CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. — The circuit court entered a default judgment for a homebuyer after the defendant did not answer a civil complaint alleging a failed real-estate closing.

Miguel Flores testified under oath that he paid $18,000 in cash and transferred a truck valued at $12,000 toward the purchase of property at 653 Thompson Road, leaving $35,000 unpaid and the closing uncompleted. The plaintiff asked the court for return of the $30,000 he had paid and $3,500 in attorney fees.

After the plaintiff’s testimony and proof of service establishing the defendant had been served but not responded, the court granted the requested default judgment. “Grant your default judgment … against the defendant for $30,000 plus the $3,500 in expenses,” the court announced.

The judge entered an order awarding the plaintiff principal damages of $30,000 and attorney’s fees and costs of $3,500. The court record shows the plaintiff provided sworn testimony about the contract, the payments made, and the amount sought.

The order allows the plaintiff to pursue collection against the defendant under the normal post-judgment remedies available in Tennessee.