If a client refuses to sell their property when presented with a valid offer, what can they do?

When a client receives a valid offer and subsequently refuses to sell their property, they are not legally obligated to complete the sale. Real estate transactions hinge on mutual consent, and the seller retains the right to decline an offer without facing legal repercussions for not accepting it. This principle allows property owners the freedom to make decisions regarding the sale of their assets according to their own preferences and circumstances.

In contrast, the other options imply obligations or consequences that do not align with the rights of a property owner. For instance, while buyers might consider legal actions such as specific performance (which enforces the execution of a contract), this scenario is typically applicable only after a contract has been signed—not before or when an offer is simply presented and rejected. Additionally, suing for damages by the buyer is generally based on a breach of contract, which cannot occur if the seller never entered into a binding agreement—hence, they cannot seek damages in this situation. Ultimately, the seller’s freedom to choose not to sell is at the core of property ownership rights.