Meeting of the minds
The legal moment when both sides agree to the same terms. Without it, there's no binding contract, no matter what got signed.
Your Room opens on showings and offers, with everything before the listing already ticked.
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See how it worksWhere this comes up: on the market
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
A contract exists when both sides agree to the same terms, not when a form is signed. A signed offer with a counter still open, or two versions with different dates, is not yet a deal.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
You sign the buyer's offer but cross out the closing date and write a new one. The buyer has not agreed to the new date, so there is no contract yet.
| What happened | Is there a contract? |
|---|---|
| Both signed the same version, delivered to both | Yes; this is the meeting of the minds |
| You signed with a change the buyer has not accepted | No; the change is a counter |
| Agreed by phone, nothing signed | Not for real estate; the law asks for it in writing |
Same terms, both signatures, delivered. Missing any one and there is no contract yet.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That a signature alone makes a contract. A signature on terms the other side has not accepted is an offer, not an agreement.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines meeting of the minds in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.