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Breach of Oklahoma Real Estate Contract – Possible Repercussions

By
Real Estate Agent with Own Tulsa License #142914

Breach of Oklahoma Real Estate Contract - Possible Repercussions

The Oklahoma Uniform Contract for Residential Contract of Sale of Real Estate is very specific about repercussions when the contract is breached by the Buyer or Seller. During the time period allowed for inspections and finalizing of financing, there are several instances where either party can legally cancel the contract.

However after that time period is up, there are possible repercussions if one party elects to not follow through with the transaction. handshake deal

If the Buyer changes his mind after the allotted time period and if the Seller has performed all obligations as outlined in the contract, the Seller may terminate the contract and retain all sums paid by the Buyer, not to exceed 5% of the purchase price. Needless to say, the Buyer will lose his earnest money. The Seller may also pursue any other remedy available at law or in equity, including specific performance.

I've never seen this go to court and hope that I never do. But if the Buyer changes his mind at the last minute, I can't imagine what damages the Seller might seek. Could someone else have purchased his property during the time period it was taken off the market? I would think that the possible suffering of the Seller could be very subjective and very costly.

Virtually the same options are available to the Buyer if the Seller changes his mind and fails to close. He is entitled to the return of his earnest money and can pursue any other remedy available at law or in equity, including specific performance.

Please understand that a real estate contract is an enforceable contract, and don't ever enter one lightly. There is always a domino effect in a real estate transaction, because everyone is moving somewhere else and getting on with their life.

If you think your earnest money is the maximum amount you can lose if you breach a real estate contract, please read the verbiage again about remedies available and specific enforcement.

There's a reason why we use a written contract instead of making a handshake deal.

Copyright 2011-2012 Lori Cain All Rights Reserved - Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate - Lori Cain

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Please visit my web site if you are shopping for Tulsa homes for sale or call 918-852-5036 for more information about Midtown Tulsa Real Estate. In addition to my advanced grasp of the internet to market your Tulsa home for sale, I include a home staging consultation with every listing AND professional photography - at no aditional cost to you!

Lori is a residential Realtor with eXp Realty serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.

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Comments (2)

Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

This is a good post, Lori. It's very informative. You have made your points very clear. This is a good reminder for everyone. Thanks for sharing.

Feb 04, 2012 03:15 PM
Lori Cain
Own Tulsa - Tulsa, OK
Midtown Tulsa Real Estate Top Producer

Thank you Katerina! I had a client CONSIDERING breaching his contract which spurred me to write this post. Why in the world consumers think their earnest money is ALL they can lose is a mystery to me. But, we got that straightened out asap!!

Feb 04, 2012 07:46 PM