Lucy told Jim her house is for sale, for $252,000. Jim told Lucy his is very interested but wanted his wife to see it first. That evening, Jim’s wife drives by the home. She calls Jim and says she loves the house – but there is a sold sign on the front lawn. Jim calls Lucy and says, “I accept.” What are the issues relevant to the problem?

What will be an ideal response?


The Statute of Frauds requires that contracts for the sale of real estate be in writing to be enforceable. Therefore, no valid contract has been formed by virtue of these oral communications.

If the Statute of Frauds did not apply, the issue of whether there was an offer that was accepted must be addressed. Jim’s initial response was not a clear acceptance. Lucy has no obligation to keep the offer open. Did she have to communicate that she was revoking the offer before selling the home to someone else? Because of the issues that can arise when items are held out for sale to the general public, most advertisements to sell are deemed invitations to make an offer. In such case, Jim would be the offeror and Lucy would be the offeree.

Legal Studies & Paralegal

You might also like to view...

What is an incontestability clause? What is an arbitration clause? What is a multiple insurance policies clause?

What will be an ideal response?

Legal Studies & Paralegal

Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F)

1. Conservation easements are contracts which permanently restrict the future use and development of land and directly reduce the amount of taxes that are due by the decedent’s estate. 2. The amount that allows for exclusion of federal estate taxes for 2016, as provided from the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is $4.43 million. 3. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 allows for an estate to not to have to pay state estate taxes if under $5.43 million. 4. Portability allows a surviving spouse to use any unused portion of the deceased spouse’s exclusion amount, thus reducing his or her estate tax liability. 5. After the gross estate is calculated, cash can be deducted from the table estate, thus adjusting the gross taxable estate.

Legal Studies & Paralegal

The general rule is that parents are vicariously liable for the tortious conduct of their minor children

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Legal Studies & Paralegal

Discovery abuse is best illustrated by which example?

a. An attorney counseling her client to lie. b. An attorney granting an extension to the other side. c. An attorney making every possible objection and not answering discovery requests. d. An attorney procrastinating about his duty to supplement answers when they change.

Legal Studies & Paralegal