Moritz v. Broadfoot

It is apparent from the clause in question that it is the seller who has the option of taking the earnest money as liquidated damages in the event of the buyer’s default. As the trial judge correctly pointed out, the problem is one of ascertaining the intention of the parties, and it is clear that the intention of the parties was, by use of this clause, merely to give some security and assurance to the seller that the buyer would perform. It was not designed as an option to the buyer to pay liquidated damages as an alternative to performing the contract. The purpose of this clause is to…