It depends on contract wording and state law... speak with a real estate attorney.

Point out that having the home sold will open up more future options, assisted living, senior housing, etc.

Your and your client's best course may be to continue with the agreement that they have committed to.

I think it's attorney time

A similar question was posed to our AAR legal hotline: could a buyer cancel a contract during inspection period solely due to a health issue? The answer was probably not because the cancellation would have to be a reasonable disapproval of something directly connected to the home itself. You're going to need an attorney for this one.

My best advice is talk to your broker or a real estate attorney.

Best to talk to a real estate attorney.

Yes you may have recourse through the language in the exclusive listing agreement. The buyer could sue for specific performance, but it is difficult to get a verdict! Best advice, seek the advice of an attorney with copies of all agreements in hand!

Mary Rogal It's time to speak with a real estate attorney.

You're going to need a lawyer to answer that one for your state

Sure,but maybe a bit of compassion may be in order

You should define abbreviations that are local to your area but not used in other areas.  Read the Executed AOS to determine if recourse is available.  Also, refer your seller to your seller's legal counsel for advice since this is outside the realm of a real estate agent's scope, at least in my area.

Yes of course...comfort and assure this person and let them know you are standing by to help at anytime. Remember: It is not what one has but how he came to have it. The is more going on than contracts in the Real Estate world

Love it when you expect everyone to know what an AOS is.

In IL, they could be sued for specific performance. Court forcing the seller to complete the sale.

This is a good question for an attorney.

A real estae attorney needs to be called to clarify.

What state you are in? Are all contingencies removed? Health issues sounds serious and if they need to cancel, they can back up any time. Yet, they might loose money( liquidated damages, 3% in CA) if all contingencies are removed. 

Best check with an attorney there.  Sellers can't just change their minds like buyers can.

Time to call a local real estate attorney Mary - good luck with that. IMO though, even if you do have recourse, are you sure you want to hold someone in poor to the contract?

Think what would happen if the shoe was on the other foot!

 Hi, Mary Rogal, welcome to ActiveRain.  You have a valid question there, and got some good answers.  I just wanted to say that although there was some frustration about the AOS abbreviation, you were watching and fixed it right away.  

Please do not think we are unforgiving, because this is a great group of people, a very positive bunch...and you have owned the mistake (minor as it was).  I hope you will let it go and allow yourself to ask other questions.  It's not as though we don't make any mistakes, lol!   :  )

Speak to your attorney

I would check with your broker.

time for an attorney!

Follow the terms of the contract.

Seller might want to consult with an attorney. Maybe a release can be negotiated. Maybe EMD can be returned to buyer, and buyer will understand situation and find another house? If I was sellers agent, I wouldn't charge anything.

Mary Rogal - some good suggestions - and the best one I think is, check with the attorney.

What does AOS stand for?

So much depends on the contract. In Oregon, the seller does not have any backouts.  However, asking the buyer to accommodate a true need may have success.

This is a question for a local real estate attorney.

Have your seller speak with an attorney. 

A contract is binding and to see if there is recourse for breach have an attorney advise your client. Never render a personal opinion.

It might be covered under "force majeur" if applicable. Consult an attorney.

attorney is the next phone call....

That is a legal question and the answer will vary from state to state. Time to gather all your documents and meet with a good real estate attorney.

A question best asked to a real estate attorney.

Doctors letter and justify reason, can not afford due to loss in income etc.

 It depends.  What does your AOS say?