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Mookey · Sep 18, 2012, 03:32 PM

I have a similar question. A couple approached us, and said they were interested in buying a house in the neighborhood and had been admiring ours. After many hours, they made a verbal offer, nothing was signed, no money deposited, absolutely no paperwork at all, other than a list of the monthly expenses of the home. We asked them to have a written "offer to purchase" to us by Friday, Sept. 21 at 5pm (2012) and have not heard a thing from them since then. (Yes, today is only Tuesday, but today, we decided that we do not want to sell our home. We sent them an email explaining why and afterwards, began to wonder if they had any sort of a legal case to force us to stick to our verbal agreements. There is no written contract, only verbal discussions and agreements. Please advise. Thanks

ScottGem · Sep 18, 2012, 03:53 PM

First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on another thread. This can lead to confusion. So I've moved your question to its own thread.

You have no obligation to the sale until you receive a written offer.

AK lawyer · Sep 18, 2012, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

... You have no obligation to the sale until you receive a written offer.

As a matter of fact, not even then. An obligation to sell would only exist if the OP were to accept such an offer.

Fr_Chuck · Sep 18, 2012, 07:49 PM

First where this is, may make a difference, I can't tell you what the rules in isreal is for buying and selling property.

In the US, in general most states have a rule that all sales must be in writing, thus the reason for formal offer and acceptance forms used by agnencies.

While many are sold on handshkes till the deed is signed, how it can be enforced if they backout at some point will depend on location.

But once you recended the offer, and have proof they received it. ( reason email is not a good way to do it,) then it is canceled.

joypulv · Sep 18, 2012, 10:25 PM

Now that the legal part has been answered, I am concerned about whether you let total strangers all through your house, a house that wasn't even listed for sale or has a sign in the lawn. It may be far fetched to think of scams such as identity theft, casing the house for theft, or finding out about one or both of you for some personal reason, but I would at the very least be vigilant for a while.

ScottGem · Sep 19, 2012, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by joypulv

Now that the legal part has been answered, I am concerned about whether or not you let total strangers all through your house, a house that wasn't even listed for sale or has a sign in the lawn. It may be far fetched to think of scams such as identity theft, casing the house for theft, or finding out about one or both of you for some personal reason, but I would at the very least be vigilant for a while.

Very good point!