Under what condition is a buyer most likely to pursue specific performance in a sales contract?

A buyer is most likely to pursue specific performance in a sales contract when the seller has backed out of the original agreement. Specific performance is a legal remedy typically sought in cases where monetary damages are insufficient to remedy the situation. Real estate transactions often involve unique properties, making them one-of-a-kind. If a seller withdraws from the contract, the buyer may feel that they cannot find an equivalent property or that the specific property holds particular sentimental or investment value. Therefore, they may seek to compel the seller to honor the contract and complete the sale, rather than simply seeking damages.

Other options reflect scenarios where seeking specific performance would generally be less appropriate. If the buyer did not have adequate funds, they would not be in a position to finalize the purchase, which diminishes their grounds for enforcing the contract. If the property was damaged prior to sale, the buyer may be more inclined to renegotiate or seek damages rather than enforce the contract as the asset's value may have changed. Similarly, if the buyer changed their mind about the purchase, it indicates a lack of intent to proceed, making specific performance a less relevant remedy in that context.