Potential home buyer who allegedly backed out of deal at last minute sued

GRETNA – A homeowner is suing a woman who he claims signed a contract to buy his home, but backed out of the purchase when it came time to close the deal.

Edward C. Lee IV filed suit against Wanda R. Stephan in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 30.

On March 14, Lee contends Stephan made an offer to purchase a property he owns at 7501 Ashborne Ave. in Harahan and he made a counter offer of $308,000 on March 16 that was accepted the same day by Stephan. The plaintiff asserts that under the purchase agreement Stephan was allowed to have the the opportunity to have a full inspection of the property and that it was appraised and inspected on her behalf.

Lee claims that following the home inspection Stephan submitted an addendum to the purchase agreement in which she would be provided $1,500 at closing instead of having an issue with the home repaired. The plaintiff argues that the defendant deposited $2,000 with the seller, although she did not appear at a meeting with a notary to take possession of the property’s title. Due to Stephan’s alleged failure to take full possession of the property Lee claims he is owed an amount of 10 percent of the agreed upon purchase price of the home in penalties.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for $30,800.

Lee is represented by attorney Robert Raymond of Destrehan.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre Jr.

Case no. 739-929.