Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Missouri
We live in Missouri and put earnest money down on a house we liked, pending a good inspection. The inspection showed a bad foundation and we told the sellers we could not buy the house like that. They said they would get a form for us to sign to release our earnest money. That was yesterday. Today they say they are keeping the earnest money because we did not notify them in writing within the deadline and we told others the results of the inspection--our parents. We are obviously young, naive, and do not have a real estate agent. Are we out the money or do we have legal recourse?
1 Answer from Attorneys
You have legal recourse. In Missouri, a buyer can cancel a sales contract after inspection reveals unacceptable conditions. That you told your parents the results of the inspections is irrelevant. If the seller will not release the earnest money, you can sue them in circuit court for the funds. Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss this further.
Sean Santoro/Licensed in KS and MO