A contract for sale of real estate must be signed by whom?

A contract for the sale of real estate must be signed by both the buyer and the seller to be legally binding. This requirement stems from the principle of mutual agreement, which is essential in contract law. Each party's signature indicates their acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in the contract, creating a legally enforceable agreement.

In real estate transactions, the buyer and seller have distinct and crucial roles. The buyer offers to purchase the property, and the seller agrees to sell it under the specified terms. If either party fails to sign, the contract cannot be enforced, as both parties need to give their consent to the arrangement.

The involvement of a lawyer is important for legal advice and ensuring the contract complies with applicable laws, but the lawyer's signature alone does not suffice for the contract to be valid. Similarly, a signature from only one party would not fulfill the requirement for mutual assent, leaving the contract unenforceable.