{"id":369454,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/selling-your-home\/can-a-homeowner-legally-refuse-to-sell-a-home-to-a-potential-buye.html"},"modified":"2023-08-09T08:17:44","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T13:17:44","slug":"can-a-homeowner-legally-refuse-to-sell-a-home-to-a-potential-buye","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/selling-your-home\/can-a-homeowner-legally-refuse-to-sell-a-home-to-a-potential-buye.html","title":{"rendered":"Can a Homeowner Legally Refuse to Sell a Home to a Potential Buyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Can a Homeowner Legally Refuse To Sell a Home to a Potential Buyer?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Rejecting a purchase offer on a home that’s for sale is entirely legal as long as the seller refuses for the right reasons and with good intentions. Many reasons are legally acceptable, including offers below the asking price and concerns about the buyer’s financial position. However, sellers cannot discriminate against individuals protected under state and federal law. For example, you can’t refuse to sell a home to someone based on gender, age, or race.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a brief overview of good faith reasons that may be an appropriate basis for you to reject a home purchase offer.<\/p>\r\n

Reasons To Refuse To Sell<\/h2>\r\n

In truth, there are many reasons to refuse an offer<\/a>. The bottom line is that it’s your house and you can refuse to sell it. An attorney or real estate agent can explain the advantages and disadvantages of any offer, but valid reasons for rejection include:<\/p>\r\n

The Offer Wasn’t High Enough<\/h3>\r\n

You certainly don’t want to take a loss on your property if you can avoid it. A home seller can always reject an offer that they don’t think reflects the value of their real property. Even if the offer is above the listing price, the seller has the legal right to deny the offer and accept a higher sale price.<\/p>\r\n

You’re Not Sure the Home Buyer Can Get a Loan<\/h3>\r\n

If the economic position of a potential buyer is questionable, the buyer may not be able to get a mortgage loan<\/a> from a lender. Accepting an offer only to have the sale fall through before the closing date wastes valuable time. It might also prevent property owners from accepting a better offer.<\/p>\r\n

You’ve Changed Your Mind and No Longer Wish To Sell<\/h3>\r\n

It’s your house \u2014 you can stay there for as long as you like. Just because you put it on the real estate market doesn’t mean you’re obligated to sell. However, once you enter into a purchase agreement, you do have an obligation to see the home sale through. If you break the sales agreement without a valid legal reason<\/a> for doing so, the buyer can take you to court to enforce specific performance<\/a> of the purchase contract.<\/p>\r\n

Illegal Reasons To Refuse To Sell<\/h2>\r\n

Even though homeowners may reject an offer if they wish, doing so for the wrong reasons can lead to legal action.<\/p>\r\n

The Fair Housing Act<\/a> (FHA) prohibits housing discrimination. This means a seller can’t consider a potential buyer’s race, color, sex, familial status, or national origin<\/a> when deciding whether to accept or refuse an offer.<\/p>\r\n

Legally Refusing To Sell a Home to a Buyer: Additional Resources<\/h2>\r\n

When selling your home, you likely have many questions and want to do everything by the book. If you want additional research, please use the links below to learn more. Remember, it is always best to seek the legal advice of a local real estate attorney<\/a> if you have questions about rejecting an offer.<\/p>\r\n