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Define Liquidated Damages in Real Estate

Liquidated Damages: 

Liquidated damages is a term used in real estate contracts to describe a predetermined amount of money that will be paid if one party breaches the contract. It's like a penalty that's agreed upon in advance.

Example: 

For example, if a buyer signs a contract to purchase a home, and then decides not to go through with the purchase, they may be required to pay liquidated damages to the seller. This is because the seller may have already taken the home off the market and made other arrangements based on the assumption that the sale would go through. The liquidated damages can help compensate the seller for any losses or expenses they incurred as a result of the breach of contract.

Illustration of Dumb Ox mascot.

"Wit & Whimsy with the Dumb Ox: Unlocking Knowledge with Rhyme:"

Liquidated damages, oh what a term!
It's like a penalty, but without the squirm.
If you sign a contract, and then change your mind,
Liquidated damages might be what you'll find.

For example, if you plan to buy a house,
And then decide it's not for you, like a little mouse,
You may have to pay liquidated damages, oh dear,
To the seller, who may have lost time and money, it's clear.

So remember, liquidated damages are like a fee,
That you agree to pay if you breach a contract, you see.

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