Under Massachusetts law, which of the following is required for a real estate purchase offer to be enforceable as a contract for the sale of real property?
Correct Answer
A) The offer must be in writing and signed by the party to be charged
Under the Massachusetts Statute of Frauds (MGL Chapter 259, Section 1), a contract for the sale of real estate must be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought (the 'party to be charged'). This is the fundamental requirement for an enforceable real estate contract in Massachusetts. No notarization, Registry filing, or attorney review is required for the contract itself to be enforceable.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Specific performance is a court-ordered remedy that compels the breaching party to fulfill their obligations under the contract rather than simply paying monetary damages. It is an equitable remedy used when monetary damages would be inadequate.
The Statute of Frauds is a legal requirement that certain types of contracts must be in writing and signed to be enforceable. In real estate, all contracts for the sale of land or interests in land must be in writing.
A time is of the essence clause in a contract means that all deadlines and dates specified in the agreement are strictly enforceable, and failure to meet them constitutes a material breach.
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- → A Rhode Island licensee encounters a listing contract is drafted. What should the licensee remember?
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