Protected by Earnest Money: How JLG Fought for Us When the Deal Fell Apart

 

When Kristin and her husband decided to list their condo with the Justin Landis Group, they knew they were in good hands. What they didn't expect was just how much their agent Ashton would go to bat for them when things didn't go as planned.

A Deal Falls Through

The condo sale started like many others—they found a buyer who seemed genuinely excited about the property. Ashton had done an incredible job marketing it, and this buyer was pumped. They went under contract, took the property off the market, and started preparing for closing.

Then came the curveball: the buyer got cold feet. Maybe it was financial concerns, maybe just second thoughts—but suddenly they wanted to walk away from the deal.

This Is Why Contracts Exist

As Justin explained, "This is why we have a contract in place." Real estate transactions aren't sealed with handshakes for good reason. When a buyer backs out without a valid contractual reason, sellers need protection for the time and opportunities lost.

And Ashton? She wasn't about to let that buyer just change their mind and walk away with their money. She fought to ensure Kristin and her husband received the earnest money they were entitled to—and she won.

What Is Earnest Money?

For those unfamiliar with the term, earnest money is a deposit the buyer puts down when you go under contract. It serves several important purposes:

  • Shows serious intent from the buyer

  • Compensates the seller if the buyer backs out without cause

  • Protects your time while the property is off the market

  • Covers damages for lost opportunities to find other buyers

In this case, that earnest money protected Kristin and her husband during the time their condo was tied up with a buyer who ultimately wasn't ready to commit.

The Value of a Strong Agent

This experience reinforced why working with a dedicated, knowledgeable agent matters. Ashton didn't just list the property and hope for the best—she fought for her clients' interests when things got complicated. She understood the contract, knew their rights, and wasn't backing down.

As Justin put it, Ashton made sure the buyer understood "that's not how it works" when they tried to simply walk away.

Happy Ending

Thanks to that earnest money, Kristin and her husband were protected from the setback. As Kristin joked with Justin, "Jimmy had a good Christmas!" But more importantly, they're back on track to find the right buyer for their condo, and they know they have a team that will protect their interests every step of the way.

Have questions about earnest money or how contracts protect you as a buyer or seller? Reach out to the Justin Landis Group—we're here to make sure you're protected throughout your real estate journey.

This insightful discussion was brought to you by a paid partnership with Kristin Klingshirn on Atlanta’s Q99.7.

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