EstatePass
ContractsOffer_acceptance_and_counterofferMEDIUM

An Oregon buyer submits an offer to purchase a Corvallis property for $310,000, with the offer expiring at noon on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, the seller issues a counteroffer at $325,000, giving the buyer until noon on Thursday to respond. On Wednesday morning, the buyer decides to accept the original terms of $310,000 and notifies the seller's principal broker in writing. Which of the following is correct?

Correct Answer

D) No contract is formed because the buyer's attempt to accept the original offer is ineffective after a counteroffer was issued.

Under Oregon contract law, a counteroffer terminates the original offer. Once the seller issued a counteroffer at $325,000, the buyer's original offer of $310,000 was legally extinguished. The buyer cannot revive or accept the original offer after it has been terminated by a counteroffer. The buyer's only options are to accept the seller's counteroffer at $325,000, reject it, or issue a new counteroffer. The buyer's attempt to 'accept' the already-terminated $310,000 offer has no legal effect.

Answer Options
A
No contract is formed because the buyer failed to accept the counteroffer within 24 hours of receiving it.
B
A contract is formed at $310,000 because the buyer accepted within the original offer's deadline.
C
A contract is formed at $325,000 because the seller's counteroffer superseded the original offer.
D
No contract is formed because the buyer's attempt to accept the original offer is ineffective after a counteroffer was issued.

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:

counteroffer_terminates_offeroffer_lapsecontract_formationoregon_contracts

Related Concepts

Consideration is something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, making the agreement legally binding. It can be money, a promise to act, a promise to refrain from acting, or anything else of value.

Contingencies are conditions written into a real estate contract that must be met before the transaction can close. If a contingency is not satisfied, the buyer can typically cancel the contract without penalty.

Contract termination occurs when a contract is ended or discharged, releasing both parties from their obligations. A contract can be terminated through performance, mutual agreement, operation of law, or breach.

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