EstatePass
ContractsOffer_and_acceptanceMEDIUM

Sandra makes a written offer to purchase a home in Mobile, Alabama, with the offer expressly stating it will expire at 5:00 PM on Friday. On Friday at 3:00 PM, the seller signs and accepts the offer. At 4:30 PM on Friday, before Sandra has been notified, Sandra calls her agent and says she is withdrawing the offer. At 5:30 PM, the seller's agent finally reaches Sandra to tell her the offer was accepted. Which of the following best describes the legal status of this transaction under Alabama law?

Correct Answer

B) No binding contract was formed because Sandra withdrew the offer before being notified of acceptance

Under Alabama contract law, an offeror may revoke an offer at any time before acceptance is communicated to them. Although the seller accepted at 3:00 PM (before the 5:00 PM deadline), that acceptance was not communicated to Sandra before she revoked at 4:30 PM. Because revocation was communicated to her agent before she received notice of acceptance, no binding contract was formed. The seller's signing alone does not complete the contract.

Answer Options
A
A binding contract was formed at 3:00 PM when the seller signed the acceptance
B
No binding contract was formed because Sandra withdrew the offer before being notified of acceptance
C
A binding contract was formed at 5:00 PM because the offer had not yet expired at the time of acceptance
D
The contract is voidable because the seller's agent failed to notify Sandra within the offer's time limit

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Contracts Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Contracts

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Contracts

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Contracts Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

offer_and_acceptancerevocation_of_offercommunication_of_acceptanceoffer_expiration

Related Concepts

An assignment of contract transfers one party's rights and obligations under a contract to a third party called the assignee. The original party, known as the assignor, transfers their contractual position to someone who was not originally part of the agreement.

A bilateral contract is an agreement in which both parties exchange promises and are both obligated to perform, while a unilateral contract is one in which only one party makes a promise and the other party is not obligated to act.

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations under the contract without a legal excuse. The non-breaching party is entitled to legal remedies including damages, specific performance, or contract rescission.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Contracts Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Contracts Questions

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing