I once got into a contract dispute over the sale of a house. The sale was supposed be through the Government (red flag). Buyer had to back out due to improper paperwork by his caseworker. Had already paid the down payment. He was supposed to be disabled. Got a letter from his attorney about his problem. My attorney wrote a letter back that I was in no way obligated to return his money. We finally came to an agreement about 6 months later. That's why they are called contracts.