EstatePass
ContractsOffer_and_acceptance_and_counteroffer_processMEDIUM

A seller in Sandy, Utah receives two offers on the same day using the Utah REPC. Offer 1 is for $520,000 with a 30-day closing. Offer 2 is for $510,000 with a 20-day closing. The seller signs Offer 1 as written and instructs her agent to notify the first buyer. Before the agent notifies Buyer 1, the seller also signs Offer 2 as written. What is the legal status of these two acceptances?

Correct Answer

C) Only the contract communicated to a buyer first is enforceable; the other acceptance has no legal effect

Under Utah contract law, a binding contract is formed when acceptance is communicated to the offeror. Since neither buyer has been notified yet, no binding contract exists at the moment the seller signs both acceptances. The first acceptance that is actually communicated to the respective buyer's agent creates the binding contract. The second communication, even if made moments later, would be an attempt to accept an offer by a seller who no longer has the property available to sell, making that acceptance legally ineffective.

Answer Options
A
Both contracts are binding because the seller signed both offers before either buyer was notified
B
The first contract signed is binding, and the seller must immediately reject Offer 2 in writing
C
Only the contract communicated to a buyer first is enforceable; the other acceptance has no legal effect
D
Neither contract is binding until the seller chooses which offer to honor within 24 hours

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:

multiple_offerscommunication_of_acceptanceREPCcontract_formation

Related Concepts

Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer at the time of the offer or shortly after to demonstrate good faith and serious intent to purchase the property. It is also called a good faith deposit.

Equitable title is the buyer's interest in a property after a purchase contract is signed but before closing, giving the buyer the right to acquire legal title in the future. The seller retains legal title until the deed is delivered at closing.

A financing contingency makes the purchase contract conditional upon the buyer obtaining mortgage approval within a specified time period. If the buyer cannot secure financing, they can cancel the contract and receive their earnest money back.

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