Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Seller terminated new home purchase contract and sell to other at higher price w

We signed $292K purchase contract with the builder 1/18. We decided to use outside lender A. Builder told us Closing date is delayed to 6/30 and we need to send in approval by 4/30 or our contract may be cancelled. Lender A sent in the approval but can't sign the Outside Lender Addendum(reqires service 5 days before closing) so it was forwarded to the A's Legal Department and an earliest decison will be made on 5/3/04. Builder can't accept Lender A if A can't sign the addendum. We asked Builder what are our options and was told either go back to the Builder(Lender) or go find another lender that would sign the addendum. We can't get hold of the Builder Lender(no call back) so we went find a local Lender B who agree to sign and give us approval in 2 days to meet our 4/30 deadline. All docs are faxed to Builder on 4/30 and we thought we should be fine. 5/4 we called and found out that our purchase was cancelled because the LenderB had approved it as 'Secondary home' while the contract requires it to be 'Primary Home'. This was a mistake that can be corrected but Builder didn't even try to call us. They sold our home to someone else at $330k without notify us on 5/2 and sent us notice of termination on 5/4. Any advice is appreciated.


Asked on 5/05/04, 7:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Olden Law Offices of Michael A. Olden

Re: Seller terminated new home purchase contract and sell to other at higher pri

Of course I have advice, standup, turn off the computer, move away from a screen that cannot help you really stickle in this situation, get in the car and drive this vast issue can to an inexperienced real estate attorney with all of your paperwork. Tell all of the facts to this person, listen carefully to their advice and take it. If you don't like what they say see if other attorneys agree. Now wasn't that easy.I have been practicing law in this legal area for over 30 years and understand your problem well. I practice in the S.F. Bay Area and if you wish to contact me call at 925-945-6000.

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Answered on 5/06/04, 12:02 pm
Donald Holben Donald R. Holben & Associates, APC

Re: Seller terminated new home purchase contract and sell to other at higher pri

You should probably have an attorney review all of this for you. Need to review actual docs.

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Answered on 5/06/04, 3:05 pm


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