Contracts

A seller accepts a buyer's offer. The next day, before the buyer is notified, the seller gets a better offer. Can the seller accept the better offer?

AYes, because the contract is not yet binding
BNo, because a binding contract was formed when the seller accepted✓ Correct
CYes, as long as the seller returns the earnest money
DNo, but the seller can issue a counteroffer to the second buyer

Explanation

A binding contract is formed when the offeror (buyer) is notified of acceptance. However, under general contract principles, once the seller signed the acceptance, the offer was accepted. Under the 'mailbox rule,' acceptance is effective upon dispatch in some jurisdictions. The seller cannot accept a second offer without breaching the first contract.

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