Specific Performance / Lis Pendens


What Is Specific Performance?

Real estate contracts are generally considered binding, but not all buyers and sellers adhere to the terms of the agreement they signed. When a seller tries to back out of a deal, a judge can compel them to go through with it through a specific performance order.


California Laws Regarding Specific Performance

California has distinct laws and statutes that pertain to specific performance of contract. Generally speaking, the seller of the property will be compelled to go through with the agreement if the property in question is unique and all the contingencies of the contract have been met. In the state of California, real estate transactions are usually covered by specific performance mandates. This is because they are unique purchases, and monetary compensation is considered an inadequate replacement for the loss of the property. There are exceptions to this general rule, however. For example, if the property in question is undeveloped, specific performance law may not apply.


Do I Need a Lawyer for a Specific Performance Lawsuit?

Because specific performance laws are so complex and since the procedures for compelling specific performance are so tedious, buyers and sellers are well-advised to seek legal assistance from an experienced real estate attorney. These legal professionals can help determine whether a specific performance lawsuit is warranted as well as the best course of action to take. They can also file the necessary paperwork on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary.


How to Choose the Best Real Estate Lawyer for Specific Performance

If you want to compel a party to follow through on the agreement set forth in a real estate contract, the first step is to look for good legal counsel. You’d be wise to choose a real estate lawyer with several years of experience practicing real estate law. Ideally, the attorney will have had direct experience with specific performance cases in California.

The experienced lawyers and legal staff at Ensberg Law Group have extensive experience with complex real estate cases, including those involving specific performance in real estate. We’ve assisted numerous clients in West Covina and beyond bring specific performance action, and we can help you as well. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a private legal consultation. We’ll discuss the details of your case and explore next steps.

5 star ratingWe contacted Stephen Ensberg to seek help on a lawsuit against us by a bank lender. He met with us right away and helped us promptly prepare all documents needed to be filed with the court. He helped us also put together strategy to reach a resolution of this dispute on terms that were agreeable to us, and which we would not have been able to do on our own. He saw us in a short notice and did the work while we were present and waiting. He gave us good advice and we would not hesitate to recommend him to others on litigation or other commercial disputes.

Alberto E. Avatar
Alberto E.
3/29/2015