Contracts are based on mutual consent, and contract law respects the freedom of contract. I think it is very rare to see the court to force the seller to sell if the seller manifestly expresses the unwillingness to sell. Courts also very rarely order special performance. Again it all depends on the facts in different cases. It is rare to see in any contract that one party has to and must perform without giving the option of getting out of the contract and paying damages. I guess no one would want to sign such a contract. What you have heard may be cases where the buyer and seller finally reached a settlement.