Which of the following must be in writing according to the Statute of Frauds?

The requirement for certain agreements to be in writing stems from the Statute of Frauds, which aims to prevent fraudulent claims and ensures that certain transactions have a documented basis. Among these, sales contracts for the sale of real estate must be in writing to be enforceable. This includes contracts involving the transfer of ownership or interests in real property, ensuring both parties have a clear, mutual understanding of the terms laid out and protecting against misunderstandings or disputes over oral agreements.

Written sales contracts must specify essential elements such as the identification of the property, the parties involved, and the terms of the sale. This requirement is central to real estate transactions and upholds the integrity of the legal process.

Verbal leases, oral agreements, and informal notes do not meet these requirements and can lead to complications or invalidation of claims if disputes arise, as they lack the necessary written documentation mandated by the Statute of Frauds. Therefore, understanding the importance of having a written sales contract in real estate transactions is crucial for all parties involved.