Hi Dale! Sounds like a frustrating situation. The answer to your question is... maybe. It all depends on how the contract is written and how your state has interpreted said contracts in the past.
Some contracts allow ways to back out of the contract. For example; inspections, appraisals, and the ability to finance are common contingencies in my neck of the woods.
My best advice would be to reach out to an attorney that specializes in real estate. They will likely want copies of the contract and ask questions to better understand your situation.
Good luck and God Bless!
I apologize as I know this question was originally asked a few years ago, but I wanted to respond in case it’s helpful for future buyers who may come across it, and I was previously licensed in Texas.
In Texas, once a real estate contract is signed by both the buyer and seller, it’s generally considered a binding agreement. A seller typically cannot simply back out without a valid reason outlined in the contract.
There are certain situations where a contract can be terminated, such as specific contingencies or if both parties agree to cancel. Otherwise, the buyer may have legal options depending on the circumstances, so it’s important to have the contract reviewed carefully.
If you are hoping to buy a house, you likely have a budget in mind. Hopefully, that budget includes fees that come with the process, not just the purchase price. The good news for buyers is that they aren't directly responsible for paying their agent. Agent fees usually fall on the seller.