Which option would not terminate a purchase contract?

A purchase contract can be terminated through several conditions, but a lack of an earnest money deposit does not automatically terminate the contract. In real estate transactions, the earnest money deposit serves as a show of good faith from the buyer to the seller, indicating their commitment to the purchase. While it is often required, the absence of this deposit does not invalidate the contract under all circumstances.

Contracts can still be enforceable even without an earnest money deposit, especially if the parties intend to carry out the terms of the agreement. Other forms of consideration can be sufficient to support the contract. The buyer and seller may still proceed with the sale, subject to their ongoing agreement about the terms, despite the absence of earnest money.

In contrast, performance signifies that all parties have fulfilled their obligations under the contract, which would successfully complete the transaction. Operation of law can terminate a contract typically due to statutory issues or legal actions that render the contract void. Breach occurs when one party does not fulfill their contractual obligations, which can lead to termination. Therefore, while various factors can indeed terminate a purchase contract, the lack of an earnest money deposit does not inherently cause the contract to terminate.