) above, where the Firm has knowledge that either party disagrees with the disbursement, the Firm shall send Buyer and Seller written notice of the intent to disburse by certified mail. If the Buyer or Seller disagrees with the Firm’s proposed disbursement, a lawsuit may be filed to obtain a court order regarding disbursement. Small Claims Court has jurisdiction over all earnest money disputes arising out of the sale of residential property with one to four dwelling units. Buyer and Seller should consider consulting attorneys regarding their legal rights under this offer in case of a dispute. Both Parties agree to hold the Firm harmless from any liability for good-faith disbursements of earnest money in accordance with this Offer or applicable Department of Safety and Professional Service regulations concerning earnest money.”
Several Options
No. 1: Ask your broker to draft a cancellation and mutual release document that states the Seller will return the earnest money within 10 days.No. 2: Ask the listing broker to draft a cancellation and mutual release document that states the Seller will return the earnest money within 10 days.