Opinion ID: 2618819
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Did Security Prevent Broker From Performing Under the Listing Agreement?

Text: Brokers contend that Security prevented them from performing under the listing agreement by setting the prices on the lots excessively high in relation to comparable lots on the market. Brokers also argue that by agreeing to grant Wood Brothers an option to buy any lots remaining unsold at the termination of the listing agreement, Security prevented Brokers' performance. The trial court found that Talley and Daugherty were made aware of the selling price of the lots prior to entering into the agreement and that they did not object to the price assigned to the lots. It should also be noted that Talley and Daugherty agreed that Security should determine the minimum sale price of the lots. Brokers cannot now complain about something they agreed to. Moreover, the evidence was conflicting as to whether the prices set by Security were too high in comparison with prices of similar lots. The trial court's finding was supported by the evidence and will not be disturbed. See Worthey v. Sedillo Title Guaranty, Inc., 85 N.M. 339, 512 P.2d 667 (1973). Prevent has been defined as [k]eep from happening, hinder, frustrate. City of Clovis v. Archie, 60 N.M. 239, 241, 290 P.2d 1075, 1076 (1955); see also Wilson v. Hayner, supra . We already have held that Security acted in good faith toward Brokers. Furthermore, Brokers could have continued in their efforts to locate a buyer for the lots. They were not unalterably bound by the prices assigned to the lots since the listing agreement afforded them the right to secure a purchaser at any other price or terms acceptable to Security. They could have approached Wood Brothers since they learned of the Security-Wood Brothers agreement during the term of the listing agreement. Instead, they chose to rely on the tenuous proposition that any sale to Wood Brothers, if the latter decided to exercise the option, would inure to their benefit. They filed their action for commission the day after the listing agreement terminated and before the option to Wood Brothers commenced or was exercised. The trial court found that Security did not prevent Brokers from performing under the agreement. This finding also is supported by substantial evidence and will not be set aside. See Toltec International, Inc. v. Village of Ruidoso, supra .