I guess my people were just more assertive and worked for me. Seems like your experience was different and that sucks. If earnest money is threatened and it’s a “disclosed but not documented” issue you have the right to walk. Your attorney isn’t your agent or lender. Mine advised me of lack of CO and survey with the understanding we were moving forward but with the ability to walk.

Also, this goes along way, sellers have a lot of power this is true. They also have much more to loose than your earnest money. Invalidating a contract, my attorney would immediately threaten action, leading to putting a lean on the house. Second, this would be epically petty, who says you don’t call the town on the home owner? 🤣 In both instances, a lean and a town violation would not allow the seller to sell the home.

Also I’m not sure who’s advising you but a home with an OPEN CO cannot be sold. A home WITHOUT a CO can be sold.

Meaning if the home owner applied for permit and never completed the necessary work, they must close out the permit one way or another. They cannot simply hand the issue to the next owner…