Contracts

In Oregon, a buyer who has signed a purchase agreement but cannot perform because of unexpected personal hardship (loss of job after signing) may face which consequences?

ANo consequences since hardship is an automatic defense
BForfeiture of earnest money and potential liability to the seller for additional damages✓ Correct
COnly a refund of the earnest money, no other consequences
DAutomatic contract cancellation with no liability

Explanation

In Oregon, if a buyer defaults on a purchase contract without a valid contingency to invoke, the seller may retain the earnest money and potentially sue for additional damages (specific performance or compensatory damages). Personal hardship after signing is generally not a legal defense unless there is a specific contractual provision or the contract has a financing contingency that applies.

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