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Defaulting Buyer and the Seller’s Options in Ontario

By
Commercial Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto)

Defaulting Buyer and the Seller’s Options

Question:

I am very suspicious that the Buyer won’t close. I am the Listing Agent and the Buyer’s Agent inquired about the possibility of a Mutual Release.

Answer:

This is a wonderful opportunity for the Seller. The Buyer is stuck. Make them close or let them breach the contract. The Seller gets the benefit of the Buyer’s guaranteed price, closing date etc.

The Seller should not under any circumstances sign a Mutual Release. That borders on negligence.

Declare the contract terminated when appropriate. Re-list and sell to someone else for less money. Get the difference from the Buyer. Hopefully, the deposit is large enough to cover this. If it’s not, then proof of additional damages would be required.