Petitioners agreed to purchase real property in Norwalk, California, owned by Respondents, but only on the condition that they were able to obtain financing in the form of an SBA loan within a specified period of time. The sale fell through, and a dispute arose as to who was entitled to the $15,000 earnest money deposit. The sellers then filed a Small Claims action against the buyers, seeking funds still held in escrow. In response, the buyers filed a Petition to Compel Arbitration. The arbitrator entered an award in favor of Petitioners in the amount of $44,901.80, representing the earnest money deposit, prejudgment interest, costs, and attorney fees.