what happened to a deal is a deal?

[Dipsnort]

i would  be kicking arund the word karma in this situation

I think you gotta do what lets you sleep at night. If that means keeping that deposit on the boat you sold anyway, then go for it....I believe in doing what I think is right in my head. I personally would give the guy his money back, especially since you sold the boat, what? a day later?  but thats just me. If I were to offer up a suggestion, I would suggest giving the guy $900 back. Keep $100 and maybe you've taught the guy a lesson and maybe next time he'll remember "a deal's a deal" and you got a tank of fuel for the new boat for which you did absolutely nothing to earn.

I would give the guy his money back in this situation as well, even though I would feel "put out" by his actions, but you solution sounds like an excellent compromise.

[Atroxus]

I liken the comparison to earnest money on home that was mentioned earlier.  Typically earnest money is 1% of the price. 2 or 3% if there are some special terms involved, pulling a home off the market, buyers from out of town, etc.  But it sounds like you are closer to 10%.  If it is written up well and he agreed to it, then well to what you feel is right

In a home sale though the sales agreement clearly states what happens to the earnest money if one party defaults and the sale does not go through. I am guessing that if there is not similar wording in the agreement the OP wrote up that he could not legally keep the money. Sure he could keep it anyways but then he might be open a lawsuit to get the $1000 back.

I am not an attorney though, so IMO the OP shoudl check with one first to be sure.

[Curly]

I'd probably give him all but $150 back too (since that is about what it takes to fill my gas tank nowdays) since the boat untimately did get sold a short time later.  But only if he was nice about it.  If he keeps the whole deposit, I wouldn't blame him though..........Afterall, what is a deposit for if it is refundable?  What would the point be of a deposit, if you're just expected to give it back if the guy decided against the boat later?

[high country]

I would call him up and tell him to meet me at the bank, I want to give him his dough back. after I did not show up, I surely would get a call, then I would reply.......I changed my mind. I would then belittle the nonmoralistic chap who caused me emotional damage by not completeing the deal he said he would since I then spent the said $1000 on a plane ticket, which is also non refundable. after expressing how this guys choice to give up on the only thing in life that he will be remembered by, his word, affected me in ways he did not consider.....then I would tell him that I can drive to the funeral that I needed that plane ticket for as long as we can be done with this deal in the next few minutes. I would give the guy back some of the loot and keep some for the grief......and leave it as a lesson learned for both.

[bowtech721]

If you keep the money you are a first class A**HOLE imo.Quit your bitchin about we had a deal.You sold your boat.If you really think that you deserve that money your a very small minded person that probably thinks everything should be given to you.karma is a bitch.

wow

[Crunchy]

I'd give the guy his money back also.  Your not out anything so no loss to you.  Do the right thing.  Ya sucks but be the bigger person.

[Kent Hunter]

Listen to those two little guys that we all have sitting on our shoulders. One on the right and one on the left. It's your conscience that YOU have to deal with. I would give him his money back minus $50-$100. A $1000 is alot of money to keep from someone when you sold the boat anyway. And congrats on selling your boat brother. I've always wanted a C-Dory. I think that they are a hell of a boat.

[whiteeyes]

i would say 100 bucks in your pocket give the rest back and not have to worry about your house and family - piece of mind- just sayin.

[rasbo]

I have to agree with giving it back...earnest money or not...Its sounds like you are wrestling with this in your mind already.I really think if ya call the guy and say come get your money,your gonna feel better

[ICEMAN]

I'd give the guy his money back also.  Your not out anything so no loss to you.  Do the right thing.  Ya sucks but be the bigger person.

Agree.

Although I like the thought of teaching someone a lesson....the lesson here to teach may be a bit of compassion. Imagine someone returning your money to you...