Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Buying first home

My husband and I signed papers on June 2nd, 2000 to buy our first home, It is an old house and needed minor cosmetic repairs, The owner agreed to supply all materials if we did work. We went through the house that day and made a list of what was to be done and signed that also. The owner hasn't kept up his end. We put the money out for what we could afford. To make a long story short. The owner now says that the partners in his business have seized his assetts including our house and now we may not get it after putting months of work in it. Please help.


Asked on 8/11/00, 7:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Buying first home

Although your question was unclear, it sounds like you never went through a conventional closing on the property. Had you done so, you would have obtained a deed of conveyance from the seller which would have warranted that he had free and clear title to pass to you. You would also have received a title insurance policy which would have protected you against the problem you described. If all you had was a contract to purchase and your seller has lost the property, you can either sue him for breach of contract, or to resurrect the transaction with the people who he claims now have control of the property. Suing him may be an exercise in futility if in fact he's debt-ridden and possibility on the verge of bankruptcy. Your better bet might be to contact the others--they are probably not eager to keep the property and may be happy to work something out with you.

You would be wise to retain the services of an attorney experienced in real estate to assist you. If you would like to discuss the matter further, you can contact me at 301 986-4555.

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Answered on 9/15/00, 4:21 pm


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