What must contracts for the sale of real estate do to be enforceable?

For contracts for the sale of real estate to be enforceable, they must be in writing. This requirement stems from the Statute of Frauds, which is a legal doctrine that mandates certain types of contracts, including those involving the sale of real estate, to be documented in writing to be considered legally enforceable. This written format helps provide clear evidence of the terms of the agreement and protects the parties involved from misunderstandings and disputes that could arise from verbal agreements.

While having all parties agree to the terms is important for mutual consent, it alone does not satisfy the legal requirement for enforceability of real estate contracts. Signing in front of a notary is not a universal requirement for all real estate transactions but may apply to specific cases like some mortgage documents or for added evidence of authenticity. Verbal agreements are generally not sufficient for the purchase or sale of real estate, as they lack the necessary written documentation to be upheld in a court of law.