Wisconsin Real Estate Sales Practice Exam

If Mrs. Seller signs her name and her husband's name on the offer but he has not given permission in writing, is the contract valid?

1. Yes, it's valid

2. No, it is void

3. It requires approval from a notary

4. Yes, but needs additional verification

The correct answer is: No, it is void

A contract typically requires the agreement of all parties involved, which includes proper authorization from individuals whose names are affixed to the document. In this scenario, Mrs. Seller signed both her name and her husband's name without having received written permission from him. In the absence of such consent, the portion of the contract representing the husband's signature lacks validity. This renders the contract void because not all parties necessary to the agreement consented to its terms or even acknowledged its existence. In real estate transactions, clear and uncoerced consent from all signatories is essential for the contract to be legally enforceable. The significance of obtaining authorization is rooted in legal principles that uphold the rights and intentions of all parties involved in a contract, ensuring that transactions are executed with mutual agreement and understanding.