If I understand your post he has signed a contract to sell you the property. If so and if your wife is a lawyer why don't you go forthwith into court and ask the judge to enforce the contract? I guess there could be issues such as community property and she didn't sign or a lien on the land. Either you have a contract or you don't. Do you?

Patriotism (and religion) is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

Jesus: "Take heed that no man deceive you."