Specific Performance in Real Estate Transactions
Specific performance is a type of remedy available in some contract disputes where a plaintiff requests that a court enforce the contract in question and force the defendant to perform the agreed upon terms instead of or in addition to paying the plaintiff money damages. It is most commonly used when there is a dispute over the purchase and sale of real estate.
Specific performance is an important remedy because real estate projects often involve large amounts of capital, builders frequently rely on a specific location, and a particular piece of property could be essential to a project.
To bring a lawsuit for specific performance a plaintiff has to establish the following elements:
- That an enforceable contract exists between the parties;
- Adequate consideration (i.e., payment);
- The plaintiff’ performed his/her/its part under the contract, or has a valid excuse for nonperformance;
- The defendant breached the contract; and
- Proof that damages or another remedy at law are insufficient.
The court must be able to make out the essential terms of the contract, which include the identities of the buyer, seller, and property, the price to be paid (consideration), and the time and manner of payment. If certain terms are missing, the court might be able to insert reasonable ones.
The law presumes that real property is unique, Therefore, an action to enforce the sale of a particular piece of property can typically be enforced by specific performance. If the plaintiff is successful the court will order the sale of the property at the price and terms agreed upon.
Ezer Williamson Law provides a wide range of both transactional and litigation services to individuals and businesses. We have successfully prosecuted and defended various types of business and property claims. Contact us at (310) 277-7747 to see how we can help you with your business law concerns.
