Contracts
In Minnesota, a seller who refuses to close after a binding purchase agreement is signed is in breach of contract. The buyer's STRONGEST remedy is typically:
ASue for money damages equal to their moving costs
BSeek specific performance (court order requiring the seller to convey the property)✓ Correct
CCancel the contract and receive only the earnest money back
DReport the seller to the Department of Commerce
Explanation
Specific performance is often considered the strongest remedy in real estate because each property is unique and cannot be perfectly substituted. A court order requiring the seller to convey the property may be more valuable to the buyer than money damages. Minnesota courts recognize specific performance for real estate contracts when appropriate. However, practical realities (unwilling seller, damaged relationship) sometimes make damages more practical.
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