Bilateral Mistake in Real Estate Negotiations

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 104 views

Introduction

In the world of real estate, negotiations can be complex and involve multiple parties. When buying a property, it's essential to ensure that all parties involved are aware of the terms and conditions of the sale. However, mistakes can occur, and one such mistake is bilateral mistake. In this article, we'll explore what bilateral mistake is, how it applies to real estate negotiations, and its implications on the sale of a property.

What is Bilateral Mistake?

Bilateral mistake, also known as mutual mistake, is a concept in contract law where both parties to a contract have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions of the agreement. This mistake can occur due to various reasons, such as miscommunication, incorrect information, or a misunderstanding of the facts. In the context of real estate negotiations, bilateral mistake can arise when one party is unaware of a significant fact, such as the size of the property.

Bilateral Mistake in Real Estate Negotiations

In the scenario described in the question, if a seller learns during negotiations that the lot you are buying is 200 square feet smaller than the original offer, and you sign an agreement that reflects these negotiation terms, it will be enforced in your favor due to bilateral mistake. This is because both parties have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions of the sale. The seller is aware of the smaller size of the property, but the buyer is not. This mistake can be considered a bilateral mistake because both parties are aware of the incorrect information.

Implications of Bilateral Mistake

The implications of bilateral mistake can be significant in real estate negotiations. If a bilateral mistake occurs, the contract may be voidable, and the parties may be able to rescind the agreement. In the scenario described, if the buyer discovers that the property is 200 square feet smaller than the original offer, they may be able to rescind the contract and seek damages from the seller.

Types of Mistakes

There are two types of mistakes that can occur in contract law: unilateral mistake and bilateral mistake. Unilateral mistake occurs when only one party to the contract has a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions. Bilateral mistake, on the other hand, occurs when both parties have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions.

Unilateral Mistake

Unilateral mistake occurs when only one party to the contract has a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions. This type of mistake can be more difficult to prove than bilateral mistake, as it requires evidence that only one party was aware of the incorrect information.

Bilateral Mistake vs. Unilateral Mistake

Bilateral mistake and unilateral mistake are two distinct concepts in contract law. While both types of mistakes can occur in real estate negotiations, bilateral mistake is more likely to result in the contract being voidable.

Examples of Bilateral Mistake

Here are a few examples of bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations:

A buyer and seller agree on the sale of a property, but the buyer is unaware that the property has a significant defect, such as a leaky roof.
A buyer and seller agree on the sale of a property, but the seller is unaware that the property is subject to a restrictive covenant.
A buyer and seller agree on the sale of a property, but the buyer is unaware that the property is located in a flood zone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bilateral mistake is a significant concept in contract law that can have far-reaching implications in real estate negotiations. If a bilateral mistake occurs, the contract may be voidable, and the parties may be able to rescind the agreement. It's essential for buyers and sellers to be aware of the terms and conditions of the sale and to ensure that all parties involved are aware of the facts.

Recommendations

To avoid bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations, it's essential to:

Conduct thorough research on the property before signing an agreement.
Ensure that all parties involved are aware of the terms and conditions of the sale.
Review the contract carefully before signing.
Seek the advice of a qualified attorney or real estate agent.

By following these recommendations, buyers and sellers can avoid bilateral mistake and ensure that the sale of a property is conducted fairly and transparently.

Glossary of Terms

Here are a few key terms related to bilateral mistake:

Bilateral mistake: A concept in contract law where both parties to a contract have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Mutual mistake: Another term for bilateral mistake.
Unilateral mistake: A concept in contract law where only one party to the contract has a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions.
Voidable contract: A contract that can be rescinded by one or both parties due to a mistake or other reason.

References

Here are a few references related to bilateral mistake:

Restatement of Contracts: A comprehensive guide to contract law that includes a discussion of bilateral mistake.
Uniform Commercial Code: A set of laws that govern commercial transactions, including real estate sales.
Real Estate Law: A comprehensive guide to real estate law that includes a discussion of bilateral mistake.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations. Bilateral mistake occurs when both parties to a contract have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions of the agreement. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about bilateral mistake and its implications in real estate negotiations.

Q: What is bilateral mistake?

A: Bilateral mistake, also known as mutual mistake, is a concept in contract law where both parties to a contract have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Q: How does bilateral mistake occur in real estate negotiations?

A: Bilateral mistake can occur in real estate negotiations due to various reasons, such as miscommunication, incorrect information, or a misunderstanding of the facts. For example, if a seller learns during negotiations that the lot you are buying is 200 square feet smaller than the original offer, and you sign an agreement that reflects these negotiation terms, it will be enforced in your favor due to bilateral mistake.

Q: What are the implications of bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations?

A: The implications of bilateral mistake can be significant in real estate negotiations. If a bilateral mistake occurs, the contract may be voidable, and the parties may be able to rescind the agreement. In the scenario described, if the buyer discovers that the property is 200 square feet smaller than the original offer, they may be able to rescind the contract and seek damages from the seller.

Q: What is the difference between bilateral mistake and unilateral mistake?

A: Bilateral mistake and unilateral mistake are two distinct concepts in contract law. While both types of mistakes can occur in real estate negotiations, bilateral mistake is more likely to result in the contract being voidable. Unilateral mistake occurs when only one party to the contract has a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions.

Q: Can bilateral mistake be avoided in real estate negotiations?

A: Yes, bilateral mistake can be avoided in real estate negotiations by conducting thorough research on the property before signing an agreement, ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the terms and conditions of the sale, reviewing the contract carefully before signing, and seeking the advice of a qualified attorney or real estate agent.

Q: What are some examples of bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations?

A: Here are a few examples of bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations:

A buyer and seller agree on the sale of a property, but the buyer is unaware that the property has a significant defect, such as a leaky roof.
A buyer and seller agree on the sale of a property, but the seller is unaware that the property is subject to a restrictive covenant.
A buyer and seller agree on the sale of a property, but the buyer is unaware that the property is located in a flood zone.

Q: How can I protect myself from bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations?

A: To protect yourself from bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations, it's essential to:

Conduct thorough research on the property before signing an agreement.
Ensure that all parties involved are aware of the terms and conditions of the sale.
Review the contract carefully before signing.
Seek the advice of a qualified attorney or real estate agent.

Q: What are some common mistakes that can lead to bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations?

A: Here are a few common mistakes that can lead to bilateral mistake in real estate negotiations:

Miscommunication between the buyer and seller.
Incorrect information provided by the seller.
A misunderstanding of the facts by the buyer.
Failure to review the contract carefully before signing.

Q: Can I rescind a contract due to bilateral mistake?

A: Yes, you may be able to rescind a contract due to bilateral mistake. However, this will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the laws of your jurisdiction.

Q: What are some key terms related to bilateral mistake?

A: Here are a few key terms related to bilateral mistake:

Bilateral mistake: A concept in contract law where both parties to a contract have a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Mutual mistake: Another term for bilateral mistake.
Unilateral mistake: A concept in contract law where only one party to the contract has a mistaken understanding of the terms and conditions.
Voidable contract: A contract that can be rescinded by one or both parties due to a mistake or other reason.

By understanding bilateral mistake and its implications in real estate negotiations, buyers and sellers can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the sale of a property is conducted fairly and transparently.