Home buyers submit the initial offer on a property, usually in writing. In this day and age, it is unlikely that a seller would consider an offer unless it were in writing and accompanied by a mortgage pre-approval letter. Massachusetts offer also typically have a specific expiration date and time.
Who signs the P&S first? The tradition and custom in Eastern Massachusetts is for the Buyer to sign it first. Legally speaking, this may not matter as it is not a valid contract until both parties sign.
Typically, when a seller rejects your offer they come back with a counteroffer to potentially negotiate a deal what works better for them. If your offer is rejected without counter, it might mean that your offer was too low to be considered by the seller.
Ct. 421, 428 (2010) (“Put another way, 'an enforceable agreement requires (1) terms sufficiently complete and definite, and (2) a present intent of the parties at the time of formation to be bound by those terms.
A signed offer letter can serve as a contract, but many offer letters include language giving the employer the right to modify terms. While specific promises made by the employer are not the same as an employment contract, they may be enforced under certain limited circumstances if you reasonably relied on them.