Maryland Home Improvement PSI Practice Exam

When Alex (14 years old) puts inherited property on the market, what is true regarding the sale?

1. Kent must also sign the contract

2. Alex's guardian needs to sign

3. The buyer cannot legally compel Alex to sell

4. Both buyer and seller are bound by the contract

The correct answer is: The buyer cannot legally compel Alex to sell

The assertion that the buyer cannot legally compel Alex to sell is valid because, as a minor, Alex lacks the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts concerning real property transactions. In general, contracts with minors can be voided at the minor's discretion, which means that any agreement made by Alex for the sale of the inherited property could be unenforceable. This leads to the conclusion that a buyer cannot legally force a minor to complete a sale, protecting the minor from potential exploitation in such situations. In the context of the other options, the requirement for a guardian's signature may be necessary for legal transactions involving minors, as minors often require adult oversight to ensure their interests are safeguarded. Although a signature from Kent, or any other interested party, on the contract might seem necessary from a cooperative standpoint, it is not a legal requirement for a valid transaction involving a minor. Lastly, while both buyer and seller are usually bound by a contract in standard situations, this binding nature does not apply in the case of minors, hence the emphasis on the inability of the buyer to compel Alex.