Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

They won't refund my escrow deposit

I was in escrow on a house with enreoachment problems. I was

made aware of the encroachment issues but was not made aware

that the neighbor was hostile and would not allow access to the

side of the house that was on her property. When I went to her to

sign the termite release she was hostile and abusive. The week

that escrow was to close the title company told us that they would

not issue a clear title for the property. The seller tried to negotiate

a sale of the encroached property and the neighbor said no, and

she would rent it for 60 dollers a month. I cancelled escrow

because of the title issue and now they want to keep the deposit

for damages and espenses. Do I have an argument???


Asked on 11/21/03, 3:12 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: They won't refund my escrow deposit

Yes, you have an argument. Furthermore, you can tie up the sale of their home until such time as a release is signed by all parties.

Did you ever sign a realease of contingencies?

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Answered on 11/21/03, 3:22 pm
Donald Holben Donald R. Holben & Associates, APC

Re: They won't refund my escrow deposit

Based on the info provided, yes. Call to discuss. 800-685-6950

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Answered on 11/21/03, 4:05 pm
Michael Olden Law Offices of Michael A. Olden

Re: They won't refund my escrow deposit

Any prudent lawyer would first say you that they would have to read the sales agreement, escrow instructions in any other documentation first. I agree with the prudent lawyer. But the same time without trying to be imprudent I think there's no question that you'll right to all of your deposit back. The see it would be determined that there was an impossibility of performance. It is implied by going through and escrow that any sale would be subject to obtaining full and complete title insurance. More importantly, it probably has that is a contingency in the agreement. If all the Utes say in your question is correct, than the condition of obtaining title insurance cannot be met. Therefore, they should release to you immediately all of the deposit. In addition, there may be other damages that you could seek, don't be greedy, if they refuse to release your deposit. My advice, get a good real estate attorney to "correspond" with them immediately so that you can have the use of your own money. Their problem is not really you but the next-door neighbor who was going to prevent them from selling their house.i have been practicing law in this speciality for over 30 years in the san francisco bay area and if you wish to consult with me you can contact me at 925-945-6000.

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Answered on 11/21/03, 4:16 pm
Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: They won't refund my escrow deposit

If clear title was a requirment of the agreement, then you are entitled to a refund.

Joel Selik

Attorney/Broker

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Answered on 11/21/03, 5:10 pm
Christopher M. Brainard, Esq. C. M. Brainard & Associates - (310) 266-4115

DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY

I have other cases just like this. It depends on the escrow instructions, but you probably get the money back after some fierce fighting -- implied conditions and actual conditions to the sale are not met. I fight these types cases -- and I usually win. I take these cases on contingency -- i.e., no recovery, no fee. Contact me.

www.christopherbrainard.com

310-266-4115

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Answered on 11/21/03, 5:58 pm


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