Court Opinion

ID: 4410029
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-06-25 19:06:03.492369+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:51:54.243065
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

                               NO. 2017-CA-01638-COA

TREMAYNE DIXON AND TYREASE DIXON                                     APPELLANTS/
                                                                 CROSS-APPELLEES

v.

TIMBER RIDGE, LLC                                                       APPELLEE/
                                                                 CROSS-APPELLANT

DATE OF JUDGMENT:                         02/09/2018
TRIAL JUDGE:                              HON. MITCHELL M. LUNDY JR.
COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED:                DESOTO COUNTY CHANCERY COURT
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANTS:                 PATRICK VANCE DALY
                                          BRETT CLANTON PICKLE
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE:                    WILLIAM P. MYERS
NATURE OF THE CASE:                       CIVIL - CONTRACT
DISPOSITION:                              AFFIRMED - 06/25/2019
MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED:
MANDATE ISSUED:

       EN BANC.

       J. WILSON, P.J., FOR THE COURT:

¶1.    Tremayne and Tyrease Dixon entered into a contract with Timber Ridge LLC to buy

a house in Olive Branch. When the parties signed their contract, the “spec home” was still

under construction. Subsequently, there were misunderstandings about the level of design

input that the Dixons would have in the final phases of construction. Due to these

misunderstandings, Timber Ridge offered to refund the Dixons’ earnest money and cancel

the contract, but the Dixons declined and said that they still wanted to buy the house. The

week of the closing date, the parties exchanged emails about the status of the house, the

home inspection, and the Dixons’ demands that Timber Ridge address various issues with
the house. Timber Ridge did not address the Dixons’ demands to the Dixons’ satisfaction.

On the closing date, Timber Ridge was ready and willing to transfer title, but the Dixons did

not appear. The Dixons claim that delays and other breaches by Timber Ridge prevented the

closing. Timber Ridge declined to reschedule the closing to sell the house to the Dixons, and

the Dixons filed suit in chancery court.

¶2.    After a two-day trial, the chancellor found that the Dixons breached the contract by

failing to appear at closing and that both parties repudiated the contract at different points

prior to closing. The chancellor denied the Dixons’ claim for specific performance and

denied the parties’ respective claims for damages and attorney’s fees. The chancellor found

that “the most equitable thing[] to do” would be to cancel the contract and refund the Dixons’

earnest money. Both parties appealed. We affirm the judgment of the chancery court.

                       FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

¶3.    Tremayne and Tyrease Dixon were planning to move from Illinois to Mississippi, and

they looked at houses in the Miller Farms subdivision in Olive Branch. On August 17, 2016,

the Dixons, through their realtor, Brenda McRae, made an offer on a house in the

subdivision. The house was still under construction when the Dixons made their offer. The

owner/builder, Timber Ridge, made a counteroffer through its realtor, Shelly Bookwalter.

After the counteroffer, the Dixons, McRae, and Bookwalter exchanged a series of text

messages. In those messages, the Dixons stated that they wanted the floors upgraded to

hardwood throughout the first level of the house. Later, the Dixons stated that they wanted

“hardwood upgraded only on 1st level.” Bookwalter responded, “Ok that is no prob.”

                                              2
¶4.    On August 20, the Dixons signed Timber Ridge’s counteroffer to sell the house for

$299,870, with a closing date of September 29, 2016. The contract required the Dixons to

deposit earnest money of $2,500 and provided that time was of the essence. The contract

also specified that it could not be changed without the parties’ written, mutual consent.

¶5.    Although the Dixons requested hardwood floors via text message and Bookwalter

seemingly agreed to their request in a responsive text, the contract itself was not amended

to provide for hardwood floors throughout the first floor of the house. The Dixons’ original

offer provided only that hardwood floors would be “installed in the second bedroom down.”

No other provisions regarding hardwood floors were added to the contract.

¶6.    The parties also signed a Home Inspection Addendum. The addendum provided that

the Dixons were to arrange for a home inspection within ten days “after completion” of the

house. The Dixons had the right to enter the house at reasonable hours with twenty-four

hours’ prior notice. After the inspection, the Dixons could provide Timber Ridge a written

list of any deficiencies, and Timber Ridge then had three days to consent in writing to correct

deficiencies “in an amount not to exceed $1,000.” If the Dixons identified deficiencies that

exceeded the $1,000 limit, Timber Ridge could correct the deficiencies above the limit and

proceed to closing. If Timber Ridge declined to correct deficiencies in excess of the $1,000

limit, then the Dixons could either “accept” those deficiencies and proceed to closing or

“cancel the contract” and receive a refund of their earnest money.

¶7.    Because the subject house was still under construction when the Dixons contracted

to buy it, they toured a completed house in the same subdivision that had the same style and

                                              3
layout to get an idea of what their house would look like when finished. They also reviewed

the multiple listing service (MLS) listing for the subject house, which advertised “tile

medallions in entrance and bath” and “2 shower heads.” The listing included a disclaimer

that the information provided was “deemed to be reliable, but [was] not guaranteed.”

¶8.    On August 29, 2016, the Dixons visited the house again while it was still under

construction. Afterward, they emailed Bookwalter with a number of design complaints and

concerns, including paint colors, the color of the shutters, standing water on an adjacent lot

near the property line, the absence of a “medallion” in the master bathroom, and the lack of

two shower heads mentioned in the MLS listing. They also asked about extending the front

and back patio areas, keyless entry pads for the garage, and slow-closing toilet lids.

¶9.    Bookwalter responded on August 31 and explained that many of the house’s features

were the same as the finished house that the Dixons toured prior to signing the contract. She

said that there would be a tile medallion in the foyer but not in the master bathroom. She

explained that “[a] double shower head will be installed [in the master bathroom] and was

just covered up behind the wall per the plumber. . . . You will get [double] shower head per

the MLS listing because it is already partially in place.” She gave estimates for some of the

additional changes requested by the Dixons.

¶10.   Bookwalter sent another email on September 1, apparently in response to another

email from the Dixons. She again explained that the home was a “spec home,” meaning that

it was not custom-designed or custom-built, and that any changes to design should have been

proposed prior to signing the contract. She also noted that the MLS listing was not a contract

                                              4
and specified that information contained on the listing was not guaranteed. Bookwalter again

explained that there would be no medallion in the master bathroom due to cost, even though

the MLS listing had the bathroom medallion as a feature. She also again confirmed that the

double shower head would be installed.

¶11.   On September 6, the Dixons again emailed Bookwalter with a list of concerns,

including questions about a “burn pile” in the backyard, landscaping requests, lighting

options, and a specific brand of dishwasher. Bookwalter responded to McRae, the Dixons’

realtor. Bookwalter said that given the Dixons’ numerous concerns and questions, Timber

Ridge did not feel that they could make the Dixons happy. Timber Ridge offered to refund

the earnest money and cancel the contract.

¶12.   Bookwalter sent another email on September 7 that stated that the home would not be

finished on time due to “the constant request for changes” by the Dixons. She stated that the

Dixons’ requests to change the cabinet layout had delayed granite countertop installation,

electrical wiring, and painting. She said that there were similar issues related to the floor and

the yard. Because of those delays, Timber Ridge offered to release the earnest money and

cancel the contract. Bookwalter also said that the house would not be complete by the

contract’s September 29 closing date. Attached to the email was a disbursement and release

form for the earnest money and cancellation of the contract.

¶13.   The Dixons did not sign the release. They emailed Bookwalter on September 8 and

stated that they still wanted to buy the house. The Dixons apologized if they had offended

anyone with their many questions. They stated that they had misunderstood the level of input

                                               5
they would have in a spec home. They stated that they had secured financing, a home

inspection, and insurance in order to close on September 29, and they asked Timber Ridge

to consider extending the closing date to allow time for the house to be completed.

¶14.   Bookwalter emailed McRae on September 9 and reiterated that Timber Ridge did not

want to go forward with the contract because “they strongly feel that they will not be able to

make the Dixon’s [sic] happy in the end . . . due to previous dealings and emails.”

Bookwalter reiterated that Timber Ridge would not extend the closing date but would agree

to cancel the contract and refund the Dixons’ earnest money.

¶15.   Tremayne Dixon testified that after the September 9 email, he and his wife continued

to take steps necessary to close on the house. On September 15, the Dixons emailed McRae

to ask her to find out when the house would be ready for inspection. On September 19, the

Dixons emailed Bookwalter that the home inspection was scheduled for September 26 and

that the closing would need to be pushed back due to the inspection date.

¶16.   On September 23, Bookwalter emailed McRae a proposed addendum to the contract.

The addendum asked the Dixons to acknowledge and accept tile floors in the kitchen, the

color and design of the kitchen cabinets, the tile (with no medallion) in the master bathroom,

and a single shower head in the master bathroom. The addendum also asked the Dixons to

acknowledge that the landscaping, driveway, sidewalks, and patio were not warrantable; that

Timber Ridge was not responsible for and could not address drainage issues on the adjacent

lot; and that the final walk through would be their only opportunity to identify any remaining

cosmetic issues. Finally, the addendum proposed to move the closing date to October 3.

                                              6
¶17.   According to the Dixons, this was the first they had heard from Timber Ridge or

Bookwalter in the two weeks since Bookwalter’s September 9 email stating that the house

would not be finished by the closing date. This was also the first time the Dixons learned

that there was only one shower head in the master bathroom and no hardwood flooring in the

kitchen. The Dixons did not sign the proposed addendum to the contract.

¶18.   The home inspection occurred on September 26, and the inspector produced a forty-

six page report. The Dixons requested that Timber Ridge address all items noted in the

report, which Tremayne Dixon described as “[n]ot just little minor stuff” but a long list of

“[s]erious work[].”

¶19.   In the days that followed, the Dixons, McRae, and Bookwalter exchanged emails

about the house, the home inspection and final walk through, and the closing date. On

September 27, McRae sent the following email to Bookwalter, copying the Dixons:

       Shelly,

       1) We agreed and Shelly confirmed that wood would be exchanged for tile in
       the kitchen. Had we known they would put tile down against our wishes we
       would have used our money to upgrade to wood flooring in the kitchen rather
       than in the bedroom.

       With that being said, will they replace it with hardwood or pay for the work to
       be completed after the closing? We can get the quote from Andy the floor guy
       or they can get the quote. Please let them know the decision is theirs.

       2) Shelly specifically said we would have double shower heads and now has
       retracted that. She was sure it was simply covered up behind the tile. That
       doesn’t seem to be the case. So, now how will they resolve this double shower
       head issue??? The decision is theirs to do the work or compensate for the
       work to be completed after the closing.

                                             7
       3) Please, also ask them when will the complete list of issues from the home
       inspection report as well as the county inspectors report be resolved. We will
       not go to closing with any of the open issues as stated in the reports.

       4) The dead tree and shrubs will need to be removed along with the dead sod
       and replaced with new. It is the sellers/builders responsibility to care for the
       property (including the lawn) while it is in their possession. Please ask them
       when will this work be completed.

       5) We noticed there was no backsplash at all on the walls. Please ask, when
       will the granite be cut properly to be flushed with the counter bar and when
       will the backsplash be completed.

       Again, we would like to extend an open date to them as to when these items
       can be completed so a reasonable contract extension can be made.

       With that date we can schedule our initial cosmetic walk through, our final
       walk through and then close on this home.

       We need an answer ASAP but no later than 8 am in the morning.

¶20.   Bookwalter responded by email the next day. She stated that the hardwood floors and

double shower heads were not in the parties’ contract, so Timber Ridge would not install or

pay for them. As to the items listed in the home inspection report, she stated that Timber

Ridge would repair non-cosmetic items prior to closing or “forfeit[]” the “$1,000.00 cap”

provided for in the home inspection addendum to the parties’ contract. She also stated that

shrubbery had been replaced, that the sod was dormant and would come back with proper

water and fertilizing, and that the backsplash had been installed. Finally, she stated that the

burn pile would be addressed as soon as the county lifted a burn ban that was then in effect

due to a lack of rain. Bookwalter also informed McRae that the county would certify the

house for occupancy prior to closing, and she asked McRae to set a time for the closing.

¶21.   The Dixons received the home appraisal report on the morning of September 29. The

                                              8
appraisal came in above the contract price at $302,000. Tremayne Dixon forwarded the

appraisal to his closing attorney and asked where they stood in the process.

¶22.   At 3 p.m. on September 29, Bookwalter emailed McRae that Timber Ridge was

“ready, willing and able to close by 5:00 . . . per the terms of the contract.” Bookwalter

stated that if the Dixons were unable to perform, the contract was null and void, and Timber

Ridge would refund their earnest money. The Dixons did not appear for the closing.

¶23.   On October 7, 2016, the Dixons filed a complaint against Timber Ridge in the DeSoto

County Chancery Court. The Dixons asserted claims of breach of contract, bad faith breach

of contract, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The Dixons

sought specific performance of the contract and damages. The Dixons also filed a lis

pendens notice in the county land records. Timber Ridge answered and filed a counterclaim.

Timber Ridge alleged that the Dixons had breached the contract, slandered title to the

property, and breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The case

eventually proceeded to a two-day trial.

¶24.   Tremayne testified that he did not appear at the closing because the issues identified

in the home inspection had not been addressed and because he did not believe that the house

was complete. Tremayne also testified that Timber Ridge never made the home available for

a final walk through, and he did not even know that Timber Ridge intended to close on

September 29 until Bookwalter’s email at 3 p.m. that afternoon.

¶25.   Tremayne admitted that he could not have closed on September 29 because his lender

had not released the necessary funds. He testified that his lender required confirmation that

                                             9
the home had been approved for occupancy, which was not received until late afternoon the

day before the closing. The appraisal was not received until the day of the closing.

¶26.   Robert Davis, a member of Timber Ridge LLC, testified that Bookwalter had made

certain statements to the Dixons and to McRae without Timber Ridge’s authorization,

including her statement that a “double shower head . . . was just covered up behind the wall.”

Davis testified that, for space reasons, a double shower head was never in the plans. He also

testified that Bookwalter’s email to the Dixons on September 7 that the home would not be

completed in time for the closing was untrue. Davis stated that Timber Ridge authorized

Bookwalter to offer to cancel of the contract and refund the Dixons’ earnest money, but only

because Timber Ridge did not believe that the Dixons were going to be happy with the house.

Davis denied that Timber Ridge ever agreed to install hardwood flooring throughout the first

floor. Davis acknowledged that part of his reason for offering to cancel the contract was that

he feared continuing complaints from the Dixons post-closing. However, when the Dixons

rejected Timber Ridge’s offer to cancel the contract, Timber Ridge moved “full steam ahead”

to finish on time. Davis said that Timber Ridge refused to move the closing date because

Timber Ridge was “ready” and the Dixons “should have been ready” too.

¶27.   Don Lusure, another member of Timber Ridge LLC, testified that Timber Ridge

offered to cancel the contract and refund the Dixons’ earnest money because the Dixons were

not happy with the house. Like Davis, Lusure testified that Timber Ridge always intended

to finish the home on time, which was inconsistent with some of Bookwalter’s

representations to the Dixons that the house would not be complete by September 29. Lusure

                                             10
stated that the Dixons never did their final walk through but could have done so at any time

before the closing. He said the Dixons knew the house would be done by September 29 and

that it was “basically” done by September 23. He testified that the home inspection and final

changes typically come down “to the wire.”

¶28.   Davis and Lusure both testified that the burn pile at the back of the property could not

be dealt with because there was a statewide burn ban, but the debris was burned as soon as

they obtained the permission of the fire marshal. Lusure testified that Timber Ridge was

responsible for the burn pile and would dispose of it, even if they could not do so prior to

closing.

¶29.   In November 2017, the chancellor entered an opinion and final judgment. The

chancellor found that there were numerous emails, text messages, and other discussions

among the Dixons, McRae, and Bookwalter before and after the contract was signed. Some

of those discussions had to do with “modification of the house during construction.”

However, the chancellor found those discussions to be inconsistent with the contract’s

specific statement that it could not “be modified except by [the parties’] written mutual

consent.” The chancellor also found that offers were made to cancel the contract and refund

the Dixons’ earnest money, which the Dixons rejected, and that questions arose as to whether

the house was completed or could be completed prior to the closing date. Finally, the

chancellor found that Timber Ridge was present and ready to transfer title on the closing

date, but the Dixons were absent.

¶30.   The chancellor found that the Dixons breached the contract by not appearing at the

                                              11
closing. The chancellor opined that if the parties had communicated better, then the closing

could have occurred. The chancellor was “also concerned with the conduct of Timber

Ridge” and Bookwalter in particular. The chancellor found that both parties had repudiated

the contract by declaring at various times that they could not or would not perform parts of

the contract—although the chancellor did not specifically state which actions of the parties

amounted to a repudiation.

¶31.   The chancellor ultimately concluded that “the most equitable thing[] to do” would be

to cancel the contract and order Timber Ridge to return the Dixons’ $2,500 earnest money

deposit. The chancellor so ordered and denied all other requests for relief.

¶32.   The Dixons filed a notice of appeal. Timber Ridge later filed a motion to amend the

judgment, which asked the court to direct the clerk to cancel both the original lis pendens

filed by the Dixons and a “supplemental lis pendens” that the Dixons filed after final

judgment was entered. Timber Ridge also filed a notice of appeal.1

¶33.   The chancellor subsequently entered an amended final judgment cancelling the lis

pendens and supplemental lis pendens filed by the Dixons.

                                       ANALYSIS

¶34.   On appeal, the Dixons argue that the chancellor erred by (1) finding that Timber Ridge

only repudiated the contract and did not breach the contract; (2) finding that the Dixons

breached the contract when they failed to appear at closing; (3) denying their requests for

       1
         Timber Ridge’s motion to alter or amend the judgment was filed outside of the ten-
day time limit for such a motion, M.R.C.P. 59(e), but Timber Ridge’s notice of appeal was
timely filed within thirty days of the chancery court’s judgment, M.R.A.P. 4.

                                             12
specific performance, damages, and attorney’s fees; and (4) cancelling their lis pendens and

supplemental lis pendens. Timber Ridge argues that the judgment of the chancery court

should be affirmed to the extent that it denied the Dixons’ claims for relief. Timber Ridge

also argues that its sale of the subject property during the pendency of this appeal renders

moot the Dixons’ claim for specific performance. Finally, on cross-appeal, Timber Ridge

argues that the chancellor erred by denying its claims for damages and attorney’s fees.

¶35.   In an appeal from a judgment entered after a bench trial, our standard of review is the

same whether the case was tried in circuit court or chancery court:

       [W]hen a trial judge sits without a jury, this Court will not disturb his factual
       determinations where there is substantial evidence in the record to support
       those findings. Thus, our scope of review affords deferential treatment to the
       trial judge’s findings. This Court ought and generally will affirm a trial court
       sitting without a jury on a question of fact unless, based upon substantial
       evidence, the court must be manifestly wrong. The word manifest, as defined
       in this context, means unmistakable, clear, plain, or indisputable. This Court,
       however, reviews questions of law de novo.

Transocean Enter. Inc. v. Ingalls Shipbuilding Inc., 33 So. 3d 459, 462 (¶7) (Miss. 2010)

(citations, quotation marks, and brackets omitted). We find no error in the chancellor’s

denial of the Dixons’ claim for specific performance and the parties’ respective claims for

damages and attorney’s fees. Therefore, the judgment of the chancery court is affirmed.

       I.     Hardwood Floors and Double Shower Heads

¶36.   The Dixons begin by arguing that Timber Ridge breached the parties’ contract by

failing to install (1) hardwood floors in the kitchen and throughout the first floor and (2) a

double shower head in the master bathroom. However, the parties’ contract did not provide

for either of these items. Indeed, the Dixons’ offer mentioned only hardwood floors in the

                                              13
second downstairs bedroom, which were installed. Furthermore, the parties’ contract

expressly provided as follows:

       Agreement Complete. This Contract incorporates all prior agreements
       between the parties, contains the entire and final agreement of the parties and
       cannot be changed without their mutual written consent. Neither party shall
       be bound by any terms, conditions, oral statements, warranties or
       representations not contained herein.

The parties’ contract also provided:

       No Reliance. Neither party shall be bound by any terms, conditions, oral
       statements, warranties or representations not herein contained. Seller(s) and
       Buyer(s) acknowledge that neither of them have relied upon any statement,
       representation or omission made or documentation provided by the other party
       or the Broker(s) or salesperson(s) and their representatives relating to this
       transaction including, but not limited to, . . . the terms or conditions of sale[.]

¶37.   These contract provisions foreclose the Dixons’ claim that Bookwalter modified or

added to the parties’ contract. Timber Ridge was not bound by Bookwalter’s pre-contract

representations, and the contract clearly provided that it could not be modified without

Timber Ridge’s express written consent. In short, Bookwalter could not supplement or

modify the parties’ contract via text message. “A real estate agent is a special agent of its

principal and is vested with limited powers.” Hamilton v. Hopkins, 834 So. 2d 695, 703

(¶24) (Miss. 2003). “[T]he agency of the broker extends only to bringing the parties

together.” Stockstill v. Gammill, 943 So. 2d 35, 44 (¶18) (Miss. 2006) (quoting Everman v.

Herndon, 71 Miss. 823, 829, 15 So. 135, 137 (1894)). The broker “is not authorized . . . to

make a contract of sale binding on [the seller].” Id. The chancellor did not manifestly err

or commit any legal error in finding that Bookwalter could not and did not modify the

parties’ contract.

                                               14
       II.    Failure to Appear at Closing

¶38.   The chancellor held that the Dixons breached the parties’ contract by not closing.

However, we conclude that the Dixons had the right under the contract not to close.

¶39.   As discussed above, after the home inspection, the Dixons provided Timber Ridge

with a substantial list of items to be corrected or repaired. In response, rather than make the

repairs, Timber Ridge stated that it would pay the Dixons $1,000. This was consistent with

the home inspection addendum to the parties’ contract, which provided that Timber Ridge

was not required to correct deficiencies in an amount greater than $1,000. The addendum

further provided that if Timber Ridge declined to correct deficiencies in excess of the $1,000

limit, the Dixons had two options. They could either (a) accept the deficiencies and proceed

to closing or (b) cancel the contract and receive a refund of their earnest money. The Dixons

had already informed Timber Ridge that they would not proceed to closing without an

agreement to install or pay for both hardwood floors and a double shower head—or with any

other “open issues” from the home inspection report. Timber Ridge had already made clear

that it did not intend to address those issues. Moreover, on the day of closing, Bookwalter

emailed McRae (copying Davis and Lusure) to inform the Dixons that if they did not close,

“the contract [would] be considered null and void with earnest money being returned back

to the [Dixons].”

¶40.   In substance, the parties simply exercised their respective rights under the contract.

Timber Ridge exercised its right not to correct deficiencies in excess of the $1,000 limit.

                                              15
Based on Timber Ridge’s decision, the Dixons then had the right not to proceed to closing.

In effect, they exercised that right by not closing on the house. On the day of closing, Timber

Ridge specifically recognized that the Dixons would be entitled to a refund of the earnest

money if they did not close on the house. In its final judgment, the chancery court properly

granted the Dixons that relief, even if it did so for somewhat different reasons. See Mayton

v. Oliver, 247 So. 3d 312, 323 (¶40) (Miss. Ct. App. 2017) (“[A]n appellate court may affirm

for any reason sufficient to sustain the judgment and is not limited to the reasons given by

the lower court.”).

       III.   Remedies

¶41.   On appeal, the Dixons also argue that the chancellor erred by denying their claim for

specific performance and by cancelling the lis pendens and “supplemental lis pendens” on

the property. However, throughout this proceeding, the Dixons have demanded specific

performance on their own terms, including hardwood floors and a double shower head,

among other demands. For the reasons discussed above, the contract did not grant the

Dixons a right to insist on those terms. In addition, because the Dixons have no claim or

right to the property, the lis pendens notices should be cancelled. See Jernigan v. Young, 61

So. 3d 233, 238 (¶30) (Miss. Ct. App. 2011).

¶42.   Both parties also argue that they are entitled to damages for breach of contract.

However, for the reasons explained above, neither party established any breach of contract

                                              16
for which they are entitled to recover damages.2

¶43.   Both parties also seek attorney’s fees under their contract. The contract provides for

an award of attorney’s fees for a party who prevails in an action “to ensure performance” of

the contract. Neither party established a breach of contract or obtained an order of specific

performance or an award of damages for breach. Therefore, neither party is entitled to an

award of attorney’s fees under the contract.

¶44.   We conclude that the chancellor properly awarded the only remedy either party was

entitled to by cancelling the contract and ordering a refund of the Dixons’ earnest money.

                                     CONCLUSION

¶45.   The judgment of the chancery court is AFFIRMED.

    BARNES, C.J., CARLTON, P.J., GREENLEE, WESTBROOKS, TINDELL,
McDONALD, LAWRENCE, McCARTY AND C. WILSON, JJ., CONCUR.

       2
        The Dixons also allege that Timber Ridge breached the contract by not finishing
construction in a timely manner and by failing to communicate properly. However, speedier
construction and better communication would not have changed the fact that the Dixons were
unwilling to close without hardwood floors throughout the first floor, a double shower head
in the master bathroom, and other changes to the house—none of which they had a right to
demand under the parties’ contract. Therefore, the Dixons did not suffer any recoverable
damages as a result of these additional alleged breaches of the contract.

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