Buyer doesn't show up to closing

[Adriel Hsu]

Hello,

I had a retail buyer put in a cash offer on my flip for sale.  Went through inspections with no issues.  Day of closing, I showed up and signed all my papers, buyer's were scheduled for 1.5 hours later but never showed up.  Their realtor called them a few days later and she said she was out of town because her mom was sick and she still wanted the house.  Another week passes and still has not closed. She says she still wants the house.   2 weeks have passed and she has completely cut off contact and has not responded to the realtor.  I can't even get the earnest money as they can not get ahold of her to sign the release.

Realtor says I should get a lawyer and go for damages, I don't know if anything would happen as they can't find her.  Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Nick C.]

I think you should put the house back on the market asap. Although you won't be able to access the escrow funds unless she signs a release, the same goes for her. She will come around eventually since it's her money in there, and you can deal with it then.

Anyone who recommends you getting a lawyer and suing someone has probably never sued someone. It's expensive, time consuming, and stressful.