In a real estate purchase agreement, who typically has to go through with the terms as written?

In a real estate purchase agreement, both buyers and sellers are legally bound to adhere to the terms outlined in the agreement. This mutual obligation is fundamental to contract law and is what makes a purchase agreement enforceable. When both parties sign the agreement, they acknowledge their intent to fulfill the terms, which may include the sale price, closing date, contingencies, and any disclosures required by law.

The reason this answer is correct lies in the nature of contracts. An agreement typically involves an offer, acceptance, and consideration—meaning that both parties agree to exchange something of value. Without the commitment from both buyers and sellers to execute the agreement, the contract would lack the necessary elements to be binding.

The other options suggest varying degrees of obligation for only one party or the possibility of backing out without consequence, which does not reflect the legal standards associated with a real estate transaction. A valid purchase agreement requires that both parties have rights and responsibilities, which builds trust and ensures that the transaction is completed as intended.