is a text message legally binding

[murphys18]

I am in the process of selling my car,i had an interested party come to view it who later put in an offer,i responded to that offer via text message accepting it.i have since received a higher offer from another party and so i said i would be unable to sell to the 1st person,they are saying the text i sent is a written agreement of my intention to sell and as such i am obliged to sell to him. is this correct?

[bednobs]

what a crock.
If he suddenly had to pull out because of lack of funds, do you think you would have to legally bind him to buy it?

[meglet]

If he was that keen he should have put a deposit on it! Anyway you are entitled to decide not to sell it all.

[Stu Dent]

Nonsense Meglet. Offer plus acceptance constitutes acceptance. Whether it's a test message or a handshake we have a contract. An offer can be withdrawn before acceptance but acceptance cannot be withdrawn after a better offer.

If you breach the original contract the offeror can sue to either enforce the contract, or damages. The offeror is however obliged to minimise his/her losses.

Forgetting the law for a second though: Don't you feel that you should be morally obliged to stand by the original agreement? Do the honest and decent thing!

[Stu Dent]

Arghh! Offer plus acceptance = contract! (Blush)