Orange County, Calif. (March 4, 2024)- Orange County Partners Esther P. Holm and Alexandra Anast obtained a unanimous defense verdict in a real estate matter involving a failed real estate transaction. The property at issue, which was located in the West Hollywood Hills and had beautiful views, was undergoing extensive remodeling. There were several bids for its purchase. Ultimately, the plaintiff, a real estate investor, was awarded the purchase.

The plaintiff and the seller entered into a real estate purchase agreement, but the plaintiff failed to release the physical contingencies within the 17-day period prescribed by the contract. Instead, the plaintiff demanded a reduction in price, which the seller rejected. The plaintiff then filed a lis pendens on the property, clouding the title and making it impossible for the sellers to sell the property to anyone else. The buyer and seller subsequently engaged counsel. The plaintiff filed the lawsuit against the seller as well as the real estate company and its agents. Prior to trial, the plaintiff and the seller reached a settlement.

The case against the realtor defendants proceeded to trial in downtown Los Angeles on claims of intentional and negligent misrepresentation of facts, concealment, professional negligenceand breach of fiduciary duty.The plaintiff sought punitive damages against all the defendants. After a five-day trial, the jury returned a unanimous defense verdict.

Raul Martinez, of our firm's appellate department, also provided assistance behind the scenes.