Calif. Court Affirms Order Setting Aside Homebuyers' Arbitration Agreement

MARTINEZ, Calif. - A California appellate court found Oct. 5 that a trial court did not abuse its discretion when it set aside for equitable reasons a couple's agreement to arbitrate a dispute over real estate disclosures. Loar v. Singer, No. A104489 (Calif. App., 1st Dist.).

John and Monica Loar complained in a 2002 lawsuit that Richard and Nancy Singer and the Singers' real estate agent failed to disclose drainage and flooding problems in a home the Loars purchased in 2000 for $1.7 million.

Initially, the Loars sued the Singers and their real estate agent and broker for breach …