I signed a contract to purchase a home recently. The realtors listing indicated the house had 3010 sf per the county appraisal district (tax records). I closed on the contract and later in the day received a copy of the appraisal that was done on the property which indicated the house only had 2580 sf (14% difference!) I called my attorney who contacted the closing company. The deal was halted (the seller lived in another city and the closing company had not yet received his original signature) and my money was returned to me - with the exception of my earnest money of $1000. I feel that I should receive this money back due to the misrepresentation on the square footage. I have already been out the money for the inspection, appraisal, survey, pest inspection, etc. (about $1200). I don't know who is liable for this error, but the seller feels I am in breach of contract and will not release the money back to me. Any suggestions?