Under the Mirror Image rule in real estate contracts, which statement describes when a contract is formed?

• A. The seller's acceptance of the offer is identical to the written offer, and the contract becomes binding after the buyer is notified of acceptance.
• B. The buyer can accept changes and still have a binding contract.
• C. A contract is formed only when both parties sign the agreement simultaneously.
• D. The contract is formed only if consideration is exchanged.

Answer: (A)

Under the Mirror Image rule, acceptance must be an exact match to the terms of the offer. In real estate, this means a binding contract is created only when the seller’s response mirrors the buyer’s offer exactly and that acceptance is communicated to the buyer. If any term is changed, it’s considered a counteroffer rather than an acceptance, and no contract forms until that counteroffer is accepted. The described scenario fits this rule because the seller’s acceptance is identical to the written offer and becomes binding once the buyer is notified of acceptance.

Changes to terms, or thinking acceptance can occur with changes, would undermine the requirement for a mirror image; simultaneous signing isn’t required to form the contract, and contract formation doesn’t hinge on the mere exchange of consideration in this context.