Original Message:
HELP. Deposit has been made. Paperwork completed. Now the Buyer is trying to back-out of the sale. (by KC):
Without knowing the details reflected in writing within your purchase and sales documents, it is not possible to give you even a remotely definitive answer.
That fact aside, one thing is quite certain --- you cannot force a buyer to complete a purchase if he/she/they choose not to do so. Depending on the contract terms and applicable state law, you may not even have the right to retain the down payment. Your personal disappointment and displeasure unfortunately will not supersede the contract terms and/or applicable law(s).
With due respect, you would be much better off consulting with an attorney, copies of all pertinent purchase and sales documents in hand, instead of relying upon input from a Internet discussion group which has NONE of the dates, facts or documents required to provide an informed opinion. Then again, not actually knowing any of the pertinent facts doesn't seem to deter SOME posters... ;-)