Legal Hotline Spotlight*Please note: Any questions regarding Legal Hotline Spotlights should be submitted via the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Hotline. Our attorneys are unable to respond to questions through our comments section.

Q: “My buyers put in an offer with an expiration date, and the sellers countered back by changing some terms but not changing the expiration date. Is that date still valid?” 

A: Most likely yes. If a counteroffer only changes one or two terms but is silent on everything else, the remaining terms of the offer are still in full force and effect. That means that the original deadline is still ticking even though the sellers have countered. The parties can either execute a ratified contract within the original deadline or create an amendment that extends or removes the offer acceptance deadline. 

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