Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

"I made an offer to buy a house that was verbally accepted by the seller. They got a better offer the next day and went back on our deal. Do I have any legal recourse?"


Asked on 7/23/14, 1:44 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

You have two problems, first proving they accepted the offer verbally and second contracts for purchase of real estate are required to be in writing. So unless they sent an email telling you they had accepted your offer you have no ability to do anything. Even then the case is iffy.

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Answered on 7/23/14, 1:55 pm
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Folks need to retain a lawyer when making one of the largest purchases of their lives! You thought you would save money on a lawyer and it cost you the entire house!

I agree with Attorney Roth that agreements relating to the purchase and sale of land must be in writing in order to be enforceable. If you have any evidence of this deal in writing, bring it to a lawyer immediately.

I am truly sorry to hear you lost this house. Put a contingent offer in writing to this seller so that if the other house falls through you are next in line.

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Answered on 7/23/14, 3:42 pm


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