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Buyer Backed Out of $500K Home Purchase — Who Gets the $15K Earnest Money?

Started by earnest_money_dispute_LL · Nov 2, 2025 · 7 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.
EM
earnest_money_dispute_LLOP

Looking for advice on this situation. Buyer Backed Out of $500K Home Purchase - Who Gets the $15K Earnest Money? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Details: I'm in a situation where I need to understand my legal options. Has anyone dealt with something similar?

CS
ConstructionLawyer_SDAttorney

As a landlord, the most expensive mistake is not documenting the property condition at move-in. A detailed photo walkthrough with timestamps protects both parties and eliminates most deposit disputes.

TS
tech_sales_pro

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

TS
tech_sales_pro

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

CS
ConstructionLawyer_SDAttorney

As a landlord, the most expensive mistake is not documenting the property condition at move-in. A detailed photo walkthrough with timestamps protects both parties and eliminates most deposit disputes.

FT
frustrated_tenant_sf

As a landlord, the most expensive mistake is not documenting the property condition at move-in. A detailed photo walkthrough with timestamps protects both parties and eliminates most deposit disputes.

TO
tired_of_calls_2025

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

EM
earnest_money_dispute_LLOP

Update: Thanks everyone for the guidance. I consulted with an attorney and we're moving forward. The advice here helped me understand what questions to ask and what to expect. Will update when there's a resolution.

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