Sarpisian v. Mardirosian

Mr. Justice Barry delivered the opinion of the court. At a master’s sale, in a partition proceeding, plaintiff in error made an offer of $3,000 which was the highest and best bid received for the premises. So far as the record shows that sale was never reported to or approved by the court. The master readvertised the premises and at a second sale the highest bid received was $2,600 and the sale was confirmed by the court. Reporting the latter sale the master informed the court of the offer made by plaintiff in error at the previous sale and of her refusal to pay the purchase price. The court entered a decree finding that by reason of her refusal to pay the amount of her bid plaintiff in error became liable to pay any deficiency arising upon a resale of the premises together with the costs and expenses occasioned thereby; that there was a difference of $400 between her bid and that received on the second sale, and that the costs and expenses of the resale were $86.38. Plaintiff in error was ordered to pay said sum of $486.38 to the master for the use of the parties entitled thereto within 30 days of the date of the decree and that in default of payment execution should issue therefor. The decree is clearly erroneous and must be reversed. The bidder at a master’s sale merely agrees to purchase the property upon the terms named by him, if the same shall be approved by the court; and until the bid is reported and the report confirmed, the sale is incomplete and the bidder is under no obligation to complete the purchase. And although a bid may have been accepted by the master, yet if it was not reported to or approved by the court, and the master on his own motion and responsibility resells the property, the report of such resale and its approval by the court will operate as a rejection of the first bid and put an end to the liability of the bidder thereon. Dills v. Jasper, 33 Ill. 262. Where the purchaser at a sale under a decree in chancery refuses to complete' his purchase, in order to charge him with any deficiency arising on a resale, the master should report the sale and refusal, and after the confirmation of the report, a motion should be made and notice thereof served upon the purchaser, that he be ordered to complete his purchase by a certain time, or, in default thereof, the property be resold at his risk. Hill v. Hill, 58 Ill. 239. Before making an order of resale at the purchaser’s risk, he should be called upon to show cause why he has failed to complete his purchase, and allowed an opportunity so to do. Hill v. Hill, supra. He must have notice of such an application unless he voluntarily submits to the jurisdiction of the court by answer or otherwise. Thrifts v. Fritz, 101 Ill. 457; Harrison v. Timmons, 139 Ill. 167. As plaintiff in error was not liable, under the law, for any deficiency or for the costs and expenses of the resale of the premises the decree is reversed and the cause will not be remanded. Reversed.