In the context of auctioneering, which type of contract must be in writing?

In the context of auctioneering, an Auction Sales Contract for real property must be in writing due to legal requirements governing real estate transactions. Real property sales are regulated by laws that establish the necessity of a written contract to ensure clarity and enforceability of the terms. This written format serves to protect the interests of both the buyer and the seller, documenting the specifics of the transaction, including the price, property description, and the parties involved.

The necessity for a written contract in real estate transactions is typically rooted in statutes of fraud, which aim to prevent misunderstandings and disputes regarding property ownership. By requiring these contracts to be in writing, the law ensures that there is a clear, evidential record of the agreement.

In contrast, personal property sales agreements may not have the same strict requirement for a written form, allowing for more flexible arrangements that can be agreed upon verbally or through informal documents. Pre-auction listing agreements and buyer's intent contracts, while also important, do not carry the same statutory requirement for being in writing as a sales contract for real property does.