Industry News

Communicating Acceptance: When is a Binding Agreement of Sale Officially Formed?

Many believe that an Agreement of Sale is effective the moment both parties sign it. It can be, when the parties are in the same room to witness the others’ signing. More often, however, the parties review agreements at separate locations and without knowing what the other side will do. Imagine that a buyer signs an agreement before bed and sets it on her nightstand, only to awaken at 3 a.m. so fearful of homeownership that she tears up the document. Was there ever an agreement? The answer is, like most legal answers, it depends.