Contracts

In South Dakota, if a buyer backs out of a contract without a valid contingency, the seller may retain the earnest money as:

AA penalty clause payment
BLiquidated damages, if so specified in the contract✓ Correct
CA legal judgment automatically
DCompensation only if actual damages can be proven

Explanation

Many South Dakota real estate contracts include a liquidated damages clause that allows the seller to retain the earnest money as liquidated (pre-agreed) damages if the buyer defaults without a valid contingency. This must be specified in the contract to apply.

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