Contracts

In Illinois, an offer to purchase real estate becomes a binding contract when:

AThe buyer signs the offer
BThe seller receives the earnest money
CThe seller accepts the offer and the buyer is notified of that acceptance✓ Correct
DThe home inspection is completed

Explanation

A valid contract requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual assent. In Illinois, an offer becomes a binding contract when the seller accepts (signs without modification) and the buyer receives notification of that acceptance—completing the communication loop. Until the buyer is notified of acceptance, no binding contract exists. A counteroffer voids the original offer and becomes a new offer.

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