Can someone get out of a purchase after the due diligence period?

[Haley Buice]

I have a contract to sell land and the due diligence period is over and they are trying to back out of the sale completely. Can they do this?  Can I force them to buy the land that is on the binding contract?  What do I do?

[Mindy Jensen]

Does the contract say Specific Performance or Liquidated Damages?

Specific Performance means you can take them to court and force them to honor the contract and take title to the land. Liquidated Damages means you can keep their earnest money.

What does your real estate agent say about this? Why are they trying to get out of the contract now?