Under the Statute of Frauds, a land sale contract must be:

• A. In writing, signed by the party to be charged, and contain all essential terms.
• B. Oral if both parties sign.
• C. Only notarized.
• D. No writing is required.

Answer: (A)

Contracts for the sale of land must be in writing to be enforceable, and that writing must be signed by the party who would be bound and include all essential terms. The essential terms typically include who is involved, a description of the property, the price or payment terms, and enough detail to show the parties’ intent to transfer an interest in real property. A writing with these elements satisfies the Statute of Frauds, so the contract can be enforced. Merely signing an oral agreement, even if both parties sign, or having the document notarized without a proper written agreement, does not cure the lack of a sufficient writing. No writing at all is not acceptable under the Statute of Frauds.