sale of a car

[spencer]

I recently tried to sell a car off craigslist, i had a guy come look at the vehicle offer me 1500 which we agreed upon. However he wanted to leave a deposit of $50 and we agreed that he had to pay in full with in 24 hours or the sale would be void. The guy did not even attempt to contact me until hour 25 at which point i had relished the vehicle and made arrangements to show it to someone else. But when he gave me the deposit we filled out a bill of sale and wrote "if not paid in full by 7:30pm 12/3 the sale would be void" question being do i have any legal obligation to return the money
thank you

 

[Proserpina]

Yes, you do.

Unless your piece of paper actually states that the deposit is non-refundable.

 

[Betty3]

Since the sale is void, I would say yes you do. (unless paperwork states money nonrefundable). I think I would refund it in this case even if the paperwork stated nonrefundable - was so close to time limit.

 

[army judge]

If you're smart, stop taking deposits. They're TOO much trouble. If someone wants to buy, they buy. First come, first sold, if they have the cash. Return the lousy $50, keep your life uncomplicated. Craigslist and the vermin that inhabit that site, KILL for $5.00.

 

[mightymoose]

No, you have no obligation to return the money or do anything else unless a judge orders you to. It is unlikely the guy will try to sue you over the $50.