Court Opinion

ID: 4167262
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-05-09 18:23:11.508947+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:38:28.890879
License: Public Domain

Filed
                                                                                          Washington State
                                                                                          Court of Appeals
                                                                                           Division Two

                                                                                            May 9, 2017

      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

                                         DIVISION II
    BASIL D. BENA,                                                   No. 47576-6-II

                Respondent/Cross-Appellant,

         v.

    NATHAN B. SCHLEICHER and MARY L.                           UNPUBLISHED OPINION
    SCHLEICHER, husband and wife,

                Appellants/Cross Respondents.

        BJORGEN, C.J. — Nathan and Mary Schleicher1 appeal the trial court judgment ordering

them to re-sign a $100,000 promissory note and mortgage in favor of Basil D. Bena that Bena

had previously released. They argue that: (1) parol evidence of the obligation to pay Bena the

additional $100,000 under the promissory note contradicts the terms of the real estate purchase

and sale agreement (REPSA), (2) an interpretation of the February 2, 2012 release by Bena as

ineffective between the parties contradicts the terms of the release, (3) the provisions of the

promissory note and mortgage contradict the integrated portions of the REPSA and other

1
 The record refers to Nathan Schleicher by his middle name, Bruce. We refer to Nathan and
Mary Schleicher by their first names for clarity. We intend no disrespect.
No. 47576-6-II

documents and are therefore extinguished under the doctrine of merger, (4) the statute of frauds

bars the promise to reinstate the note and mortgage, (5) the promissory note and mortgage are

unenforceable on the grounds of illegality, and (6) several of the trial court’s findings of fact are

not supported by substantial evidence. Bena also cross appeals the trial court’s decision to deny

attorney fees under the fee provisions of the promissory note and mortgage. He argues that (7)

the present litigation is included in the scope of the attorney fee provisions contained in the note

and mortgage.

        We hold that (1) parol evidence demonstrates that the REPSA is not a fully integrated

document, and the additional terms of the promissory note and mortgage do not conflict with the

partially integrated terms of the REPSA, (2) parol evidence demonstrates that the release is not a

fully integrated document, and the use of parol evidence to determine that the release is

ineffective between the parties does not contradict the partially integrated release, (3) the terms

of the promissory note and mortgage are not extinguished under the doctrine of merger, (4) to the

extent that the release is not effective between Bena and the Schleichers, the original promissory

note and mortgage satisfy the statute of frauds, (5) the promissory note and mortgage are

enforceable under the doctrine of severability, and the Schleichers may not raise illegality as a

defense given Bena’s performance of his obligations under the contract, (6) the trial court’s

findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence, and (7) the terms of the attorney fee

provisions place this litigation outside their scope. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the

trial court.

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No. 47576-6-II

                                             FACTS

       In 2011, Bena and Jane Brae-Bedell were attempting to sell their home located on East

Half Mile Road in Clallam County. Brae-Bedell and Bena were friends with the Schleichers.

After the Schleichers moved to Gig Harbor, they remained friendly with Bena and Brae-Bedell,

and were permitted to stay at the East Half Mile Road property while Bena and Brae-Bedell were

vacationing.

       Prior to 2011, Bena had been attempting to sell the East Half Mile Road property for a

number of years. In 2006-2007, the property was listed at $550,000. From 2009-2010, the

property was listed first at $515,000 and again at $490,000. An offer was made in August 2010

for $475,000, but was declined because it had too many contingencies.

       The Schleichers entered into negotiations with Bena and Brae-Bedell to purchase the East

Half Mile Road property, although each party disputed the specifics of the negotiations. Brae-

Bedell claimed that Mary expressed an interest in purchasing the house. On the other hand,

Mary stated that Brae-Bedell was concerned about her own health and had put pressure on the

Schleichers to purchase the property.

       Bena stated that in April 2011, the parties met to discuss the details of the sale and agreed

on a price of $450,000. However, because the Schleichers were only pre-approved for a $350,000

loan, Bena agreed to take an additional promissory note and mortgage for $100,000.

       Nathan testified that the parties had never discussed a $450,000 price for the property.

Nathan stated that he would not have considered the property at the price of $450,000 because

the property was too far from the airport where he worked as a pilot and because the East Half

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No. 47576-6-II

Mile Road property had been appraised at $315,000. Rather, Nathan testified that he only agreed

to the $350,000 because Brae-Bedell had potential medical expenses, and the Schleichers wanted

to help their friends. The parties signed a REPSA on May 1, 2011, which listed the purchase

price of the property as $350,000.

       On August 30, 2011 the parties signed a promissory note and mortgage, in which the

Schleichers promised to pay Bena $100,000 to supplement the $350,000 loan that the

Schleichers were seeking from their lender. Nathan denied any knowledge of the $100,000

promissory note and mortgage prior to this meeting and stated that while he was “flabbergasted,”

he signed the note at the urging of his wife to “just sign” the documents. Clerk’s Papers (CP) at

25. The promissory note and mortgage would not become due for five years from the date of

signing and bore zero interest, although in the event of default, the amount would accrue five

percent interest per year. The promissory note and mortgage were then placed in a safety deposit

box and instructions were left in Bena’s and Brae-Bedell’s wills that in the event of their death,

the Schleichers would receive the note as a gift, eliminating the Schleichers’ obligation to pay

$100,000. The promissory note was secured by a mortgage on the East Half Mile Road property,

the property Bena intended to sell to the Schleichers.

       On January 4, 2012 the Schleichers signed a debt acknowledgment form at the behest of

their lender that stated they did not have any outstanding debt obligations other than those

included in their loan application form. The Schleichers did not disclose the existence of the

promissory note on their loan application. The Schleichers consulted an attorney and told Bena

that the promissory note needed to “go away” in order for the Schleichers to obtain financing

without committing mortgage fraud. CP at 26. Although the Schleichers attempted to back out

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No. 47576-6-II

of the real estate sale entirely, Bena was adamant that the parties conclude the deal and stated his

intention to enforce the contracts already signed between the parties.

       Nathan told Bena that he could not get a mortgage with the $100,000 promissory note

and mortgage outstanding, and that if he failed to disclose the note to his lender, he could

potentially commit mortgage fraud. Bena testified that Nathan assured him that he would re-sign

the promissory note after he obtained financing. On that basis, Bena executed a release of the

$100,000 promissory note and mortgage, which stated in part, “the debt secured by said

mortgage[] has been fully paid, satisfied, released, and discharged.” Ex. 6. Neither party

disputed the fact that the debt represented by the promissory note was not actually paid. Bena

also sent a letter to the Schleichers’ lender, which stated in part, “[East Half Mile Road] is not

mortgaged or encumbered, nor has it ever been while in my possession.” Ex. 8. Subsequently,

the Schleichers secured financing and closed on the sale of the East Half Mile Road property.

When Bena contacted Nathan about re-signing the promissory note, Nathan responded that the

lack of a writing made the promissory note unenforceable and refused to re-sign. By this point,

the friendship between the parties had entirely collapsed.

       Bena sued the Schleichers, asking the trial court to order reinstatement of the promissory

note and to grant other relief. Although the trial court noted that all of the parties appeared

credible, it found the Schleichers’ testimony less credible than Bena’s and Brae-Bedell’s

testimony. The court found that the $100,000 promissory note and mortgage did not represent a

charitable impulse, but rather was part of “a business transaction for the purchase of the

property.” CP at 27. The trial court further determined that the parties did not intend to change

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No. 47576-6-II

their respective positions and obligations as a result of the release executed by Bena for the

promissory note and mortgage. The court noted that there was “no evidence presented that the

amount represented by the note was, in fact, paid.” CP at 28. Rather, the trial court concluded

that the release was intended to be effective solely between the Schleichers and their lender so

that the Schleichers could get financing. The court reasoned that because the parties did not

intend to change their respective positions, “the note and the mortgage executed by the

Defendants on August 30, 2011, remain valid.” CP at 29.

       Among its findings of fact and conclusions of law, the trial court entered the following:

              [Finding of Fact] 24. The Court is not persuaded that [Nathan] was cowed
       by Mary into signing a $100,000 note, for charitable reasons, with a five year
       maturity (with interest if not timely paid), and secured on real property that he and
       Mary were purchasing.

       ....

               [Conclusion of Law] 1. Having weighed the evidence and the credibility of
       the witnesses, the Court concludes that the promissory note and mortgage did not
       relate to charitable impulses by the [Schleichers] but, rather, related to a business
       transaction for the purchase of the property.

               [Conclusion of Law] 3. . . . .

       [a.]     Rather, the parties intended that the note and mortgage not stand in the way
       of [the Schleichers’] ability to obtain a loan to purchase the property. That
       financing would occur only if the Defendants’ lender had a first position security
       interest in the property. That financing would occur only if the [Schleichers’]
       lender had a first position security interest in the property.
       ....
                The release executed by [Bena], vis-à-vis Hunter Financial, the
       [Schleichers’] lender, is valid since the lender presumably relied upon it to ensure
       that its loan to [the Schleichers] was secured by a first position lien on the subject
       property.

       ....

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No. 47576-6-II

       [c] . . . The promissory note and mortgage, however, were released by [Bena] at
       [Nathan’s] urging prior to closing so that [the Schleichers’] lender could secure a
       first position lien on the property; but as between the parties, they did not intend
       that the terms of the note had been satisfied. The parties simply intended that
       [Bena’s] mortgage would not be in a position senior to that of the other secured
       lender, Hunter Financial.

CP at 27-30.

       The trial court found in favor of Bena and ordered the Schleichers to reinstate the

$100,000 promissory note and mortgage. However, the court did not award Bena attorney fees

under the fee provisions contained in the promissory note and mortgage. The court reasoned that

because the attorney fees’ provision limited fees to collection actions and Bena sued the

Schleichers to reinstate the promissory note, the litigation was not for the purpose of “obtain[ing]

payment,” and therefore not covered by the fee provisions. CP at 106. The Schleichers appeal

the judgment against them, and Bena cross-appeals the denial of attorney fees under the

promissory note and mortgage fee provisions.

                                           ANALYSIS

                                          I. INTEGRATION

       A promissory note is a contract to pay money. Dep’t of Revenue v. Sec. Pac. Bank, 109

Wn. App. 795, 808 n.11, 38 P.3d 354 (2002). Where contract interpretation does not require

consideration of extrinsic evidence, it presents only an issue of law. Viking Bank v. Firgrove

Commons 3, LLC, 183 Wn. App. 706, 711, 334 P.3d 116 (2014). However, where contract

interpretation requires inferences from extrinsic evidence, it presents questions of fact. Viking

Bank, 183 Wn. App. at 711.

                                                 7
No. 47576-6-II

       In interpreting contracts, our primary objective is to ascertain the parties’ mutual intent at

the time they executed the contract. Id. at 712. We focus on the objective manifestations of

intent in the contract itself, rather than the subjective intentions of the parties. Hearst Commc’ns,

Inc. v. Seattle Times Co., 154 Wn.2d 493, 503, 115 P.3d 262 (2005). We also impute an

objective intent corresponding to the reasonable meaning of the words used in the contract, as

defined by their ordinary, usual, and popular meaning “unless the entirety of the agreement

clearly demonstrates a contrary intent.” Id. at 504. Furthermore, we consider extrinsic evidence

of the context in which the contract was drafted “‘to determine the meaning of specific words

and terms used,’” though “not to ‘show an intention independent of the instrument’ or to ‘vary,

contradict or modify the written word.’” Viking Bank, 183 Wn. App. at 713 (quoting Hearst,

154 Wn.2d at 503) (emphasis omitted).

       Under the parol evidence rule, parol or extrinsic evidence is generally not admissible to

add to, subtract from, vary, or contradict written instruments which are contractual in nature and

which are valid, complete, unambiguous, and not affected by accident, fraud, or mistake. Emrich

v. Connell, 105 Wn.2d 551, 555-56, 716 P.2d 863 (1986). As a result of the parol evidence rule,

prior or contemporaneous negotiations and agreements are said to merge into the final, written

contract, and any evidence of these, even if admitted without objection, is rendered incompetent

and immaterial. Id. at 556. The parol evidence rule is a rule of substantive law, not a rule of

evidence. Id.

       However, the parol evidence rule applies only to a writing intended by the parties as an

integration of their agreement, that is, a writing intended as a final and complete expression of

the terms of the agreement. Id. The trial court must determine whether the parties to a contract

intended the written instrument to be an integration of their agreement. Id. This determination is

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No. 47576-6-II

a question of fact that requires the trial court to “hear all . . . extrinsic evidence, oral or written.”

Id. In other words, a court may determine whether a contract is integrated using parol evidence.

Berg v. Hudesman, 115 Wn.2d 657, 670, 801 P.2d 222 (1990). If the trial court determines that

the document is integrated, the final and complete expression of the parties’ agreement, then the

court disregards extrinsic evidence. Emrich, 105 Wn.2d at 556. On the other hand:

        If . . . the court finds that the parties intended the writing to be a final expression of
        the terms it contains but not a complete expression of all terms agreed upon—i.e.,
        partially integrated—then the terms not included in the writing may be proved by
        extrinsic evidence only insofar as they are not inconsistent with the written terms.

Id. Stated another way, if a writing is only partially integrated, “the writing may be

supplemented or replaced by consistent terms or agreements shown by a preponderance of the

evidence.” Lopez v. Reynoso, 129 Wn. App. 165, 171, 118 P.3d 398 (2005).

        In this case, the trial court found that “the promissory note and mortgage were part of the

purchase [of the East Half Mile Road property,]” as intended by both parties. CP 31. Although

the REPSA contained an integration clause, which is generally a strong indication that the parties

intended a complete integration of a written agreement, a boilerplate clause will not be given

effect if it appears the provision is factually false. Lopez, 129 Wn. App. at 173. Therefore, to

the extent that the trial court found that the entire agreement between Bena and the Schleichers

consisted of both the REPSA and the promissory note, the trial court found the REPSA to be a

partially integrated document.

        The Schleichers argue that even if the REPSA was a partially integrated document, the

trial court improperly used parol evidence to determine that the total cost of the transaction was

$450,000 because it contradicted the purchase price of $350,000 contained in the REPSA. We

disagree.

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No. 47576-6-II

        In Lopez, Division Three of our court considered whether extrinsic evidence of prior

negotiations and a down payment contradicted the written terms of a partially integrated sales

agreement. Id. at 172. In Lopez, a customer negotiated a transaction with a used car salesperson,

agreeing to purchase a car priced at $8,500 for $8,000 with a down payment of $2,000, and the

remaining money to be paid over a period of time. Id. at 168-69. However, despite the fact that

the $2,000 down payment was made, the parties prepared a written sales agreement with an

integration clause that listed the sales price as $6,500 with a down payment of $500. Id. After

the customer fell behind on payments, the customer asserted that the $2,000 payment already

made was towards the $6,500 purchase price, and that extrinsic evidence to the contrary should

be discarded under the parol evidence rule. Id. at 169. The court disagreed, finding that the sales

agreement was only partially integrated, and reasoned that:

        Evidence that the parties agreed to reduce the sale price by the $2,000 down
        payment is not inconsistent with the actual terms of repayment included in the
        contract and the amortization schedule. The reduced price of $6,000 does
        contradict the written terms of a $6,500 sales price and a $500 down payment, but
        the result is the same: a contract price of $6,000 for a vehicle originally priced at
        $8,500.

Id. at 172.

        Thus, while the court acknowledged that the terms of the agreement shown by parol

evidence may have been facially contradictory, it determined that the obligations of the parties

under that agreement were not inconsistent with the terms of the partially integrated sales

agreement. Id. The court further noted that “[w]hen material extrinsic evidence shows that

outside agreements were relied upon, those parol agreements should be given effect rather than

allowing boilerplate ‘to vitiate the manifest understanding of the parties.’” Id. at 173 (quoting

Lyall v. DeYoung, 42 Wn. App. 252, 258, 711 P.2d 365 (1985)).

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No. 47576-6-II

       In this case, the Schleichers argue that a total transaction cost of $450,000 necessarily

contradicts the $350,000 purchase price term stated in the REPSA. The REPSA defines the term

“[p]urchase [p]rice” as follows: “Buyer shall pay to Seller the Purchase Price, including the

Earnest Money, in cash at Closing, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement.” Ex. 1

(emphasis added). By its terms, the purchase price as defined in the REPSA refers to the money

that is due at the time that the transaction closes. Id. The parties closed the transaction in March

2012. The promissory note and mortgage obligated the Schleichers to pay Bena $100,000 in

August 2016, over four years after the time of closing. Therefore, to the extent that the two

agreements contemplated payments at specific temporal points, the obligation to pay $100,000 in

2016 under the mortgage and promissory note is not inconsistent with the obligation to pay

$350,000 at closing in 2012. As such, we hold that the terms of the promissory note and

mortgage do not conflict with the terms contained in the partially integrated REPSA.

       The Schleichers also contend that the additional $100,000 obligation represented by the

promissory note and mortgage is contrary to the release, the note accompanying the release, and

the excise tax affidavit used for closing. The Schleichers do not offer any elaboration or citation

to specific sections of these documents to explain how they are contradictory. Furthermore, the

parol evidence rule applies only to a writing intended by the parties as an integration of their

agreement, that is, a writing intended as a final expression of the terms of the agreement.

Emrich, 105 Wn.2d at 555-56. While the documents may be “writings between the parties,” the

Schleichers have not argued that the writings themselves were integrated, much less that the

writings were part of the same integrated agreement as the REPSA, mortgage, and note. It is not

the function of an appellate court to “comb the record with a view toward constructing

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No. 47576-6-II

arguments for counsel.” In re Estate of Lint, 135 Wn.2d 518, 532, 957 P.2d 755 (1998).

Therefore, we decline to consider this argument.

                                             II. RELEASE

       The Schleichers argue that interpreting the release to be ineffective between the parties

would contradict the language of the release. We disagree.

       A release is a contract. Nationwide Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v. Watson, 120 Wn.2d 178, 187,

840 P.2d 851 (1992). As a contract, we consider parol evidence to determine whether a release

is integrated and to clarify any ambiguity as to the parties’ intent. Emrich, 105 Wn.2d at 555-56;

Vanderpool v. Grange Ins. Ass’n, 110 Wn.2d 483, 488-89, 756 P.2d 111 (1988). For a release to

be binding, the released party must also supply consideration. Lilenquist Motors, Inc. v. Monk,

64 Wn.2d 187, 189, 390 P.2d 1007 (1964). Performance of a preexisting legal obligation is not

valid consideration. Multicare Med. Ctr. v. Dep’t of Soc. & Health Servs., 114 Wn.2d 572, 584-

85, 790 P.2d 124 (1990), overruled in part on other grounds by Neah Bay Chamber of

Commerce v. Dep’t of Fisheries, 119 Wn.2d 464, 832 P.2d 1310 (1992).

       Although the trial court in this case did not expressly state whether the release was

integrated, its findings of fact indicate that it did not consider the written release as an expression

of the final terms of the release agreement between the parties. The release of mortgage

document states that “the mortgage[] dated 30 August, 2011 . . . together with the debt secured

by said mortgage, has been fully paid, satisfied, released, and discharged.” Ex. 6. However, the

trial court found that “[t]here is no evidence presented that the amount represented by the note

was, in fact, paid.” CP at 28. “[A] party to a contract is not bound by a false recital of fact, and

                                                  12
No. 47576-6-II

parol evidence is admissible to show the true state of affairs.” Cook v. Vennigerholz, 44 Wn.2d

612, 616-17, 269 P.2d 824 (1954). Insofar as the trial court determined that the release

agreement contained false statements of fact regarding the parties’ performance, it implicitly

determined that the release agreement did not contain the final expression of the parties’

agreement. Additionally, the release did not contain an integration clause, which further

supports the conclusion that the release was not the complete agreement between the parties.

M.A. Mortenson Co. v. Timberline Software Corp., 140 Wn.2d 568, 580, 998 P.2d 305 (2000).

As such, we find that the trial court implicitly determined the release agreement to be at best a

partially integrated contract.

       The Schleichers argue that the release cannot be interpreted as ineffective between the

parties because such an interpretation is contrary to its terms. The Schleichers maintain that

“[t]he fact that there was no payment at that time is not determinative of an intent not to release

the obligation,” and that obligations are commonly released as gifts or forbearance. Br. of

Appellant at 16-17. While this assertion may be true, for a release to be binding on the releasing

party, it must be supported by consideration. Lilenquist Motors, Inc., 64 Wn.2d at 189.

Although the Schleichers point out that even Bena believed that the release was valid, whether a

contract is supported by consideration is a question of law for our court. Nationwide, 120 Wn.2d

at 195. In this case, the trial court found that because the parties did not intend for the release to

change their respective positions, the release had no effect on the promissory note and mortgage.

We hold that because the release did not have any effect on the parties, it lacks any consideration

by the Schleichers and is therefore unenforceable. McKasson v. Johnson, 178 Wn. App. 422,

                                                  13
No. 47576-6-II

428-29, 315 P.3d 1138 (2013), remanded, 2014 WL 12679686.

                                           III. MERGER

       The Schleichers argue that the provisions of the promissory note and mortgage are

extinguished by merger into the deed because they contradict the terms of the REPSA and other

documents. We disagree.

       Generally, the provisions of a contract for the sale of real estate and all prior agreements

merge into the deed made in the execution of the sale. Black v. Evergreen Land Developers,

Inc., 75 Wn.2d 241, 248, 450 P.2d 470 (1969). However, the rule is not absolute, and is subject

to several exceptions, including the doctrine of partial integration. Id. at 248-49. Under the

doctrine of partial integration, provisions not contained in the writing may be proved by parol

evidence insofar as they are not inconsistent with the written provisions. Id. at 249. As

discussed above, we find that the terms of the promissory note and mortgage do not conflict with

the terms of the REPSA. Because the terms do not conflict, the promissory note and mortgage

do not merge into the deed at closing.

                                     IV. STATUTE OF FRAUDS

       The Schleichers argue that the statute of frauds bars the promise to reinstate the

promissory note and mortgage. We disagree.

       Generally, every conveyance of real estate or any interest therein must be by deed, and

every deed must be in writing and signed by the party to be bound. RCW 64.04.010, .020.

Similarly, any contract that by its terms is not to be performed within one year of its execution

must be in writing and signed by the party to be bound. RCW 19.36.010. In this case, the

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No. 47576-6-II

Schleichers’ promise to pay Bena $100,000 after five years involves a conveyance of real estate

and cannot be completed within a year, and therefore must be in writing. However, because we

hold that the release between Bena and the Schleichers is unenforceable for lack of

consideration, the original promissory note and mortgage still have legal effect and are in

writing. Consequently, the writings that constitute the original promissory note and mortgage

satisfy both the real estate and contracts statute of frauds.2

                                            V. ILLEGALITY

        The Schleichers contend that the obligation to pay Bena the additional $100,000 is

unenforceable on the grounds of illegality. We disagree.

        If a contract is illegal, we will not enforce the contract between the parties. Golberg v.

Sanglier, 96 Wn.2d 874, 879, 639 P.2d 1347 (1982). The same principle applies to contracts that

grow immediately out of and are connected with an illegal act. Id. However, under the doctrine

of severability:

        [I]f the promise sued upon is related to an illegal transaction, but is not illegal in
        and of itself, recovery should not be denied, notwithstanding the related illegal
        transaction, if the aid of the illegal transaction is not relied upon or required, or if
        the promise sued upon is remote from or collateral to the illegal transaction, or is
        supported by independent consideration.

Brougham v. Swarva, 34 Wn. App. 68, 80, 661 P.2d 138 (1983) (citing Sherwood & Roberts-

Yakima, Inc. v. Cohan, 2 Wn. App. 703, 710, 469 P.2d 574 (1970)). Furthermore, our Supreme

Court has reasoned that if “a party can show a right of recovery without relying on the illegal

2
 Because we hold that the release was not binding and the original promissory note and
mortgage satisfy the requirements of the real estate and contracts statute of frauds, we do not
address the parties’ arguments relating to promissory estoppel.
                                                  15
No. 47576-6-II

contract and without having the court sanction the same he may recover in any appropriate

action.” Melton v. United Retail Merchs. of Spokane, 24 Wn.2d 145, 162, 163 P.2d 619 (1945).

A.     Mortgage Fraud

       The Schleichers argue that the promissory note and mortgage are illegal and therefore

unenforceable because they are complicit in the Schleichers’ mortgage fraud. We disagree.

       Former RCW 19.144.080 (2010) makes it unlawful to misrepresent, omit, or otherwise

materially mislead a lender. In this case, the $100,000 promissory note and mortgage were

related to Schleichers’ alleged mortgage fraud only to the extent that they needed the promissory

note and mortgage to “go away” in order to obtain financing after they failed to disclose the

promissory note and mortgage. CP at 28. The agreement itself was not otherwise illegal and is

independent of the mortgage fraud insofar as the promissory note and mortgage represented an

obligation to be paid by funds other than those secured by the Schleichers’ financing. Thus, the

$100,000 promissory note and mortgage do not rely on the illegal act of the Schleichers, and,

under the doctrine of severability, are not void as illegal.

B.     Real Estate Excise Tax

       The Schleichers also argue that the promissory note and mortgage are illegal because

Bena has not paid the full tax on the purchase price of the transaction. We disagree.

       Former RCW 82.45.060 (2011) imposes “an excise tax upon each sale of real property at

the rate of one and twenty-eight one-hundredths percent of the selling price.” The pertinent

statute defines “selling price” as “the true and fair value of the property conveyed.” RCW

82.45.030(1). As applied to real estate assessments, our Supreme Court has defined “‘true and

fair value in money’” for taxation purposes as “‘fair market value.’” Twin Lakes Golf & Country

Club v. King County, 87 Wn.2d 1, 4, 548 P.2d 538 (1976) (quoting Bitney v. Morgan, 84 Wn.2d

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No. 47576-6-II

9, 14, 523 P.2d 929 (1974)). “‘Market value’” has been defined as “‘the amount of money which

a purchaser willing, but not obliged, to buy would pay an owner willing, but not obligated, to

sell, taking into consideration all uses to which the property is adapted and might in reason be

applied.’” Id. (quoting Mason County Overtaxed, Inc. v. Mason County, 62 Wn.2d 677, 683-84,

384 P.2d 352 (1963)). RCW 84.40.0301 establishes a rebuttable presumption that a property

valuation for taxation purposes by a public official charged with the duty of establishing such a

value is correct.

        The Schleichers maintain that because the real estate excise tax affidavit listed the taxable

selling price as $350,000, Bena has failed to pay the excise tax on the total price of $450,000 and

consequently the transaction is illegal. Even if we assume the excise tax payment was

inadequate, the governing statute does not make the transaction itself illegal, but rather imposes

additional interest and penalties, which operate as a lien on the property. RCW 82.45.070, .100.

The Schleichers offer no authority that a tax delinquency somehow makes the underlying

transaction illegal.

        Moreover, even if the transaction were illegal, we have previously reasoned:

        Courts will not allow themselves to be used for the purpose of conferring benefits
        upon litigants who plead the illegality of a contract into which they entered, when
        there has been a part performance of the contract, and when the relative positions
        of the contracting parties have been changed.

Parker v. Tumwater Family Practice Clinic, 118 Wn. App. 425, 434, 76 P.3d 764 (2003). In this

case, Bena has completely performed his obligations by deeding the property to the Schleichers,

and the Schleichers’ claim that the promissory note and mortgage are illegal benefits only the

Schleichers. With that, the Schleichers may not claim illegality as a basis for nonenforcement.

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No. 47576-6-II

       The Schleichers further claim that “[g]iven the language of the excise tax affidavit, the

plaintiffs’ action constitutes perjury.” Br. of Appellant at 30. This assertion is limited to a single

statement, cites no authority or sections of the record, and does not allege that Bena and Brae-

Bedell made a statement that they knew to be false. RCW 9A.72.030. We generally do not

consider conclusory arguments unsupported by citation to authority. State v. Mason, 170 Wn.

App. 375, 384, 285 P.3d 154 (2012). Therefore, we decline to reach this issue.

       For these reasons, the promissory note and mortgage are not illegal due to any tax

delinquency.

                                    VI. SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

       The Schleichers assert that several of the trial court’s findings of fact lack substantial

evidence. We disagree.

       Where contract interpretation does not require consideration of extrinsic evidence, it

presents only an issue of law. Viking Bank, 183 Wn. App. at 711. However, where contract

interpretation requires inferences from extrinsic evidence, it presents questions of fact. Id. We

review the trial court’s factual determinations for substantial evidence in the record. Dave

Johnson Ins., Inc. v. Wright, 167 Wn. App. 758, 769, 275 P.3d 339 (2012). Substantial evidence

is evidence sufficient to persuade a rational, fair-minded person that a premise is true. Id. at 778.

Unchallenged findings of fact are verities on appeal. Robel v. Roundup Corp., 148 Wn.2d 35,

42, 59 P.3d 611 (2002). Regardless of the labels attached to them, we review effective findings

of fact as findings of fact and effective conclusions of law as conclusions of law. Dave Johnson,

167 Wn. App. at 778.

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No. 47576-6-II

        The Schleichers argue that the trial court’s conclusion of law that the Schleichers’ lender

presumably relied on Bena’s release of the Schleichers’ mortgage is actually a finding of fact

that lacks substantial evidence. Specifically, they challenge the trial courts conclusion of law

3.(a) that:

                 The release executed by [Bena], vis-à-vis Hunter Financial, the
        [Schleichers’] lender, is valid since the lender presumably relied upon it to ensure
        that its loan to [the Schleichers] was secured by a first position lien on the subject
        property.

CP at 28-29.

        Assuming that these assertions are findings, there is substantial evidence that the lender

relied on the effect of the release, even though the existence of the promissory note and release

were not disclosed to it. On February 3, 2012, Bena sent a letter to the Schleichers’ lender,

which stated, in part, “[East Half Mile Road] is not mortgaged or encumbered, nor has it ever

been while in my possession.” Ex. 8. Furthermore, Nathan referred to Bena’s anticipated letter

to the lender in an e-mail dated February 3, 2012, and requested that Bena include additional

information in order to “facilitate satisfaction” of the transaction. Ex. 18. Therefore, substantial

evidence supports the finding of fact that the lender relied on the effect of the release.

        The Schleichers also contend that substantial evidence does not support the finding that

the parties intended the lender to be in the first position and the promissory note and mortgage in

second position. They challenge the following aspect of the trial court’s conclusion of law 3.(c):

        The promissory note and mortgage, however, were released by [Bena] at [Nathan’s]
        urging prior to closing so that [the Schleichers’] lender could secure a first position
        lien on the property; but as between the parties, they did not intend that the terms
        of the note had been satisfied. The parties simply intended that [Bena’s] mortgage
        would not be in a position senior to that of the other secured lender, Hunter
        Financial.

                                                  19
No. 47576-6-II

CP at 30. At trial, Bena testified that “[the parties] did not print [the note and mortgage] because

[they were] intended to be a second and we were waiting for closing.” Verbatim Report of

Proceedings (VRP) (Sept. 22, 2014) at 43. When asked to clarify what was meant by “intended

to be a second,” Bena responded that the parties intended that the promissory note and mortgage

be “[s]igned after the mortgage that the Schleicher[]s were trying to gain.” VRP (Sept. 22, 2014)

at 43-44. The trial court expressly found Bena more credible than the Schleichers. Furthermore,

the trial court found that “[Nathan] told [Bena] he could not get a mortgage with the promissory

note and mortgage outstanding.” CP at 26. The Schleichers have not contested this finding,

consequently it is a verity on appeal. Robel, 148 Wn.2d at 42. As such, substantial evidence

supports the finding of fact that the parties intended the lender to be in the first position, with the

mortgage and promissory note in the second position.

       Additionally, the Schleichers assert that the trial court’s finding of fact that they could

only obtain financing if the lender was in the first position lacks substantial evidence. They

dispute the following aspect of the trial court’s conclusion of law 3.(a):

       Rather, the parties intended that the note and mortgage not stand in the way of [the
       Schleichers’] ability to obtain a loan to purchase the property. That financing
       would occur only if the Defendants’ lender had a first position security interest in
       the property. That financing would occur only if the [Schleichers’] lender had a
       first position security interest in the property.

CP at 28. Bena testified that Nathan told him that he needed a release from the mortgage in

order to obtain financing and that “[Nathan] couldn’t get the loan that [he] want[ed] and [the

lender] . . . wouldn’t give [him] a loan if they had to do a second.” VRP (Sept. 22, 2014) at 69.

Bena further testified that “[Nathan] told me that if I would give him the satisfaction of the note

                                                  20
No. 47576-6-II

that we would re-sign it after closing, making it truly a second.” Id. at 70. Furthermore, the trial

court found that “[Nathan] told [Bena] he could not get a mortgage with the promissory note and

mortgage outstanding.” CP at 26. The Schleichers have not contested this finding of fact;

consequently, it is a verity on appeal. Robel, 148 Wn.2d at 42. In light of the trial court finding

Bena more credible than the Schleichers, there is sufficient evidence to persuade a rational fact

finder that the Schleichers could only obtain a loan if its lender was in the first position.

                                         VII. ATTORNEY FEES

         Bena argues in his cross appeal that he is entitled to attorney fees at trial and on appeal

based on the fee provision contained in the promissory note and mortgage. We disagree.

         Under RCW 4.84.330, a court shall award the prevailing party attorney fees and costs

incurred to enforce the provisions of a contact or lease if the contract or lease specifically

provides for attorney fees and costs. We review whether a contract entitles a party to recover

any attorney fees de novo. Ethridge v. Hwang, 105 Wn. App. 447, 460, 20 P.3d 958 (2001). In

this case, the mortgage securing the promissory note contains a fee provision that states:

         In case of failure to perform any of the foregoing covenants, or if default is made
         in the payment of said note, or any part thereof, when the same shall become due,
         then this mortgage may be at once foreclosed for the entire principal sum, accrued
         interest and costs, and in such foreclosure suit there shall be included in the
         judgment a reasonable sum as attorneys’ fees.

Ex. 2. Similarly, the promissory note provides:

         In case suit . . . is commenced to collect this note or any portion thereof we promise
         to pay, in addition to the cost provided by statute, such sum as the court may
         adjudge reasonable as attorneys’ fees therein, (including any action to enforce the
         judgment and this provision as to attorneys’ fees and costs shall survive the
         judgment).

Ex. 3.

                                                  21
No. 47576-6-II

       Bena cites to Atlas Supply, Inc. v. Realm, Inc., for the proposition that attorney fees

should be awarded, but that case is distinguishable. 170 Wn. App. 234, 287 P.3d 606 (2012). In

Atlas Supply, Atlas sued Realm to recover the purchase price of construction and industrial

supplies that the defendant refused to pay for after the products failed. Id. at 236. The

agreement between the plaintiff and defendant contained a fee provision that stated:

       In the event [defendant] becomes delinquent in his account, [defendant] agrees that
       Atlas Supply, Inc. shall have the right to bring suit against the applicant and if this
       occurs applicant agrees to pay the costs of collection, including reasonable attorney
       fee in suit by Atlas Supply, Inc. or assigns for the merchandise sold to applicant on
       credit subsequent to the date hereof.

Id. at 237. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff, but declined to

award attorney fees incurred defending against several counterclaims. Id. at 236. Division One

of our court reversed, reasoning that the plaintiff was entitled to “all fees and costs reasonably

incurred to defend against . . . compulsory counterclaims because they were necessary for it to

succeed on the collection of Realm’s unpaid debt.” Id. at 237, 240.

       Despite the similar language in the attorney fee provision in Atlas Supply, this case is

distinguishable because Bena is not seeking to collect on the note. Rather, Bena requested the

trial court to “enforce [Nathan’s] promise to reinstate the promissory note.” CP at 78. By their

terms, the promissory note and mortgage authorize attorney fees in the event that the Schleichers

defaulted or otherwise forced Bena to litigate to collect on the note. The original promissory

note and mortgage became due on August 30, 2016, five years after each was signed. Bena

initiated his suit on September 14, 2014, well before he was entitled to collect on the promissory

note and mortgage. Therefore, the litigation cannot be characterized as a suit to collect on the

                                                 22
No. 47576-6-II

note, and, consequently, Bena is not entitled to attorney fees under the fee provisions of the

promissory note and mortgage. As such, we decline to award attorney fees to Bena on this basis.

                                          CONCLUSION

        We affirm the trial court’s judgment.

        A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW

2.06.040, it is so ordered.

                                                      BJORGEN, C.J.
 We concur:

 JOHANSON, J.

 MELNICK, J.

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