What must occur for a real estate contract to be enforceable in Texas?

For a real estate contract to be enforceable in Texas, it must be written and signed by the parties involved. This requirement is rooted in the Statute of Frauds, which mandates that certain contracts, including those related to the sale or lease of real property, must be in writing to be enforceable in a court of law. A written contract serves to provide clear evidence of the terms agreed upon and the intentions of the parties, reducing the potential for misunderstanding or disputes.

While oral agreements can be valid in certain circumstances, they lack the formal assurance and clarity provided by written documentation, making it more challenging to enforce such agreements legally. Notarization and filing with a local property office are not prerequisites for the enforceability of a real estate contract in Texas; notarization may further authenticate the contract but is not required for enforceability, and filing is typically related to the recording of deeds or liens rather than the validity of the contract itself.