🧠Real Agent Scenario:
“The Buyer Just Wants Out”
The Situation:
A buyer is under contract using the SCR 310 Agreement to Buy and Sell Real Estate. They are still within the Due Diligence period. No major inspection issues. Financing looks fine.
A few days in, the buyer calls their agent and says:
“I’m just not feeling it anymore. I think we rushed this. I want to cancel.”
The agent hesitates. There is no obvious “reason.” The seller is cooperative. The buyer just has cold feet.
Â
❗ The Agent’s Question
“Can my buyer really terminate just because they changed their mind?”
🧾 Broker Guidance (SCR 310 Focus)
Yes, during Due Diligence, the buyer may terminate for ANY reason, or no reason at all, as long as they follow the SCR 310 properly.
Key points agents must remember:
- The Due Diligence clause is unilateral, it protects the buyer
- The buyer does not owe an explanation to the seller
- Termination must be delivered in writing before Due Diligence expires
- Earnest money is handled per the contract and release process
What does not matter:
Seller cooperation
Inspection results
Lender status
Buyer regret or anxiety
The contract controls, not feelings.
⚠️ Where Agents Get Into Trouble
Common mistakes we see:
Talking the buyer into “waiting a few days” and missing the DD deadline
Assuming an inspection issue is required to terminate
Failing to send written notice properly
Letting personal opinions override contract rights
Once Due Diligence expires, the buyer’s leverage changes dramatically.
âś… Action Steps for Agents
Confirm the Due Diligence deadline immediately (date and 6 PM cutoff)
Advise, don’t persuade, your job is to explain options, not push outcomes
Deliver termination in writing, per SCR 310 requirements
Document your file, buyer decision, timing, delivery method
Notify the broker early, especially if emotions are high
🏡 Broker Tip
Buyer fatigue is not a contract defect, it is a market reality.
Your value as an agent is not preventing termination, it is protecting your client’s rights and keeping the brokerage compliant.
When in doubt, read the contract, not the room.
Â
