How to response this message; "When learning about contracts it is stated that both parties must enter into agreement. One side must offer the other side something and the other side must agree to that offer. The offer can include an exchange of money for property. In this case Sullivan did not make an offer to exchange his land for $60,000. In fact, all Sullivan did was state his bottom dollar that he would be willing to take for that property. Though all communication was in writing, which is a strong element to make a case for this being a binding contract. It is important to again point out that Sullivan was not making an offer as to what he would accept. What he was doing was stating the bottom dollar for the terms of negotiations to be based around. Both sides are going to want to get the best deal on their return, therefore stating what they minimum you would take isn't a bad thing to do. Would Ball had accepted the offer if Sullivan had stated his top dollar asking price for the land? Likely not, Ball would have begun the process of negotiating a price that he felt would be fair to him. For the Sullivan's words to mean something he would have needed to phrase it in a way as followed "I will sell you the 40-acre tract as specified for $60,000." In that instance Sullivan would be bringing his side of the promise to the contract, it is then up to Ball to accept Sullivan's promise and uphold his side of the agreement by paying his promise in terms of $60,000."