If Mary and John Smith make a written offer to purchase real estate and state that the offer is open until midnight tonight, what is true about this offer in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, an offer to purchase real estate is a binding expression of a party's intention to enter into a contract, provided it meets certain criteria. When Mary and John Smith state that their offer is open until midnight tonight, it implies that they are committing to keep that offer valid until that specified time.

The correct answer indicates that the offer may not be withdrawn prior to midnight. This is because a firm offer specifies a timeframe within which the offeree can accept it. Until that deadline passes, the offer is binding and cannot be rescinded by the offeror without the offeree's consent. This principle is rooted in contract law, which emphasizes the importance of the terms stated in the offer, including the time limits.

The other responses suggest scenarios that misinterpret the nature of the offer. For instance, the notion that the offer is automatically accepted at midnight overlooks the fact that acceptance must still be communicated by the other party. Additionally, suggesting the offer may be withdrawn before midnight negates the premise of a firm, time-limited offer. Finally, stating that the offer is void after 6 PM does not align with the specific time frame provided in the offer, which explicitly states midnight. Consequently, the correct choice aligns with the legal understanding that