Ross Lelin, respondent, v. Manohar K. Shrestha, appellant, et al., defendant. (2011)

Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, New York.

Ross Lelin, respondent, v. Manohar K. Shrestha, appellant, et al., defendant.

2009-09565 (Index No. 6656 /06)

Decided: January 11, 2011

PETER B. SKELOS, J.P. THOMAS A. DICKERSON ARIEL E. BELEN PLUMMER E. LOTT, JJ.

Manohar K. Shrestha, Manorville, N.Y., appellant pro se. Ross Lelin, Freeport, N.Y., respondent pro se. The Appellate Term of the Supreme Court for the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts (hereinafter the Appellate Term) properly determined that the plaintiff earned his brokerage commission.   In a written agreement, the parties agreed that the plaintiff would procure a $682,000 mortgage for the defendants.   The brokerage commission was to be earned upon the defendants' signing of the mortgage commitment (hereinafter the commitment).   The plaintiff procured a commitment for a lesser amount, which the defendants accepted.   Although the defendants were free to reject the commitment offered, the plaintiff earned his commission when the defendants accepted the commitment for a lesser amount (see Midland Mtge. Corp. v Kazarnovksy, 128 A.D.2d 595;  see also Lester Morse Co. v 3 Hanover Sq. Owners Corp., 156 A.D.2d 229, 239).