In the context of offer and acceptance, what occurs when a buyer makes a counter offer?

When a buyer makes a counter offer, the original offer is voided. This is because the act of making a counter offer signifies that the buyer is not accepting the terms of the original offer as they stand. Instead, the buyer proposes new terms or conditions, which essentially creates a new offer that the seller can choose to accept, reject, or counter. Once the counter offer is made, the initial offer cannot be accepted unless it is re-extended by the seller after the counter offer has been presented. This process is a fundamental aspect of contract negotiation, illustrating how offers and acceptances interact in real estate transactions.