Earnest Money Deposit Dispute

Summary

The user is involved in a dispute over an earnest money deposit after deciding not to purchase a house in Fairfax, Virginia. The broker has not released the deposit to the seller, leading to a lawsuit. The terms of the contract, particularly the clause regarding the earnest money deposit, will determine the users liability. Consulting the contract and possibly seeking legal advice is recommended.

Full Conversation

i was buying a house and during the process I gave the earnest money deposit to the broker I was working with. I decided I didn’t want the house and thought the money was released to the seller but the broker refuses to give it to them. They are suing, can they come after me?
What is the location of the property and do you have a written agreement with the broker about the earnest money deposit?
fairfax Virginia
Did you sign a contract with the seller that includes a clause about the earnest money deposit? In Virginia, the terms of the contract usually dictate what happens to the deposit.
yes
What does the clause regarding the earnest money deposit in your contract state?