As per manager, if you get a release of earnest money letter from both attorneys the earnest money must be released regardless of the reason for the cancellation of the sales contract.

That is a legal question for your attorney, but your agent, if you had one, should also know. If you don't have an agent, my web site has some information for 1st time buyers that might be of interest.
If you do not get this resolved, you can file a complaint. I can explain how.
Good Luck

philip

Absolutely not. The buyers agent should submit an "authorization to release earnest money" form. Once completed, the earnest money will be released to the buyer.