Miriam makes an oral agreement with John to sell him 200 acres of prime farmland for a mere $500. Their agreement is:
A) enforceable and not voidable in accordance with the statute of frauds.
B) covered by the statute of limitations.
C) enforceable only if promissory estoppel applies.
D) unenforceable as real estate contracts need to be in writing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Miriam's agreement with John is unenforceable as real estate contracts need to be in writing. Our legal system has historically treated land as being more important than other forms of property. This special treatment stems from the time when land was the primary basis of wealth. As a result of this special status, contracts transferring ownership rights in real estate must be evidenced by a writing to be enforceable.

Miriam Makes an Oral Agreement with John to Sell Him